Mineral spots in Peruvian Walnut

The Achilles' Heel of Luthiery
 

Mineral spots in Peruvian Walnut

Post by   »

As I sand the back, these tiny spots appear. I've tried alcohol, mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, acetone and a spit coat of shellac but the spots remain, smaller than a pinhead but visible from about 12" away. Can anyone shed some light as to how I can cover or remove these spots? Thanks.

tommy
deadedith

Re: Mineral spots in Peruvian Walnut

Post by deadedith »

I used deck cleaner from a local paint store per a tip from K...uh, another forum.:-)

It's a powder that you mix up with water, slap on the wood, let it rest a few minutes, wipe off with a retarder that you buy at the same time. The paint store guys will know what it is. Oxalic acid stain remover is the product if I'm not mistaken.

Most all domestic hardwoods will have some mineral deposits. And Peru? :-)
tippie53
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Re: Mineral spots in Peruvian Walnut

Post by tippie53 »

Often staining will also hide them spots.
it is a pain but part of the game.
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
Kevin Sjostrand
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Re: Mineral spots in Peruvian Walnut

Post by Kevin Sjostrand »

Tommy,
Just a suggestion....try it on some scrap first.
You need an acid to dissolve mineral deposits. Try some vinegar wiped on. If it is mineral, vinegar will dissolve it.

Kevin
tippie53
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Re: Mineral spots in Peruvian Walnut

Post by tippie53 »

kevin got some good advice
take pics and let us know
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
deadedith

Re: Mineral spots in Peruvian Walnut

Post by deadedith »

I removed all the mineral spots off a red oak back and sides in 10 minutes or so using the oxalic acid. Just sayin', as long as you don't leave it on a long time (follow the directions), there is no danger of bleaching out the wood.
 

Re: Mineral spots in Peruvian Walnut

Post by   »

OK, this is quite interesting. Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Have only tried the vinegar but no joy. Will try the other suggestions shortly. Thought I'd share the response to my question I received from Chris Herrod at LMI.

"We've heard that a shellac sealer coat (even a clear
one) will disguise these spots. Aside from that, the most sure-fire way of
getting rid of them is picking the mineral out with a sewing needle.

Best Regards,
Chris Herrod"

-tommy
 

Re: Mineral spots in Peruvian Walnut

Post by   »

deadedith wrote:I used deck cleaner from a local paint store per a tip from K...uh, another forum.:-)

It's a powder that you mix up with water, slap on the wood, let it rest a few minutes, wipe off with a retarder that you buy at the same time. The paint store guys will know what it is. Oxalic acid stain remover is the product if I'm not mistaken.

Most all domestic hardwoods will have some mineral deposits. And Peru? :-)
Dave,
I have some oxalic and will start with a mild solution and hope for the best. Thanks for the suggestion.
No worries on the K word. So long as he allows you to say it here we are OK with you saying it here. ;- )
-tommy
Ken Hundley
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Re: Mineral spots in Peruvian Walnut

Post by Ken Hundley »

I have had mineral deposits on some woods I have worked with, and left them in. I have sprayed a sanding sealer as a bonding coat, which worked well for its purpose, but did nothing to alleviate the mineral deposits. Where it might work is if the solvent in the sanding sealer causes the oils to leach out of the wood and "cover" the deposit before the coating solidifies.....just thinkin with my fingers.....
Ken Hundley
Nocturnal Guitars
http://www.nocturnalguitars.com

So, my big brother was playing guitar and I figured I'd try it too.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
deadedith

Re: Mineral spots in Peruvian Walnut

Post by deadedith »

Tommy - how are you and your mineral spots doing?
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