Question about working with Poplar

[cut up]

I like the way Poplar carves, but I've a question for those more knowledgeable than myself about wood.
I'm working on a sign for my grandson on poplar that is 12" X 24". The carving is done, but there is more green in it than what I was hoping for. So, my question is about the color. Has anyone used bleach to try to remove the color on poplar, and what was the result? I don't want to paint the wood, but have considered is along the lines of a milk paint. My thought is it will only make the green lighter and I will still have the color.

Thanks in Advance,
Michael

[MackTheKnife]

I've carved quite a bit of poplar, but I've never tried to bleach it or any other wood. Given the harshness of bleach and the relative softness and porosity of poplar, I'd be afraid it would harm the wood, but others here may have a more practical opinion than I.

In any case, I don't think your grandson is going to give a whit about the color (unless he wants it painted fire engine red ). I think he'll be thrilled to get something his granddad put so much love into.

[Robert Cahill]

I have never bleached wood either but in a past issue of WCI there was a Santa that the author used a two part wood bleach. I believe she said she got it at Loew's but I am not certain.
I also agree with what Bob said your grandson probably will not care one whit if there is green in it.

[Bob K.]

I agree with Bob & Robert...I wouldn't fool around with it.

[Scott Hagerty]

If you decide to bleach it, Oxalic Acid is what is used. You can find it in the deck stain areas of lumber yards with the cleaners. I've never used it so I can't tell you what you'll end up with.

[cut up]

Thanks, guys! I am planning to do some painting on the carving, and didn't want the color of the wood to distract from the work. With that being said, I think I'll take the advise of your wisdom and leave the wood as it is. I'll just add enough color to the carving for some highlights.
I really appreciate and value your input.
Michael

[Dylan]

My experience with poplar is that the green (which is usually heartwood,) will turn brown over time with exposure to light and air.

[cut up]

Thank you, Dylan. You are right. After I posted the question, my oldest granddaughter brought a carving I did for her last Christmas, for repair. I had forgotten that I had done it in poplar. It was green that turned brown, too. The paint on the carving wasn't as prominent as when I did it, but I was okay with what I'd seen, so I'm more convinced to leave the color of the wood alone.
Michael

[Lightningbolt]

Perhaps you could experiment first on a similar scrap piece of 'green' poplar. Inquiring minds do want to know. :-)

[Robson Valley]

I'm working in some 1/2" x 6" poplar, doing shallow relief carvings for wood block printing. Never again. Too soft, splits & pieces are popping out (eg eyeballs). Some areas are rubber-tough. I plan to restart half a dozen of these rather than put up with the problems. Probably cherry-veneer plywood.