Watermark

[Spoon66]

Hi
I am currently trying to refinish an oak sideboard and all has gone well except there is a large dark water stain. I followed advice and stripped the previous finish before bleaching the stain. This had some effect but didn't remove the mark completely. I then sanded the area which removed what was left of the stain but has now left me with a pale outline where the mark was and no matter how I try to stain it, cannot cover the mark.
Hope someone out there can help

 

[MIGNAL]

Has the bleach caused this or the fact that you sanded it?

 

[Spoon66]

It appears to be the fact that I sanded it. The bleach lifted out much of the stain but sanding the remainder out has left the white perimeter. The middle of the sanded area has stained to match the original finish no problem!

 

[MIGNAL]

If it's due to the sanding then you have revealed a fresh surface, it isn't being matched by the old oxidised surface.
In other words you have sanded away the old patina. If you expose the bare wood/section to UV light it will 'catch up' and become a similar colour. Unfortunately that can take a long time, months with direct outdoor light (but not direct sunlight). It will also happen indoors but will take even longer.

 

[Matt@]

probably best sanding the whole top now...

 

[bussy]

Absolutley no idea myself but there is a video on the Wood Whisperers web site about ageing wood think he used bicarb of soda, maybe worth a look.

Marty