The Black Spot.

[Nick W]

When working with Oak, I seem to end up with blue/black stained hands. Now we all know about the reaction between the tannins in Oak, Iron and water which causes black stains in the Oak, but I'm surprised that it affects the hands. Today it's happened even though I've hardly used any iron tools at all, been waxing you see. Also sometimes it gets so bad that I can transfer grubby prints onto the work, which makes for more sanding. :evil:

Is it just me, or does this happen to anyone else? Perhaps I have peculiar body chemistry. 8-[

If this does affect anyone else, do you know of any neat tricks to remove the stains from your hands? Its a bit embarrasing going out of an evening looking as though you've just come from being taught to use an ink pen at Primary School.

 

[trevtheturner]

Try using a barrier cream (Rozalez dri-guard), Nick. That should solve your problem.

Cheers,

Trev.

 

[Nick W]

Hmm, but then I'd be swapping black prints on my work for greasy ones. Or am I displaying my total ignorance of Barrier creams?

 

[Philly]

Nick
I have the same problem-my hands also make previously shiny tools rusty! I'm still working on bending spoons using mind power :lol:
I've not found any way around this. Gloves are an option but I like working "naked".
I also have "black hand syndrome" from American Black Walnut.
Sorry to be of no help-but at least you're not alone :wink:
Philly

 

[trevtheturner]

Nick,

Rozalex dri-guard actually goes completely dry on your hands so does not leave any greasy marks. In fact, having applied it to your hands you are not really aware that it is there (so much the same as working naked, Uri :wink . After work, just rinse it off under running water.

It is also useful for preventing cracks in the skin around thumbnails, etc., from 'aggressive' dust.

Best I can say is that it works for me and I wouldn't be without it.

Cheers,

Trev.

 

[Nick W]

Thanks Trev.

 

[Knot Competent]

Nick,

Gorilla Wipes might do the trick. They remove black marks left on fingers by polyurethane glue, which does take some shifting!

John

 

[Philly]

(so much the same as working naked, Uri :wink
Trev.

:lol:
Mystic Philly [-o<

 

[superunknown]

Hi

I know that problem very well. I work in oak all the the time. The problem does seem to get better the more you work in oak for some reason.

The summer is the worst time. I have yet to find a cure other than sanding :? and thats the worst job in wood work!!

I have dried lemon juice and olive oil (my dads remedy) and even resorted to neat bleach (doesn't really work for me either) if I have to go out to dinner or something. People don't understand that your hands are really clean its just stains from oak tannin, metal and sweat.