Soundboard Refinishing Query

[Anne Beetem]

At 11:41 PM 11/29/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Bill,
>     This might get a heretical rise out of some of the list members, but
>I've been using a 50% Hydrogen Peroxide solution mixed half & half with
>water and sodium hydroxide crystals to bleach out those blotches for a while
>now with no apparent ill effects.  The boards come out beautiful, like a new
>board.  This is not the beauty supply variety but stuff available from
>chemical supply houses.  But be careful, this stuff is potent!  Gloves are a
>necessity or you'll end up with white hands in seconds.  One application
>does the trick.  Finish with whatever.
>
>Bob Sadowski
>Erie, PA



Bob, this sounds like what is needed in Bill's situation.  The blotches are
obviously in the wood, possibly caused by mildews, water damage, whatever.
Without seeing it one can't be sure, but the fact that simple surface
treatment is ineffectual means he needs to even the tone, bleaching being
the best method, particularly if it is mildew/dampness related. Instruments
stored in damp places are notorious for soundboard blotching for the obvious
reasons.

It is always wise to start as gently as possible, increasing the strength of
the bleaching formulation only as necessary.   As you move to sodium
hydroxide, do wear a mask along with your gloves.

Anne