If the wood has lost its attractiveness, then it can give a second life by bleaching the surface. There are many options for this, among which, for example, chlorine. These substances are affordable and inexpensive, so they can be used at home.
Chlorine bleaching: preparing tools and materials
Wood bleaching can be carried out using chlorine, and you should prepare:
- crystalline soda;
- sodium hydroxide;
- bleach;
- water
- perhydrol.
Speaking of the last paragraph, it is worth noting that for the work you will need a 30% solution of hydrogen peroxide. It should be remembered that such work must be carried out with gloves on.
Whitening
Wood bleaching should be carried out according to a certain technology. To do this, prepare a special solution of eight parts of bleach, which must be mixed with one share of salt, adding 35 parts of water. The resulting mixture is mixed and allowed to infuse the solution, only then you can start processing the wood.
The second option is to prepare a solution of caustic soda, for which 48 grams of a chemical substance is mixed with water in a volume of 100 grams. A solution of caustic soda should be applied to the surface of the tree, which is then dried. Sometimes home craftsmen treat the wood with perhydrol, it is dried at the final stage, and if bleaching was insufficient, then the procedure can be repeated. In order to neutralize this area, rinse it with 4% acetic acid solution, and then dry well.
Wood bleaching is sometimes carried out using hydrogen peroxide, as well as ammonia. "Hydroperite" in tablets is diluted with water: 10 tablets per glass of water (200 ml). While 5 percent ammonia is added in a volume of 25 milliliters (its smell should be well felt). In this solution, it is necessary to soak the wood and leave it for several days, while you should expect the effect that the surface will become completely white.
Professionals Recommendations
The use of peroxide, although effective, is not suitable for all types of wood. For example, oak may not change color after processing, while for bleaching walnuts, birch and beech, this method is ideal. It is important to use the correct concentration of the solution, which should not be less than 30%. Before application, the surface must be moistened with warm water and coated with 5% ammonia. After bleaching is complete, the surface is cleaned with a mixture of bleach and soda ash. For 15 grams of lime, add 3 grams of soda and 100 grams of water.
Use of oxalic acid
Do-it-yourself wood bleaching can be carried out using oxalic acid, however, such work is carried out with great care. This is due to the fact that the desired effect can be achieved only with the right percentage of components. To do this, prepare a 10% solution of oxalic acid and sodium hydrogen sulfate at a concentration of 20%. Sodium hydrosulfate is applied to the surface in the first stage, and after that - a solution of oxalic acid. After 5 minutes, the compounds are washed off with water.
The nuances of the work
Wood bleaching can be carried out using different technologies, but at the final stage all means must be washed off the surface. If you decide to use acid bleach, then wash it off with an aqueous solution. Bleaching agents cannot be combined. Glued products are not recommended to be subjected to such processing, as they may disperse. If you want to bleach pine wood in a short time, then the surface can be treated with a solution of sulfuric acid (taken in an amount of 20 grams), sodium peroxide (in a volume of 25 grams) and oxalic acid (in an amount of 15 grams). The liquid is added in the amount of one hundred grams.
Using Acrylite 153
Whitening wood with whiteness is considered very effective, but alternative solutions can also be used, for example, Acrylite 153. This tool is specially designed for darkened wood and can remove microorganisms without interfering with the breathing of the material, as well as without destroying its structure.
The substance does not affect the strength, adhesion and porosity of the surface and does not change the smell of wood. What can not be said when whitening wood is performed, the proportions are not necessary, by the way, in this case. To carry out the work, you will need to moisten the sponge in the solution and apply the composition to the surface.
But as for the “Acrylite 153”, it must be diluted with water before use, using a one to one ratio. If the wood is damaged sufficiently severely, then the product does not need to be diluted; the composition should be applied to the surface using a roller. If the bleaching seemed to you not too intense, then you must repeat the procedure after five hours. It is noteworthy that this tool can be used even for bleaching pine.
Additional solution
On sale today you can meet the tool "Valkor", the cost of which is 1800 rubles. His tinting is carried out in five minutes. You can use an alkyd-oil stain, which is almost odorless, but helps whiten the array to an almost white state. Among the ingredients of the mixture are antiseptic additives, so the wood stain after finishing the wood can be covered with nothing. As practice shows, this tool perfectly bleaches birch, and even under a water-based varnish, the surface remains noticeably lighter.
Sometimes, experts use Decorwachs Deckend oil and wax based paints. It has a transparent structure, and after coating the wood, only the texture remains visible. Gradually streaks of material appear on the surface. On sale you can find oil with hard wax, which when applied allows you to form a pinkish shade of oak. If it is a pine, then it will simply turn white, leaving a texture. The coating is applied in two layers, and then coated with colorless oil with hard wax. As a result, it will be possible to get a silky surface. After coating, the wood not only brightens, but also becomes harder, which is possible due to carnauba wax.
Conclusion
Wood bleaching with chlorine, like each of the above options, is an effective way. Which methodology to use is up to you, it all depends on your budget and your own preferences.