Best way to neutralize oxalic acid?

[bluedog225]

I put some oxalic acid on a piece of furniture I am refinishing to remove/lighten some stains (deck cleaner). It caused the stain in that area to be about two shades lighter than the other parts.

What is the best/recommended way to neutralize? I have read that 50% ammonia/water. Also saw mention of baking soda.

I'll have to sand off the poly finish anyway and start over.

Many thanks

tom

[Mrleft8]

Plain water.

[Glen Longino]

Tequila!

[Mrleft8]

Tequila!

No.... Not Ouahaxal acid......"Oxalic acid"

[Keith Wilson]

Vinegar. Yes, it's an acid too, but it works.

[Glen Longino]

No.... Not Ouahaxal acid......"Oxalic acid"

I suspected it along...you're a closet Mexican!

[LongIslandBoy]

Not tryin' to be a wisea**, but wouldn't that info be on the bottle/box/package that the oxalic acid came in?

[C. Ross]

I've seen pictures of mrleft8's and Keith's work. I'd do anything they say, but I've always used baking soda. Dissolve oxalic AND baking soda in distilled water only.

[bluedog225]

Not tryin' to be a wisea**, but wouldn't that info be on the bottle/box/package that the oxalic acid came in?

Thanks. I rinsed with water. Maybe not enough. Package didn't give a lot of detail but it was deck wash.

[bluedog225]

Bump.

Sanding and cleaning some masts.

Ordered a great big bag of oxolic acid off ebay.

Why only distilled water?

Thanks

Tom

[David G]

Sure... distilled water if you got it. I've never bothered. No problems. Maybe because the water in this part of the country is pure?

Safety first. Oxalic acid is a bit nasty. Don't want it on your skin. Absolutely don't want to be breathing it. After the oxalic acid dries... don't brush it off or blow <note edit - I see where your confusion came from> it off. Sluice it off with water. Then rinse again with a mild alkaline solution. Water with baking soda. Water with a dash of household ammonia. Remember this stuff is pretty mild, so you may need to do another application of oxalic acid... or two. Same rinsing procedure when you think you're done... but you don't have to do it after each hit of oxalic acid.

[bluedog225]

Thanks David. I'll be more carefull....next time....oops. Was pretty casual with it. I'll check the msds.

Don't understand "sluice" as used here. Don't hose because it may splash?

[David G]

Thanks David. I'll be more carefull....next time....oops. Was pretty casual with it. I'll check the msds.

Don't understand "sluice" as used here. Don't hose because it may splash?

Hose is fine. Just don't stir up acid-particle dust.