I have a big custom made roll top Oak desk. It was given to me by a friend who  had it specially built for a large desktop computer years ago. I had to repair the roll top, which was not a big job, and spruce up the finish. I chose one of those wipe on finish renewers.

The original finish was thin in some areas, but overall, it looked really good.

It worked beautifully.  Then one day I moved my mouse pad and discovered that someone had spilled something that made the spill area nearly as dark as walnut. As for size, dollar may cover it

I suspect one of my grandkids did it and moved the mouse pad to conceal it. I don't have any idea how long it has been there.

I don't know where to begin and need some ideas on proper approach. 

Thanks

I have heard of folks using a bleaching agent- Sodium percarbonate. I think it is hydrogen peroxide based. I have never used it.

I imagine that the stain has penetrated the wood pretty far because of the open pores of red oak. 

Sorry I'm not more help.

Ron, that fact that it is dark in color indicates that the stain is in the wood, and as far as I know the only thing to fix it is to sand it down and start over. Can you consolidate the refinish to one specific area, like the entire table top only?

I don't think sanding and redoing the top of the desk is an option for me. It is a huge project that I wouldn't want to undertake. It is located in my basement office area and it took 3 husky guys to bring the biggest piece down here. It came in three pieces, 2 drawer/file bases and the top that sits on pegs. The dust and odors of refinishing in the basement are not an option. I was thinking that if I could find something that would partially remove the stain color, I may not be too bad. The most practical solution is just to keep it covered :-)

Ron

Looks like it settled inside the oak. You can try mineral spirits on a cloth to break down the top coals of finish. Depending on the finish of coarse slowly working the area and lifting some of the stain. Then refinish to match as best  as you can. With the stain as deep as it is, I doubt with out a total refinish you will get it to match. But this could help lighten the stain.Mineral spirits works pretty good on oil based, and has a low odor. Try it on a small space first and just concentrate on the affected area. Sorry couldn't be more help, I have done this to a table finished  with an oil based and worked out pretty good. It will not make the stain invisible though.

I'd get creative with it Ron. How about routing it out with some type of inlay template, and make a cool inlay design in place of the water damage. Once you get the inlay in place, coat it with oil wipe off and done! You know what they say, when you cannot conceal it, celebrate it!!!

I agree with John Morris about doing an inlay with a piece of the same type of wood and stained to match. Another option would be to get a sheet of oak veneer and glue it down on the entire top and then add a new front piece of trim. Other than that with a stain that deep you will just have to live with it  or get a bigger mouse pad.

Here's a link that may provide some help-

http://www.ehow.com/how_6301706_remove-black-stains-oak.html

Thanks for thinking out of the box. I will give that inlay some thought. Great idea.

Cool Ron, glad you liked it!

I would inlay a profile of my grandchild who may of done the deed. Take a picture of the grand, close up of his or her head turned to the side, then use the photo editor to blacken out the image, now you have a wonderful profile of the grand, inlay it over the spot, kind of like a "Kilroy was Here" type of thing. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but it sure would be a discussion piece years down the road!

You might try a solution of oxalic acid.  It's been known to remove black water stains in Oak.

Larry

On 11/17/2013 at 4:51 PM, lew said:

Here's a link that may provide some help-

 

http://www.ehow.com/how_6301706_remove-black-stains-oak.html

 

That's it.   Stripping and treating with oxalic acid is the cure.