DO-IT-YOURSELF : Cure for Water-Logged Wood

Dark rings on wood surfaces indicate that water has gotten in and caused mildew. Decorating magazine explains how to remove discolorations with household laundry bleach.

First, completely remove the old finish with a chemical stripper. Because dark stains generally indicate that water has permeated the finish, it is likely that the finish is damaged or deteriorated to the point that refinishing is necessary.

Next, place the piece outdoors in the sun and let it get warm. If you’re working on windowsills or other permanent fixtures, position several high-wattage spotlights over the wood to heat it. The light will start the bleaching action. Keep spotlights approximately 18 inches from the wood surface, and supply a constant flow of fresh air if you’re working indoors.

Using a stick with rags tied onto one end as an applicator, swab ordinary household chlorine bleach onto the wood at full strength. Don’t let the bleach drip down the sides of the piece, and keep the top surface wet with bleach by repeating the applications every 10 minutes or so until the stain has vanished.

Once the stain has disappeared, rinse the entire surface with clear water, and leave the piece under the heat source so it dries quickly and thoroughly.

This process will remove the color from the wood, as well as the stain. After the wood is dry, stain and refinish it, following package directions. You can use the same bleaching process to refinish stained wood to a lighter shade.