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General => General Forum => Topic started by: kenhill on January 30, 2012, 01:45:51 PM

Title: Bleaching a floor
Post by: kenhill on January 30, 2012, 01:45:51 PM
I used tongue and groove for my loft floor/main level ceiling.  The main level is all sealed with Varathane floor sealer.  I need to bleach the top floor before sealing.  Seems like there are 2 deck brightener products, Sodium Hypochlorite and Oxalic Acid?  I have no way to rinse the wood at this point.  Is it ok to use one of these products without rinsing, or will it cause a longer term decay of the wood.  Thanks.  Ken
Title: Re: Bleaching a floor
Post by: Redoverfarm on January 30, 2012, 02:21:11 PM
Quote from: kenhill on January 30, 2012, 01:45:51 PM
I used tongue and groove for my loft floor/main level ceiling.  The main level is all sealed with Varathane floor sealer.  I need to bleach the top floor before sealing.  Seems like there are 2 deck brightener products, Sodium Hypochlorite and Oxalic Acid?  I have no way to rinse the wood at this point.  Is it ok to use one of these products without rinsing, or will it cause a longer term decay of the wood.  Thanks.  Ken

Rinsing would not really amount to much more than using a vinegar/water wash down with a sponge or rag a couple times. You do not really have to rinse by spraying.   Then allow sufficent time to dry.  I would be worried about leaving the residue and trying to get a finish (stain/poly) on top. 
Title: Re: Bleaching a floor
Post by: Don_P on January 30, 2012, 06:31:22 PM
Oxalic acid is my first choice, it removes mettalic stains better and doesn't "bleach out" the wood as bad.