Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Where to find Oxalic Acid?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Michiana
    Posts
    3,047

    Where to find Oxalic Acid?

    Greetings to all,

    I found a sweet old oak Gerstner tool box at an estate sale. It had been in a barn for years and needs to be refinished. The top is covered with black stains caused by iron and moisture reacting with the tannins in the oak. I'm told that Oxalic Acid will take the stains out. Anyone have an idea where I might find this stuff?

    Thanks in advance,

    - Rob
    Sharp solves all manner of problems.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Bethel, Delaware
    Posts
    34
    You can buy it as "Wood Bleach" through most hardware or paint stores, or online shops servicing the refinishing market. I believe my local Ace and Lowes stores carry it, so you should be able to source it locally.

  3. #3
    Look in the deck cleaning section of yr local BORG or ACE

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    1.5 hrs north of San Francisco, CA
    Posts
    842
    Many deck cleaners (or "brighteners") use oxalic acid, but the local Ace Hardware has straight oxalic acid as well.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Michiana
    Posts
    3,047
    Thanks for the input. I'll give Ace hardware a try.

    - Rob
    Sharp solves all manner of problems.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Michiana
    Posts
    3,047
    As it turns out, Ace was the place. They had what I needed and it worked great. Thanks to all for the tips.

    - Rob
    Sharp solves all manner of problems.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Bethel, Delaware
    Posts
    34
    A mild (2-3 oz per gallon) Oxalic solution is also great for removing rust from metal or painted metal surfaces. I collect old tin cans and use it to clean them, but have used solutions of Oxalic to clean antiques like cast iron door stops, shoe molds, and lanterns.

    Lots of good uses for it... just use good common sense working with it... rubber gloves, some safety glasses, and good ventillation.

Similar Threads

  1. Metal Acid Dye
    By Darrin Davis in forum Project Finishing
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 09-04-2007, 5:28 PM
  2. Looking for a very bright "white" wood
    By Justin King in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 04-21-2007, 9:22 AM
  3. Acid in Oak Bookcases
    By john templeman in forum Off Topic Forum
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 04-18-2006, 7:46 PM
  4. Coloring Purpleheart Using Acid
    By Harry Pye in forum Turner's Forum
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 02-07-2006, 12:35 PM
  5. Know anything about acid based floor finish?
    By Pete Lamberty in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 10-01-2004, 6:06 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •