How to Make and Use Wood Bleach for Woodturning

I demonstrate how to make a two part bleach for woodturnings from Lye and pool strength Hydrogen Peroxide. I demonstrate the effect on different woods and talk a bit about safety. This is a great embellishing technique to have available.
Credit for the recipe for wood bleach goes to Gary Guenther who published an article on this in the Feb 2013 issue of the American Woodturner, the journal of the AAW.
You can download a version of Gary Guenther's article at:
midcolumbiawood...
You can download demonstration handouts, downloadable copies of articles I have published, and other useful woodturning information available on my website www.mikepeacewo...

[@mhaz49]

I've used commercial wood bleaching products, but this looks a whole lot easier. Yep, AAW is worth its weight in gold. I devour every issue and try about 1/3 of the examples shown (no time for all of them).

[@210867able]

Mark Hazlewood question here if we bleach our new cabinets can we paint them after that?

[@shawnliao8403]

excuse me,i wonder is it more efficient than commercial one?

[@theninthofjanuary]

Bless you for this video! I'm not a professional wood worker by any means, I'm simply looking to redecorate my room and spruce up my beautiful raw pine furniture which has yellowed over time. I've looked all over for more info on the Scandinavian lye bleaching technique to no avail. But this is it!!!!! Thank you so much.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad it was helpful to you. If you are not a woodturner, I wonder how you stumbled on this video?

[@brie1226]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning I googled wood bleach. I'm wanting to do a plywood floor. Your videos on youtube are public.

[@cherrybearylemondrop]

Thank you for sharing all of this information and especially for taking safety seriously! Cheers!

[@emostorm7]

Yes lichtenburg... Exactly. You're such a down-to-earth person oh, I really like your videos, you're a very down-to-earth person and a pleasure listening to. Thank you for what you do!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for your support.

[@BB-yc6ow]

I tried this process exactly as you described and it fizzed over just like yours. I didn't cover it at all with anything. From other videos I've watched it seems like that's going to happen every time. I definitely would not recommend to anyone doing this indoors. It is definitely dangerous and the fumes should not be underestimated. I did it outdoors and I could smell it strong standing 20 feet away. Anyone trying this definitely wear a mask! Thanks for the video though you are very well spoken.

[@GuapLord5000]

Try using a wider mouthed container. I used a 1 gallon bucket for my 20 oz mixture and didn't have the same problems. Probably something to do with the concentration and heat of the vapor released. Also keep vinegar handy as a safety precaution. Will neutralize the lye.

[@nava1uni]

Good video with good safety information

[@jackmaravola2496]

First of all Mike, I thank you so much for the more important information regarding safety and hazards involved in wood bleaching, This video show has opened a new door of wood-turning ideas for me. Thank you so much for sharing. Deeply appreciated...! Your instructions for wood bleaching is very well explained. I truly enjoyed this video show....!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I appreciate that very much, Jack.

[@scomacd]

I couldn't find 30% peroxide anywhere and ended up buying from a beauty supply store - I told the clerk what I was buying it for and she said it was quite common to see woodworkers come in for it. It was a great price and bonus is that it comes in a cream form making it easy for painting on. I can attest that it works well.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for sharing that source. Did not realize it was used in that strength by hair parlors.

[@nywvblue]

Thank you for that fabulous tip!

[@busyme4]

Hi, I’m planning on bleaching my oak table and also having a hard time finding peroxide, the hair peroxide is easy to find. Mike mixes the two chemicals, however other bleachers are using the two as step one and two, followed by vinegar/water clean up. Any idea what is best?

[@anniemillerblair2780]

Thanks so much for this info. Do you think this will work on honey orange oak doors? I have dated, solid oak doors that I’d like to lighten up. I used the A B solution and it worked well, but I like the idea of making my own solution because I have a lot of doors to use it with. Thanks in advance!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

You would have to strip them of all finish first.

[@lisagee7297]

I just bought some of the same Revatop 36 that is used in this video (peroxide), but it says it’s 34.5%, not 27%. Will this work the same or does it need diluted?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

It will work just fine

[@IMOO1896]

Did you mention the type of bleach you used on the first 3 items, that you wiped on with the sponge brush?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I used the same bleach throughout that I described how to make.

[@dlawson716]

I want to bleach fresh cut Holly blanks. Would it be alright to soak it. 2x2x10 blanks.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

It is not going to bleach very deep so no that is unlikely to work. You typically bleach the final turning. But you can always experiment and see. Let me know how it works.

[@snippetsordinarylife]

You need to dissolve the lye very well into the water initially. If you don't, it forms crystals at the bottom which could have caused the reaction. As a soap maker, I cringed a bit when you were swirling the lye around like that in the beginning lol. Best is to start stirring the moment you add the lye to the water and keep stirring for a good few minutes.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for that tip!

[@snippetsordinarylife]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Thank you for the information and link to the pdf! I'm definitely going to give this a try.

[@rogerleslie4282]

Shame,shame shame Mike,here in Australia we find it hard to get spaltered effected timber and you bleach it!lol.Another great video mate keep 'em coming. Cheers Roger Barossa Valley South Australia 🇦🇺.......

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

We have some lovely wood here but little as hard as some of yours. And no mallee burls without paying international shipping. Oh well, grass is always greener...

[@Josef_R]

Throw your wood in a bag with some moist dirt from your yard for about 3 months and it'll spalt. Here's an example of mine: facebook.com/groups/GlobalWoodturners/permalink/938227616228748/?match=am9zZWYgcm9lc2xlcixyb2VzbGVyLHNwYWx0ZWQsam9zZWY%3D

[@RovingJack]

you should try brushing on the lye and then brush on the peroxide before it dries. that way you can get your solutions to last a long time and not worry about making too much or having it not last more than a few hours in a container... or overflowing the container. Also peroxides don't have an indeffinate shelf life. Even commerical peroxides with some stabalizers will decompose over time, so unless you are using large amounts often large bottles will likely be very weak or worthless months or years later.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for sharing that.

[@GuapLord5000]

To add to that, sunlight will degrade hydrogen peroxide very quickly. That's why you only see it opaque containers.

[@HoppersLab]

If you use lye and water, it will darken Cherry wood, so must be the peroxide helps remove color...

[@Ninjump]

Nice Video Mike! Lots of good info. What if you want only lighten a shade or two? Is there a way to dilute this solution?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Probably. You will just have to experiment.

[@Reginaldesq]

you could try using a small amount so its does not penetrate deep into the wood. Then if its too light you should be able to sand it back to get the colour you want.

[@franczyk94]

hey mike, thanks for the video, very informative. i'm doing a wood bleaching project soon and ordered a wood bleach kit from wood-kote. if i use blue tape over a spot i dont want bleached will it prevent the solution from bleaching or will it seep under the tape?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

You will just have to experiment. I think you might get a bit of bleeding.

[@brotherlove100]

my question is this, do you let the solution dry or do you let it sit then rinse it off before it dries?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Whenever it is as light as you like.

[@brotherlove100]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning ?????

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

​@@brotherlove100 I let it dry and do not rinse. It may take multiple coats. Let dry between coats. If there is any residue, wipe off without rinsing.

[@brotherlove100]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning fantastic, thankyou

[@robertsrnec1852]

yes Mike the AAW is worth it. just the magazine alone is worth the price.

[@myema5694]

Thanks for the details on mixing and handling. I just have to remember the lye goes in last....

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I value all feedback that will help me make videos that meet the needs of my viewers. I welcome all feedback but the much higher number of dislikes on this video without specifics has me scratching my head as to why? What would those viewers want differently? Did they click on the video and were expecting something different? If so did they feel the thumbnail or description was misleading? Was the tutorial unclear? Problems with the sound or video?

[@mainejane6140]

I think the dislikes are there because it looks like a somewhat time-consuming, somewhat dangerous approach to wood bleaching that most people don’t want to bother with. I think people were hoping for something simpler like something they could buy and not have to make themselves with all the precautions and special purchases. Thank you for taking the time though.

[@brie1226]

I think it's from how bleach degrades the wood and is dangerous. Most vlogs like these are the same. I personally like this vlog best. Got right to it and you could see everything.

[@Watchoutforsnakez]

Bleaching wood with this procedure became HUGE! I don’t know if you’re still around but thanks.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

@@Watchoutforsnakez Still around. 800 WT videos on my channel.

[@monikamichalski2776]

What are your thoughts on just using good ole laundry bleach? Couldn't that be used then neutralized with vinegar?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

It won't bleach wood. Not strong enough.

[@chaoswithcasey]

I just got done doing this. 4 coats, letting it dry for 2-3 hours between each. It greyed terribly but it did pull the red out of the wood.

[@chaoswithcasey]

I used straight laundry bleach

[@gerardwilliams5522]

Hi, Thanks for posting this video. Have you ever noticed a yellowing effect? I'm doing this on a large flat surface and there is quite a significant neon yellow color. Do you know any tips to take care of that? Thanks!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Gerard Williams, what kind of wood? Any previous finish? I have not had any yellowing.

[@gerardwilliams5522]

Thanks for responding! There was no previous finish, but I did maybe 6 coats of the bleach... maybe I went overboard with it. Also, it's north eastern sugar maple. Maybe some oxalic acid would help?

[@jnako4361]

Can this method be done on a lager scale??like red oak floors?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

You want the red oak to look white? That is beyond my range of expertise. Not something I would personally want to attempt on a large scale with all of those fumes and dangerous chemicals.

[@hectorvalencia2295]

Hi , im trying to find the hydrogen peroxide , no pool supplies store carries it here in nashville, any other store or product i could look for? thanks in advance , great video btw ...subscribed!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

You are asking them about the two named products in the video? I have found that a store clerk may have no idea that hydrogen peroxide is the main ingredient.

[@hectorvalencia2295]

Mike Peace Woodturning i did find the lye, but the peroxide is the one i cant, i did find a store that sells 35% h2o2, i also got some from a beauty suplies shop that i think its 12% gonna give it a try

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I would be surprised if any hydrogen peroxide you get at a beauty shop would be stronger than what you get at a drug store. I would expect the 35% grade would probably work.

[@frankingram3382]

Nice video Mike, I didn't know you could bleach wood with success. By the way where does Box Elder grow; is it a hard wood? God Bless my friend.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

It is a maple but fairly soft and grows widely though out most of the US

[@RayVillares]

I love this .. but have spent an hour looking for the hydrogen peroxide. I know it's work but can you add links in your videos? It's super helpful and time shaving for us subscribers :)

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Where were you looking? As I mentioned in the description and the video and mentioned in the article I provided a link for, it is available from a pool supply company. Probably every large town in the USA would have one. If you are outside the USA you just have to do a bit more searching.

[@RayVillares]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Revatop I guess. That's the one I just can't seem to find onilne.

[@Captain-ku2rm]

I have a guitar kit where I can see what appears to be a slight discoloration on the unfinished Maple face of the guitar, and the smudge is about the size of a thumb print. I don't think it is glue. I have sanded the area to 320 grit, but it's a really thin veneer. So, I'm a little reluctant to sand too much there. The spot is more noticeable from an angle, with the light hitting it just right. I'm afraid to move forward with stain, which will be a antique yellow (eventual sunburst orange/red to the sides). The antique yellow will be in an area where this thumb print is, and it will be a lighter color where the thumb smudge is located. So, I'm concerned that the thumb print will show through, or that the stain will bring the thumb print out more vividly. Do you know of a way I can remove this smudge using a solvent or something?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Sorry, but no.

I'm in this craftsman's black hole called Hawaii and can't find Hydrogen Peroxide in that concentration anywhere. The pool supply companies ask what I'm using it for as if they will instantaneously tell me where I can purchase it. Are you sure 27% is the correct concentration? I can't even get Amazon to ship it.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Sorry. Yes, 27% is correct.

[@drewchaplinCozy]

The link to Gary Guenther's article is not working. Can you provide a different link?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yes, I found another location. See the description for an updated link. I guess the club that had the first link changed their website.

[@drewchaplinCozy]

Thank Mike! I tried googling it but didn't have any luck

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I googled Gary Guether wood bleach. Sometimes the right search terms are tricky.

[@garymacdouall9021]

How do you neutralize the chemicals for a clearcoat

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I don't. You may want to read the article from the link in the show notes.

[@User0resU-1]

Theres a film called Bad Boy Bubba, it's a great movie.

[@hectorvalencia2295]

also is 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide good for this or no?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Never heard of food grade hydrogen peroxide before. Since I was using a 28% I would guess 35% might do about as well but don't know.

[@hectorvalencia2295]

i had some interesting results with the peroxide i bought at the beauty suplies, one last question mike, after you get the deisred shade.. do you need to wash it off or can you apply a finish on it like that? like wax or shellac etccc. thanks for this video, it really really helped me finish this project.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

You might want to lightly sand if you raised the grain or wipe off any residue if there is any on the wood. I would not add unnecessary water.

[@hectorvalencia2295]

sounds good! thanks again!

[@bobmikestiene5754]

I am not criticizing, I simply do not understand which lye you are using, Sodium-Hydroxide, or Potassium-Hydroxide? In other words Caustic soda, or soda ash, they both have the generic name of lye.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

The lye I used is sodium hydroxide per the article I referenced. You may want to refer to the article for more information..

[@myrmac2000]

Great video, just a reminder: AAW does not promote Lichtenberg burning, too dangerous.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Wow, you were watching closely. I took down my fractal burning videos years ago because I did not want to be responsible for encouraging someone less careful than me to electrocute themselves. Thanks for catching that 6 second reference which I just now edited out. ✌😀

[@emostorm7]

Why not oxcilic acid?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

It may remove some stains but it does not bleach wood. Most of our turning wood is not stained.

[@emostorm7]

Ok, I'm trying to lighten the discoloration from the backing soda in the solution used in lichtenburg burning.