What Finish for Water-Stained Balau Wood


LarryJ

Recommended Posts

Trying to rescue a yellow balau wood patio chair that was in my neighbors garbage pile.  One of the chairs was too rotted to save.  I've sanded all the surface mold/mildew and rot, but water staining remains, as well as cracks.  What's the best finish to give this chair a descent look and help preserve the wood.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2jFUwp3][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50334705792_06f7cedf0e.jpg[/img][/url]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2jFTzww][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50334521206_6e064fc264.jpg[/img][/url]

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, wtnhighlander said:

If the unwanted stains can't be sanded out, I'd go with paint. Any "stain" capable of hiding the water marks is effectively a paint, anyway.

I'm done sanding.  Stains won't come out.  Considered paint, but thought something else would seal better.

More sanding was done after the chain was photographed as one piece.

 

 

IMG_2200.JPG

IMG_2204.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Plan on using this indoors, or out? For indoors, you could try a dark wood stain to keep as much of the visual "texture" of the wood as possible. Or maybe try milk paint for lighter colors. Milk paint can be easily thinned to provide a very translucent appearance, then multiple coats applied to the level of opacitythat suits you. Top it off with a water-borne polyurathane for a durable surface.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 9/14/2020 at 10:47 PM, Wimayo said:

Before you do anything else, try oxalic acid. That might remove the stains.

 

On 9/12/2020 at 9:35 PM, Coop said:

That is a cool looking chair. I’m afraid a pressure washer would do more harm than good. 

It is indeed a cool looking chair, that's why I pulled it from the trash bin.  Too bad it's a most uncomfortable one.

Too late for the oxalic acid, but thanks for the tip.  The black streaks actually look good to me.

I used a combo stain/poly mix which I'll never use again.

 

IMG_2205.JPG

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Who's Online   3 Members, 0 Anonymous, 54 Guests (See full list)

  • Forum Statistics

    31.2k
    Total Topics
    422.2k
    Total Posts
  • Member Statistics

    23,783
    Total Members
    3,644
    Most Online
    Skillfusian
    Newest Member
    Skillfusian
    Joined