Water stains on wood can be divided into two types, namely white stains and black stains. White stains are caused by moisture entering the wood finish, but not the wood itself. For example, if you leave a glass of water condensed on wood it can cause a stain that looks like a ring. Meanwhile, black stains appear when water enters the protective layer until it penetrates the wood, such as on a wooden floor that has been hit by drops of pot water. In this article, you will find out how to remove water stains from wood, be it white or black.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Remove White Stains
Step 1. Pour mineral oil on a soft cloth and wipe it over the surface of the stain
Leave the oil overnight and repeat this step if the stain appears to have faded.
Step 2. Apply mineral spirit to the surface of the stain if mineral oil doesn't work
Mineral spirit is a mild solvent that can remove stains that have soaked into the wax coating of the wood, but have not yet reached the protective layer.
- Wear gloves and use this solvent in an air-conditioned room. Give it a few minutes.
- If the water stain is gone but looks dull, rub mineral spirit all over the object.
- Apply a new layer of protection to the object.
Step 3. Use a mixture of baking soda and toothpaste if mineral spirit doesn't help
The ratio of baking soda to toothpaste is not important. However, do not use a gel toothpaste.
- Pour this mixture into a damp cloth and work gently in the direction of the wood grain until the stain is gone.
- Clean the area with oil soap.
- If the stain doesn't go away after one swipe of the paste, try again.
- Apply a coat of good quality wax to the wood surface.
Method 2 of 3: Remove Black Stains with Sandpaper
Step 1. Gently peel off the protective film on the surface of the stain by rubbing sandpaper in the direction of the wood grain
- Use sandpaper number 100, and then smooth the edges with sandpaper number 150.
- Make sure not to rub the sandpaper too hard on the wood surface, as sometimes the bark will peel off too.
Step 2. Use number 150 sandpaper to protect the peeled wood
Smooth the edges of the stained area with steel fiber number 0000.
Step 3. Use a lint-free cloth to clean the wood chips after sanding
Step 4. Apply several coats of varnish according to the object's original color
Make sure the color of the varnish is not too flashy for a natural look
Step 5. Smooth the edges of the new varnish with the number 0000 steel grain to even out any slight lumps between the new and old varnish
Step 6. Coat the wood surface with quality wax
Method 3 of 3: Remove Black Stains with Bleach Liquid
Step 1. Apply chlorine bleach if the stain is too deep to remove with sandpaper
Step 2. Put on rubber gloves and apply the bleach with a brush
Step 3. Leave it for a few hours
The black stain should fade to near the original color of the wood. However, this process may take a while.
Step 4. Use a clean sponge and water to remove any excess bleach and prevent the wood from fading
Step 5. Apply vinegar to neutralize the wood surface
The vinegar will prevent the color of the paint or wood varnish from fading when applied.
Step 6. Allow the wood surface to dry completely
Step 7. Paint the wood if necessary, and let it dry
Step 8. Apply several thin coats of varnish that matches the original color
Step 9. Smooth the edges of the new lacquer with number 0000 steel fiber to remove any slight lumps between the new and old varnish
Wipe off the dust with a lint-free cloth.
