[jamesfa]

i read or saw somewhere about bleached basswood.does anyone one know the process for bleaching basswood. and the chemical used.

Frank

[Donna_T]

I'm trying to remember the brand name of the wood bleach I use, but I think I got it from Sherwin Williams. You'll want to use it outside or where there's plenty of fresh air circulating. I used it first for a polar bear and other than some slight shading, eyes, nose, and toes were all that needed to be painted.

It's been awhile since I used it, but I think you apply the bleach, let it sit for a period of time, then neutralize it with a second solution. Dry it thoroughly, finish, and seal it. It makes a beautiful creamy ivory color.

Donna T

[Mitchell]

There have been some discussions about bleaching wood in the past.

http://woodcarvingillustrated.com/forum/t4229.html

http://woodcarvingillustrated.com/forum/t4447.html

http://woodcarvingillustrated.com/forum/t1101.html

[jmroth75]

It is the same process used for bleaching any wood. The best, and strongest, bleach is the two part bleach solution available in paint and many hardware stores. It will bleach basswood almost white. The depth of the bleach is shallow, though, so if you are carving into a bleached piece, you will expose the natural wood probably within about 1/32 to 1/16 inch below the surface. Also, the bleaching process will raise the grain so you will need to re-sand the piece. I have done this bleaching and it turns out pretty nice. But, be careful to wear protective clothing, an apron, and wear gloves; the bleach also works on colored cloth and fingers.

[rick-in-seattle]

A word of caution; the two-part bleach containers are vented, so keep them upright or they will leak. Don't ask how I know.

[AlArchie]

Another note of caution.
If you use plain old laundry bleach (chlorine), keep in mind that it is an OXIDIZER, and will rust the heck out of your tools. Even when dried, it may not be gone, so treat your tools to a wipe down with a damp cloth then a light oil wipe when done carving.

Al

[rick-in-seattle]

Okay,
Here is another piece of advice; when using the two-part bleach, have a bowl of vinegar nearby.
(If you get the bleach on your skin, the vinegar will neutralize it)

It really burns if given enough time. (don't ask)

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

baking soda in water will also neutralize the acid.....

[JIM QUILICI]

Originally Posted by rick-in-seattle

Okay,
Here is another piece of advice; when using the two-part bleach, have a bowl of vinegar nearby.
(If you get the bleach on your skin, the vinegar will neutralize it)

It really burns if given enough time. (don't ask)

no I won't ask, but now I don't have to guess. I know that you know first hand. he that knows , and knows he knows learned it first hand.
Just old Jim

[Kenny_S]

I got a nice pair of spotted jeans and shirt so I guess, I know about bleach. I used the standard laundry bleach and it works, but like ALA posted, treat your tools. Vineger smells better than bleach. As it being Chlorine, wear a resperator.