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Hi.
I am part way through two kits, one came with pre-bent koa, the other pre-bent myrtle. Both sets have rather nasty stains which are I am sure are from the bending process. No stains on the backs.
I have tried taking them off with rags and hot water, but there is little or no change. I noted that while the wood was wet I could still see the stains, they didn't 'blend in' with the wetness.
Should I try solvents? (I don't want to bleach the wood.)
Will it sand out? How much sanding are we talking about? I tried a bit and it didn't seem promising.
It seems that maybe this could be handled more easily before assembly is complete. I'm about to install the backs/fronts, but is there anything I should do first?
Thanks in advance!

a light sanding should remove the staining. To be sure try a little at the area of the tail block. Others I am sure will add to this. Try using 120 grit and see what happens.

Bruce, where do you place your heat blanket? I put the blanket on top (on the outside of the rim). The heat on top seems to push the moisture out through the inside of the rim, so when I get staining, it is always on the inside of the rim. I have never had staining on the outside. As John noted, what little staining I get on the inside is easily sanded off.

Ken

Bruce, John nailed it. I had myrtle that was stained at the waist and it sanded right out, no problems. But I understand your concern, it can look pretty nasty.

after 136 guitars I only seen one that didn't come out . Darn Chlorine

Thank you all. That calmed my nerves and the 'test section' I did looks wonderful.

Just to clarify for Ken, who asked what side I put the heat on, they arrived pre-bent, so I don't know the answer. However there was staining both inside and out. I guess predominantly inside, now that I pay attention. As a production shop they might have been using the boiling waterbath method; dip for 15 seconds then drop in a heated press for 2 minutes. It is slick to see. But I really don't know.

Thanks again!