How To Make Wood Lighter In Color - OAK TIMBER FLOORING

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All over the internet, you will find various products and methods peddled, claiming to be a wood bleach. Chlorine bleach is a water solution of sodium hypochlorite that is your common household laundry bleach, typically 5-6 percent sodium hypochlorite. This will only remove a dye stain from wood, not the natural color. Oxalic acid is used mainly for removing tannin and rust stains from various surfaces.

There is only one type that works to remove the natural color extractives from wood and that is the 2 part system. The same method used to bleach pulp white in paper manufacturing.

Part A of most systems on the market will generally contain a weak aqueous solution of (1) Sodium Hydroxide (caustic soda), also known as lye, used in drain cleaners and soap making. (2) Sodium Silicate commonly known as water glass is made from Sodium Hydroxide and Silica Gel. (3) A combo of both. Another nasty little chemical used by the DIY is Ammonia. These chemicals are toxic and should only be handled by politicians and bankers.

Part B, of course, is always a weak aqueous solution of Hydrogen Peroxide. Now, most of these systems require you to mix the two solutions together and then apply it to the wood. Because they are supplied in such weak solutions you have to repeat the process many times to get the desired result. The reason being, the toxic gas created from the reaction of stronger solutions. Without a full-face breathing apparatus and oxygen tank, you will asphyxiate and die.

There is one product available called LiteniT, who's part A is non-toxic and supplied at full strength. So the reaction is not only efficient, it is safe as only oxygen is produced. As not all applications require a super powerful bleaching event, Part (B) can be diluted with water to reduce the bleaching effect. So far, LiteniT has been able to remove the natural color of any wood we have thrown at it.

LiteniT 2lt kit wood lightening system LiteniT 2lt kit Douglas Fir after LiteniT Douglas Fir before