Oxalic Acid

I dont know about proportions, but I see no reason it should be bad if it was sealed for 25 years.

You might be able to google some info on the web.

I'm curious, is the paddle wood? Does this acid remove dark spots and why? I'd think bleach would do that too. Just a guess !!!

Mark

I am refinishing a canoe paddle and would like to use oxalic acid on the dark spots.

1. Can I still use the acid I have had for 25 years?

1. What proportion should I mix with water?

Many thanks.

Dwight Gibb

Oxalic Acid IS wood bleach.

What will dissolve--usual crystals takes somewhere on the order of 10-12 oz/gal hot water...

Yes, it is a fine paddle - Clement of Quebec - ash spline and softwood outside. It is amazing how many terrible canoe paddles are in use, and how much better a good one is. I am embarrassed to say that I have refinished it only one or two times.

To respond to others - I have used oxalic acid in the past to remove black areas. But perhaps some other products are better.

Thanks for the help.

Shouldn't be a problem.

Usually you just make a saturated solution. Start with hot water, and dissolve as many crystals as you can (stirring until your arms are sore helps). As the water cools, you'll get a bit of precipitate...no big deal.