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Two part wood bleach

2 part wood bleach

i bought some from Woodworker's Supply @ Ordering Line: 1-800-645-9292

i did a search on there web site does not pull it up, i believe the brand name was Kleen Strip
 
Betty Scarpine recommends Kleen Strip and if it's good enough for her, it's good enough for me. Woodcraft & Rockler both carry it as do some hardware stores and even Lowe's & Home Depot but I've found them to not be a reliable source. Shop around as I've seen several dollars difference in prices.
 
Kleen Strip works ok, but Hood Bleach 190 from Hood Finishing is the best I have used. It is much more caustic, so more care must be used.

If you are in the DFW area, I will give you some Kleen Strip.

http://www.hoodfinishing.com/index.html
 
Steve Worcester said:
Kleen Strip works ok, but Hood Bleach 190 from Hood Finishing is the best I have used. It is much more caustic, so more care must be used.

If you are in the DFW area, I will give you some Kleen Strip.

http://www.hoodfinishing.com/index.html
Click to expand...

Hi Steve, I'm in Cape May NJ but thanks very much.

Thanks everyone for the helpful info. I just ordered some online.
Mike
 
Steve,
I realize that this is an old thread. But I have been using the Klean-Strip wood bleach and am having trouble finding it now. I Googled wood bleach and ended up with this thread. Read what you had to say about Hood Bleach 190.

Do you still like it better than Klean-Strip?
Does the wood come out as white as when using the Klean-Strip?
Do you use about the same amount of Hood Bleach 190 as you do Klean-Strip?
Is Hood Bleach 190 a Hydrogenproxide type of bleach?
Thanks.
Hugh
 
Hugh said:
Steve,
I realize that this is an old thread. But I have been using the Klean-Strip wood bleach and am having trouble finding it now. I Googled wood bleach and ended up with this thread. Read what you had to say about Hood Bleach 190.

Do you still like it better than Klean-Strip?
Does the wood come out as white as when using the Klean-Strip?
Do you use about the same amount of Hood Bleach 190 as you do Klean-Strip?
Is Hood Bleach 190 a Hydrogenproxide type of bleach?
Thanks.
Hugh
Click to expand...

(I had to look it up) The Hood Bleach 190 according to the MSDS is a chemical reaction of %25 potassium Hydroxide and %35 Hydrogen Peroxide, I suspect a much more industrial solution than the Klean Strip , but yes, I am still a big fan of it. You do have to buy it from Hood only as far as I know, but it works real well. (looked it up Klean Strip is a %3.0-%7 Sodium Hydroxide (lye) and %25-%30 Hydrogen Peroxide). MSDS don't usually lie.

If you are in TX, you can come by and I will give you the Klean Strip I have that I bought when Home depot was closing it out. But I only have one pint setup left.
 
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Minor correction....

Steve Worcester said:
(I had to look it up) The Hood Bleach 190 according to the MSDS is a chemical reaction of %25 potassium Hydroxide and %35 Hydrogen Peroxide, I suspect a much more industrial solution than the Klean Strip , but yes, I am still a big fan of it. You do have to buy it from Hood only as far as I know, but it works real well. (looked it up and it is a %3.0-%7 Sodium Peroxide (lye) and %25-%30 Hydrogen Peroxide). MSDS don't usually lie.
Click to expand...

Lye is sodium hydroxide [NaOH] - sodium peroxide is quite a different beast...although it IS used in industry to bleach wood pulp in commercial paper manufacture. Wood bleaches are typically a combination of a peroxide with a strong alkalai. Sodium peroxide can be considered a strong oxidizer (as are most peroxides) and in the right combinations with other compounds, can produce a fairly decent "boom" (DAMHIKT!).

Potassium hydroxide would have similar properties to sodium hydroxide (strong alkalai' caustic, etc.).

In any case, eye and hand/skin protection is highly recommended when working with any solutions of these compounds.

Better things for better living through chemistry....

Rob Wallace
 
I make my own wood bleach. Get 40 or 50 volume H2O2 from the beauty supply house ( sold as developer for hair color - get the clear) and Red Devil Lye from a grocery or hardware store - make up 3 percent or so solution of the lye in water (measure the water first - add lye to the water - wear good eye protection and gloves - the solution will get hot). Use a glass or plastic container for this - NOT METAL.

Paint or rag this solution onto the wood to be bleached - will turn a funky yellow color. Allow to dry.

Paint or rag on (use a different brush or rag) some of the peroxide.

I have used this with success on lighter woods (maple, holly etc) - not tried it on darker woods yet. But the price is right - less than 10 bucks. It may take several applications to remove stubborn stains or darker spots

The chemical reaction between the low pH lye and the H2O2 releases oxygen that causes the bleaching action.

Neutralize with a weak vinegar solution after bleaching if desired.

Disclaimer - use at your own risk, not responsible if you do something stupid. These are strong chemicals - be respectful of them and be careful.
 
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Rob Wallace said:
Lye is sodium hydroxide [NaOH] - sodium peroxide is quite a different beast......
Click to expand...

I typed the wrong OXIDE, I have corrected the post, it is Sodium Hydroxide
 
Thanks Steve and everyone else. I am going to order some this coming week. I have had enough chemistry to be careful with the chemicals. But lately I seem to like the bleached look on some of my turnings.
Hugh
 
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