10/22/2023 0 Comments Bleached maple kitchen cabinetsSomebody got rich on churning out all those blonde wood cabinets with traditional details and rounded edges that ended up in so many kitchens. Whatever finish you choose will protect your piece and make it pop with new life.7 Ways to Create A Fresh-Looking Kitchen With Pale Wood Cabinetsĭoes the phrase “pale wood cabinets“ conjure up visions of the 1980s? If so, you’re not alone. The neutral palette of a freshly bleached wood can be the starting point of all kinds of funky wood finish treatments, like “bone” or “pearl.” “Blond mahogany,” a popular finish in the ’40s and ’50s that’s enjoying a bit of a comeback, is achieved by bleaching wood with a two-part A/B bleach, followed by a light sanding and a mustard-colored pigment stain. DO experiment with bleach.Ĭonsider using bleach as a first step towards a final product, especially since bare bleached wood is susceptible to everything from scratches to water damage. Sand it with a 120-grit sandpaper then finish it with a 180- or 220-grit paper for a smooth finish. Once you’ve bleached, neutralized, and dried the wood, you’ll find the grain has become coarse. Let dry completely for two days before applying a stain or other treatment. Neglecting to neutralize after your final application may leave lingering bleach to chemically react with whatever finishing stain or varnish you apply next. Next, wipe it dry with a clean rag, and finally wipe it down again with clean water, drying well with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Then, working quickly, wipe it down with a rag soaked in a 50-50 water and white vinegar solution. Upon the last dose of bleach, let your project dry for at least four hours. It is a fairly pricey product, so consider mixing smaller working batches of about one cup at time to ensure it stays active throughout the application. DON’T mix the bleach ahead of time.Īs soon as the agents mingle, the bleaching power is activated and begins to dissipate-meaning you’d have to work really fast. Let dry thoroughly overnight before the next bleach process. Apply with clean rags, then wipe again with plain water. Before moving from one to another, soak a clean rag in a 50-50 white vinegar and water solution. To get your desired shade, you may go from chlorine to a peroxide-based two-part bleach ( view example on Amazon). It’s difficult to correct uneven bleaching, so be mindful and wipe off any excess immediately with a dry rag. DON’T get sloppy!Īpply bleach carefully and evenly with a clean, soft rag or paintbrush, in smooth, seamless coats. Long sleeves and full-length pants will also help you minimize exposed skin. Start with the space: It should be well ventilated by open windows and operational fans, and, ideally, include a work surface that is concrete (the acidic aspect of bleach can damage many other materials). Always wear rubber gloves and eye goggles when bleaching wood-and, if using oxalic acid ( view example on Amazon), also don a dust mask. DO work in a ventilated open space.Īs these bleaching agents are highly caustic, you have to take adequate steps to protect yourself. Others, like cedar, redwood, rosewood, and cherry don’t take bleach well. Varieties like poplar and pine are already so light that removing further natural wood color might render them bland and lifeless. The best woods for bleaching include oak, beach, ash, and gum. Wait a day or two for it to dry thoroughly before bleaching. Wipe it down with water or mineral spirits on a clean, soft rag, then go over every surface with a dry cloth. Many recommend using the A/B bleach for safer practices and greater overall bleaching power.īleach can damage metal glass or ceramic bowls are the best choices to contain bleach as you work it over wood. Note: Some restorers consider oxalic acid highly toxic, since the crystal form it typically comes in can be inhaled and cause lung bleeding. Oxalic acid will remove water and rust stains, plus teak stain, and can be used to lighten the graying effect of weather-exposed wood. Combined, they cause a chemical reaction that creates bleach that will blanch the stain color and can also alter the color of the wood itself.
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