How to lighten sycamore veneer

[skodajag]

Hello,

I've located some old sycamore veneer that I want to use to repair a post-war radiogram. The veneer has darkened somewhat - presumably with age - so that it's more a light brown than the whitish yellow I require. I've tried A/B bleaching it but this doesn't work - it just makes it a slightly different shade, but still too dark. Is there anything else I can try? I seem to remember somewhere that there is something that will lighten the wood itself, and no just old remaining stain etc. Am I right? All advice gratefully received,regards, Jonathan

 

[mrpercysnodgrass]

I am surprised bleaching with A + B has not worked, it normally works very well on sycamore. you may want to check a few things and then give it another go. Firstly make sure the surface of the veneer is clean and grease free, you should then check that your B bleach is fresh, it tends to weaken fairly quickly. ( I keep mine in the fridge ). Are you using the A + B correctly? I don't want to teach you to suck eggs but when using A + B it is very important to use fresh clean cloths, keep the solutions and rags in separate containers. Apply the A solution and allow it to soak in, just as it is starting to dry out apply the B solution and if not much is happening after half an hour apply another B solution and leave overnight. Neutralise with plenty of water or white vinegar and leave to air for three to four days before using.
Good luck, if you still have problems let me know and perhaps you could take some photos as well.

 

[skodajag]

Many thanks - that's most helpful. I tried again today, following your advice and got much better results. It looks as if I will need to do it a couple of times. And no you're not teaching me to suck eggs - I'm a novice and hugely grateful for such advice.

I reckon I will be able to get the new sycamore veneer back to a whitish colour. The cabinet that I propose to repair has a whitish/cream yellow finish, but I suspect that this might have been colouring in the french polish used, rather than the intrinsic colour of the wood. Whichever, I would like to get the new veneer to match as closely as possible; would it be best to try and yellow-tint the new veneer before french polishing, or add the tint to the french polish?. Thanks again, Jonathan

 

[mrpercysnodgrass]

It is always better to get the colour on first but that is not always possible especially with slightly opaque colours so you may need to add colour to your polish. If you do just add the colour a little at a time to avoid streaking.