bleaching veener

[Gaza]

i have some imported timber veener that has been sold to me as "walnut" it has a nice clean grain but the colour i need is lighter.

can i bleach the veener before applying the finish.

[JB]

Yes, why not. Just ensure moisture of bleach doesn't affect veneer glue. Probably only animal/hide glue would be affected.

[Woodwould]

Absolutely, it's virtually a daily practice in most restoration shops. I only ever used animal glue and only rarely had problems with the veneer lifting after using bleach (easily rectified with a hot block).

I'm assuming your veneer is black walnut (juglans nigra) in which case it will bleach to a rather unattractive purplish-grey, so be prepared to stain it to the desired colour.

[Gaza]

cool thanks,

what type of bleach should be used, whats the best method for applying it.

[Woodwould]

The best bleach for black walnut is one of the two-part Super Bleaches from restoration shops which use either caustic soda or strong amonia to draw the tanin out of the wood along with strong hydrogen peroxide. It's extremely nasty and dangerous stuff, so if you haven't used it before, follow the directions to the letter.

The veneer should be nuteralised with something like sodium metabisulphide (beer kit disenfectant) or even household vinegar and water before any stain or finish is applied.

[nikreeve]

Absolutely, it's virtually a daily practice in most restoration shops. I only ever used animal glue and only rarely had problems with the veneer lifting after using bleach (easily rectified with a hot block).

I'm assuming your veneer is black walnut (juglans nigra) in which case it will bleach to a rather unattractive purplish-grey, so be prepared to stain it to the desired colour.

we always used to bleach American walnut veneer glued with a PVA, with hydrogen peroxide & amnonia when I was back in england.
I am trying to take the pink out of some kiln dried tas oak / vic ash with a lighter product but I think the hydrogen peroxide & amnonia gives the best finish.
Welcome any Q & A s