Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/11/2007

Question
I have recently inherited my Grandfathers Butcher Block (he was a farmer) and had great sentimental value to me. In fact I a re-doing my kitchen and would love to integrate this piece in the overall design. The Block is very old (late 1800’s) and had a nice swale due to the area where he chopped.

It was sitting in the basement of his farmhouse for the last 30 years and when I found it there was an old sausage maker sitting on top. After I was able to remove the very large and heavy device (it had a motor attached to it) I noticed on the face of the block was a dark ring which very well may have been some type of oil that seeped out of the motor onto the face of the block. Initially have tried bleach (thinking the stain may have been from blood) but I am now sure its oil.

Is there any product that could assist in either “extracting” this or diluting it to at least make it look lighter in color? I was hoping to put a glass top on the block (so people could appreciate the swale and chop marks) and use the flat surface for chopping / table etc. Any help / suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!

~jim


Answer
Hi Jim
Sounds like a great project.
Did you use household bleach or wood bleach.
Try wood bleach if you have not.
Wood bleach comes in a box with 2 bottles inside.
You mix as much as you need but the directions are very good.
I would mix the suggested strongest formula.
Jim I have had cases where I had to make 3 or 4 applications of wood bleach to remove stains etc so give it a good try.
Also be aware that the bleach will not go way down into the wood but just get the surface so if you do a lot of sanding after the bleach the stain will appear again and more bleach will be needed.
I consulted an old book I have and perhaps if the bleach fails you could try this.
Quote "black spots can easily be removed with a saturate solution of oxalic acid crystals mixed in warm water.
Use about a pint of water and add the crystals (available in paint and drug stores)until no more will dissolve.
Brush or wipe on the solution and as soon as it has soaked into the wood the black spot will dissappear as if by magic. You must soak the entire surface as the solution has a bleaching effect and will leave a lighter spot.
Incidentally, I know the acid name is frightening, but its nothing to woory about.
It won't hurt your hands.
After using this solution, rinse the area well with water otherwise the acid will blotch the stain" end of quote.
So there it is Jim.
Hope this will solve the problem.
Kindest Regards
Eileen
And if this was helpful kindly take a second for a good rating LOL