Black marks on oak veneer

[Steve Mellott]

I'm in the process of restoring an old sewing machine cabinet that is covered with oak veneer. I've removed the dirt and old shellac with alcohol and have discovered several black marks in the veneer. I'm not sure what has caused the marks but I suspect they've been on the machine for quite some time. Does anyone know what I can use to remove these black marks from the oak veneer? I'd like to finish the project with a wash coat of shellac, a light brown dye and then several coats of shellac. Thanks.

[robert hainstock]

you might try Oxalic acid available form a good paint store. It come as a powder, add a lmall amount to a plaastic dish, add some water, stir give time to dissolve stir again and apply with an acid brush to one stain spot and see what happens. Good luck.

[Howard Acheson]

Oxalic acid is the bleach that removes black mineral stains from high tannin wood like oak. Mix it up per the directions on the package. You may not get it all out.