Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/9/2010

Question
QUESTION: I purchased a dining table with two leaves. The centre has been stained and refinished, and abused, and needed redoing. The leaves are original. I  have stripped all 3 parts. The leaves are good and I would like to stay with the light 'used' maple look. The centre is still very red from the stain. I've been working it with circa 1808 and steel wool, but not getting anywhere. It seems to be getting harder and shinier. Can I bleach it?? There is a bleached/light mark already, so to get rid of it I need to go lighter. It's outside, will the sun bleach it?
I appreciate any suggestions,
thanks
ann
whitehorse

ANSWER: Hi Ann
Nice to hear from you.
Sounds to me like you have a maple table with dye stain.
What you describe as "getting hardes and shinier" is typical for maple.
Yes you can bleach it. I would do that next.
Do not leave a maple or any type wood table in the sun.
It can warp in hours and split the top.
Get back if needed.
Regards
Eileen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Can I use straight household bleach or should it be diluted, also is there a way to stop the bleach action??
I really appreciate your prompt reply. The table has split, as does everything in the dry Yukon, including me!! (I just shrivel up!)
thanks
ann

Answer
Hi again Ann
Sorry I should have sent these articles in the first letter.
Better explanation than I could ever give you LOL.
This site
http://www.woodcentral.com/bparticles/woodbleach.shtml
And this
http://antiquerestorers.com/Articles/jeff/using_wood_bleach.htm

Get back if need be
Eileen