I'm restoring a bathroom. I've removed various layers of plywood and linoleum from the floor, now down to the original wide (pine?) floor. There is a black stain surrounding each of the iron nails. Does anyone know how to remove the stains? Thanks.

There are three things to try for black stains. First try regular laundry bleach. Dab the spot with a qtip and let it work for several minutes and when it dries, dab on a little more. If you are lucky it will work fast, but the number of applications will vary. If it truly isn't getting better after several tries, the second thing to try is "Salts of Lemon" crystals dissolved in a little water. You can ask your pharmacist for these (there is a chemical name for this as well but it escapes me). If this doesn't work there are some powerful commercial wood bleaches available from specialty woodworking shops. If you over bleach you will have to spot stain to try and match the rest. I usually leave a bit of staining on anything I refinish because it does tell a bit of a story and it retains an authentic look.

Try OXALIC ACID, just follow the directions but make sure you rinse as recommended or even more.

quote:

Originally posted by wabash:
Try OXALIC ACID, just follow the directions but make sure you rinse as recommended or even more.

Oxalic Acid = same as, Salts of Lemon

Thanks, I forgot the name, as you see in my previous message

I'm sure Tim is finished his project by now but for anyone else using Oxalic acid I stress the rinsing as it will show up through the finish.

I have pet stains on old wood floor after removing old carpet. I think the wood is Oak, small size. The house was built around 1930. Help, I have all these black spots. How can I even them out.

I'ts all there in Stonecats' post, try the various methods and let us know how you make out.