Repair & maintenance: Damaged wood

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Damaged wood

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Repair & maintenance
Forum Discription: Questions & tips on the subject
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6581
Printed Date: 15 May 25 at 12:38pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Damaged wood

Posted By: tomoore1
Subject: Damaged wood
Date Posted: 28 Mar 10 at 7:31pm

Is there a way to restore water/UV damaged wood? The old (1947) Firefly I am doing up has quite a few lighter or darker patches. Is there some way these can be restored to their original (or at least an even) colour? Or is the only way forwards painting?

Also, what is the largest area of hull which can be soft safely? I have a 5cm square patch on the hull (not stood on as its under a buoyency tank). Can I just put some epoxy on the inside to stiffen it up and make sure the outside is sealed?

Also, any tips for re-glueing a rudder blade together?

Cheers Tom

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Restoring Firefly 517

Replies:

Posted By: MerlinMags
Date Posted: 29 Mar 10 at 10:29am

Wood that has gone dark can be brought back with Oxalic Acid. It's a bit tricky to get hold of as it's actually a poison. Beekeepers use it.

Some chandlers may stock it, and I've heard wood suppliers keep it sometimes. You can also mail order - this link might work:
http://www.jpennyltd.co.uk/ - http://www.jpennyltd.co.uk/

Posted By: ASok
Date Posted: 29 Mar 10 at 11:14am

Rub rhubarb leaves on there. High in oxalic acid!

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Posted By: Graham T
Date Posted: 29 Mar 10 at 11:23am

Last oxalic acid I bought came from e-bay - I was surprised
at how easy and cheap it was to get hold of. Mind you I
have attempted to use oxalic acid several times over the
years of owning old wooden boats and have never been very
impressed with the results despite its reputation as the
stuff to use.

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Osprey 55 "Tebutinnang"
Osprey 1245 "Two Bob Bit"
Miracle 1358 "Thumper"

Posted By: tomoore1
Date Posted: 29 Mar 10 at 2:46pm

Cheers for the help so far guys.

Is there a way to get rid on the grey patches then? The darker stuff is only a small amount of the overall damaged area.

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Restoring Firefly 517