I’m working on some small cottages; the roof was replaced ten yeas ago, but not before enough water leaked through and made some tanin stains on the cedar walls. I’d like to, if not completely eliminate them, at least ‘blend’ the edges of the stains so they’re not as noticeable. The cottages are constructed of cedar, solid 3×6 T&G beams nailed together with 8” spikes every 10” (glad I wasn’t on that job – no nail guns…)
Sanding isn’t an option, as the surface finish is mill-sanded, S4S style, so the sanding would show through the hecha te in teh grain pattern and also the change in color.
I’m thinking of trying a clothes steamer, or just hot water on rags? Maybe just wetting out with a spray bottle?
Anyone have any other ideas?
Greg
Replies
stain the ceiling to mask/match the stains (?)
looks like a challenge
good luck
Not an option; the owner wants to keep the natural cedar looking natural.
This is a common problem for log home builders and finishers.
As water soaks into the wood it dissolves some tannins and the stain collects where the water migration ended. I've had some success on pine logs washing the whole area with LogWash ( a ph balanced cleaner sold by many log home suppliers). I think some suppliers sell a special cleaner for cedar.
The tannin stains will to some degree wash out and spread out. One important tip to ensure you are not just moving the stain-- wet the entire area. That way there is no water migration moving the tannins to a new collection point. And to keep sane, continually chant the log home mantra "Its a rustic home, it is not furniture" (I learned that during my first total restoration of a log home)
Good luck!
Thanks, do you know if it is OK for interior use in a small area? I don’t need to necessarily remove them all, just more or less make them blend in and erase the hard lines.
I have used it on the interior with reasonable results -careful of course for collateral damage. Just don't let water soak in any more than you need to- to not make matters worse.
Oxalic acid