Wood paneling is often dark and can lend a dreary, archaic appearance to a room. Bleaching paneling can lighten up the color and reduce the heavy contrast of the wood grain, revitalizing walls and providing the room with a new, bright appearance. Although you can purchase commercial bleaching kits, it may be more cost-effective for you to create your own.
Instructions
1. Prepare the surface by sanding it until smooth. Use coarse grit sandpaper and finish with fine. Clean the surface of the wood with a rag or dry brush, removing the remaining sand residue. Check for any scratches or blemishes in the wood.
2. Brush the caustic soda solution liberally onto the wood in the direction of the grain and allow it to sit on the surface for 10 to 20 minutes. The wood will progressively lighten the longer you leave the solution on. Do not allow it to sit for more than 20 minutes as this will cause it to bleach unevenly.
3. Use a fresh brush to apply the hydrogen peroxide in the same manner you applied the soda. There will be bubbling and foaming as the two solutions react. Leave on for 30 minutes to an hour. If it is not bleached enough, apply another layer of peroxide.
4. Wash down the surface with clean water after it is bleached to your satisfaction. Use a brush to help remove the chemicals. Dry with paper towels and rinse a second time in 20 minutes. Be sure to remove all the bleach or you will experience difficulties during the finishing process.
5. Allow the wood to dry completely in a well-ventilated room indoors for a minimum of 24 hours. Keep out of sunlight or this will increase the bleaching of the wood and cause the coloring to become uneven.
6. Sand the wood paneling with a 180-fine grain sandpaper before sealing or coloring. Wipe any residual sand off the wood before apply any coating.
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