White Oak Bowsprit

[John T.]

I am re-doing the exterior woodwork on my CD 28, and want to refinish the bowsprit. It appears to be white oak. There are some black spots where moisture got under the varnish. Have stripped the varnish, and will sand thoroughly, but is there a way to bleach out the black spots on oak ? Someone recommended clorox and a green scrub pad, but I'm not sure. Have mastered (if possible)teak refinishing, but don't know anything about oak. Thanks for your help, as always.

John T.
S/V Midnight Sun

[john doyle]

I am re-doing the exterior woodwork on my CD 28, and want to refinish the bowsprit. It appears to be white oak. There are some black spots where moisture got under the varnish. Have stripped the varnish, and will sand thoroughly, but is there a way to bleach out the black spots on oak ? Someone recommended clorox and a green scrub pad, but I'm not sure. Have mastered (if possible)teak refinishing, but don't know anything about oak. Thanks for your help, as always.

John T.
S/V Midnight Sun

Oxylic acid which is found in paint stors or home depot. a white powder for bleaching wood. White oak is difficult to get all of the black spots out of, but should look great.
john cd31 #18 Bonnie Blue
Lake Lanier, Georgia



redzeplin@yahoo.com

[Rich]

I am re-doing the exterior woodwork on my CD 28, and want to refinish the bowsprit. It appears to be white oak. There are some black spots where moisture got under the varnish. Have stripped the varnish, and will sand thoroughly, but is there a way to bleach out the black spots on oak ? Someone recommended clorox and a green scrub pad, but I'm not sure. Have mastered (if possible)teak refinishing, but don't know anything about oak. Thanks for your help, as always.

John T.
S/V Midnight Sun

Oxylic acid which is found in paint stors or home depot. a white powder for bleaching wood. White oak is difficult to get all of the black spots out of, but should look great.
john cd31 #18 Bonnie Blue
Lake Lanier, Georgia

The instructions usually call for triple rinsing of the acid when finished. However, you should rinse with a solution of 1/2cup of baking soda in HOT water. The solution should fizz when it comes in contact with the acid or the water is not hot enough. Baking soda is a base and it will nuetralize the acid. If any risidual acid is left on the bowsprit, you run the risk of it discoloring from the UV. It turns an orange-pink color. Real ugly.



rperlot@swedeco.com

[John R.]

Sunlight however will help considerably in the bleaching process itself. Use the oxalic acid in a strong mix with warm water.Keep the wood surface wet at all times with the solution!! The baking soda will help in neutralizing trace amounts of acid after rinsing. You can also use a white vinegar solution and then not worry about the UV problem with baking soda. Then do a thorough final rinse. I have never witnessed the pink orange color mentioned but it is good to know about it.

I am re-doing the exterior woodwork on my CD 28, and want to refinish the bowsprit. It appears to be white oak. There are some black spots where moisture got under the varnish. Have stripped the varnish, and will sand thoroughly, but is there a way to bleach out the black spots on oak ? Someone recommended clorox and a green scrub pad, but I'm not sure. Have mastered (if possible)teak refinishing, but don't know anything about oak. Thanks for your help, as always.

John T.
S/V Midnight Sun

Oxylic acid which is found in paint stors or home depot. a white powder for bleaching wood. White oak is difficult to get all of the black spots out of, but should look great.
john cd31 #18 Bonnie Blue
Lake Lanier, Georgia

The instructions usually call for triple rinsing of the acid when finished. However, you should rinse with a solution of 1/2cup of baking soda in HOT water. The solution should fizz when it comes in contact with the acid or the water is not hot enough. Baking soda is a base and it will nuetralize the acid. If any risidual acid is left on the bowsprit, you run the risk of it discoloring from the UV. It turns an orange-pink color. Real ugly.