I have a timber benchtop and it’s gotten quite water damaged from the sink and tap. I’ve tried to sand out the damage, I’ve used vinegar and I’ve used something called bar keepers friend (which has oxaliyc acid in it) to bleach out the stains. Unfortunately now there is still black water marks and now with varnish on it the area is showing up as a different shade of timber to the rest of the bench. Is there anything else I shd try? I’m wondering whether I’ll have to replace that part of the bench
Hi @Cat234,
If the black staining is still visible after sanding and using oxalic acid, I'd say it has penetrated quite deeply into the timber.
You may still be able to remove it, but it would mean being a bit more aggressive with the sanding and would likely require you to remove the tap so you can have clearer access.
I'd suggest removing the tap temporarily, sanding a wider area back with 80-grit sandpaper to remove the varnish and as much of the black staining as possible, then apply your oxalic acid based cleaner if necessary. The varnish will need to be removed to allow the oxalic acid to soak in and have effect.
Once this is done, the black staining should be lessened, at which point you can let everything dry, brush it down to remove saw dust and reapply the varnish both to the surface of the benchtop and inside the hole. Having varnish inside the hole will help prevent water from seeping into the exposed timber inside the hole.
You can then reinstall the tap, and seal the base of the tap with clear silicone.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
