Billie Jo contacted me about a rocker she is restoring, after stripping the paint off of it, she found what appears to be staining or mold? She is going to refinish with some stain and clear, and I suggested she sand the surface to see if the staining comes off, if not she could mix in a squirt bottle a solution of 50/50 water and bleach and spray the area, let it sit over night and see if any fading has resulted. If she could get it to fade, I feel the her dark stain will disguise the majority of the staining, I could not tell if it was mold or water damage.

Here are some pics

The Arm

The Seat

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

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John Morris

The Patriot Woodworker

Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops and Wounded Warriors Project

My first reaction is water damage.

To add to you bleach suggestion- be sure to try it in an inconspicuous spot first. 

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Lew Kauffman-

Wood Turners Forum Host

Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!

Great suggestion Lew thanks!

Lewis Kauffman said:

My first reaction is water damage.

To add to you bleach suggestion- be sure to try it in an inconspicuous spot first. 

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Lew Kauffman-

Wood Turners Forum Host

Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!

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John Morris

The Patriot Woodworker

Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops and Wounded Warriors Project

Looks like mold, to me. Especially on the seat. Is it at all punky?

Try some lemon on it and see what it does. 

If she wants to almost completely wipe out the color, carbolic acid is the way to go. But, as Lew said....

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Gene

'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

Thanks Gene, I sent her the link to this discussion, she'll be lurking here to read your valuable comments, thanks guys!!!

Gene Howe said:

Looks like mold, to me. Especially on the seat. Is it at all punky?

Try some lemon on it and see what it does. 

If she wants to almost completely wipe out the color, carbolic acid is the way to go. But, as Lew said....

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Gene

'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

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John Morris

The Patriot Woodworker

Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops and Wounded Warriors Project

Thank you everyone for your tips. The 50/50 bleach and water does seem to be working.

Billie Jo, do you know the wood species?  I couldn't tell by the pictures but I think it may be maple. 

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Ron Dudelston

Site Administrator

Above and Beyond WoodWorks