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How to remove stain on timber desk?

help! I used gumption to get some biro out of our table and have been left with these - I then put some vinegar over the top and some baking soda as the internet was telling me they were water marks. Totally freaking out. Please tell me there's a solve

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EricL

Hello @annah2

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your stained timber table.

If there is still an ink shadow that won’t wash out, I suggest trying out these methods carefully, depending on your table's finish. Since your table is a light-coloured timber finish, the ink has likely seeped slightly into the wood, especially if the finish is more natural or matte.

Lightly dab a cotton pad with rubbing alcohol or clear hand sanitizer and press it onto the stain for a few seconds before gently wiping with a soft cloth. This can help break down the ink without damaging the wood. If alcohol doesn’t work, soak a cotton pad with hydrogen peroxide and press it onto the stain for a few minutes, as this is a gentler alternative that can lift stains from lighter wood without bleaching too harshly.

Another option is to mix baking soda with just a little water into a paste and gently rub it onto the ink stain with a soft cloth in the direction of the wood grain, then wipe clean. If the ink is still visible and your table has a raw or lightly sealed finish, a fine sandpaper (400 grit or higher) can very gently buff out the ink, followed by a wood polish or furniture wax to even out the finish.

Since your table is light timber, avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or nail polish remover, as they could cause discoloration. Let me know if one of these does the trick!

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

annah2

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48702#Comment_48702

Amazing thank you Eric - this isn't ink you're looking at, it's the reaction the table had to some gumption followed by some vinegar w some baking soda, can't understand this reaction 😬

Do you recommend the sand lightly and wax approach?

A huge thank you for getting back to me

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86429#Comment_86429

Hi @annah2

Sanding would be the last step I would suggest. But since you mention that it is not ink, I propose testing a small section first and if it looks like it is coming off then you can do the rest of the stains. Please remember to do it slowly and gently so as not to go too deeply into the timber. Please remember to wax the surface when you are done.

Eric

annah2

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108577#Comment_108577

You're amazing - thanks Eric!

R4addZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121572#Comment_121572

Hi @annah2

If nothing else works you could try oxalic acid which is commonly used for removing stains from wood but you need to use personal protective equipment like heavy rubber glove and long sleeves etc. There is a slight chance of some bleaching so you may need to treat the whole surface to ensure a consistent finish.

To give you an idea of how effective this can be, there is a video in the link below where someone is renovating an old tool with a wooden handle and uses this on the handle. see from about 6:45 into the video.

1930 Belgian Hammer Drill Restoration - The Coolest Tool You Ever Seen | Watch

I believe Bunnings sell this as

https://diggersaustralia.com.au/products/timber-care/diggers-timber-cleaner-concentrated-oxalic-acid/

and in searching for that I also came across a previous workshop thread about removing stains from timber here....

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Outdoor/How-to-remove-water-stains-from-timber/td-p/228051

Where an antique restorer says he uses it.

Hope this helps.

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