The sawmill that was responsible for the lumber processing is denoted by the ink stamp that is placed on pressure-treated wood. In addition to that, it specifies the lumber grade, the species of wood used, and any other relevant information. Mill stamps leave behind an ugly mark on your lumber, despite the fact that they are informative.
The ink stains that are used on pressure-treated lumber have a water-based composition. The stain will go away on its own at some point in the future. The stains are gradually removed over time as a result of elements such as precipitation, snow, and foot movement. If you would rather not wait for the natural processes of the environment to erase the ink stains, there are numerous cleaning procedures that you can attempt.
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Painting Over the Stains
If you are planning on covering the pressure-treated wood deck with a paint or stain that is opaque, you will not need to be concerned about completely removing the ink stain. Paint or stain the surface as you normally would, following the grain of the wood. It's possible that you'll need to apply two coats before the stain is entirely removed.
Cleaning Ink Stains from Pressure Treated Wood
It's possible that the ink stain on the wood can be removed with some scrubbing. The ink stain has the potential to get deeply ingrained in the wood and may be difficult to remove. Put on gloves and soak an abrasive sponge or steel wool in diluted bleach or Borax. Be sure to do this while wearing gloves. Scrub the board thoroughly until all of the ink is removed. It is possible that the process of dipping and scrubbing will need to be carried out multiple times before the stain is removed completely.
Sanding the Ink Stain Off of Lumber
Sanding can be a useful technique for removing ink stains from surfaces. Sand the stain carefully with sandpaper that has an 80-grit grit rating. Sand in the same direction as the grain of the wood until there is no more ink left. After the stain has been removed, use a moist towel to clean the area and remove any sawdust that may have been left behind. It is recommended by some carpenters to remove the stain from the wood by passing it through a planer, and then to use sandpaper to smooth away any roughness in the wood.
Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is referred to as a "wood brightener," although it is also known as bleach. Some people use it to get rid of ink stamps, despite the fact that its primary purpose is to eliminate dark spots from ancient wood flooring. When working with and using oxalic acid, it is best to use extreme caution due to the powerful nature of this molecule. Always protect yourself by working in a well-ventilated space while also using gloves and a mask.
Rub a small bit of oxalic acid into the stain using a scouring sponge that has been coated with a small amount of oxalic acid. After allowing the chemical to act on the stain for approximately ten minutes, remove it using a clean cloth that is damp with water. It is important to carry out the procedure multiple times.
