Mold on railing

jkk

We used to hang wet clothes (delicates like sweaters) on this railing. I think the black spots are mold. Any ideas on removing the mold without damaging the finish?

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joecaption

Not going to happen.
Going to have to sand it all down kill the mold and restain and seal.

oh'mike

That is NOT mold-----

You have a red oak hand rail with failing finish---

Red oak turns gray or black when it gets wet----the natural tannins in the oak cause the color change--

that hand rail has been washed with water more than once-----

Cure? strip, sand, restain and varnish/poly--

and do not wash oak with water-----

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jkk

Suggestions on how to strip? I've never stripped anything like this.

oh'mike

I'd suggest Marine strip or Stripeze---any good chemical stripper will do---

If you can limit the stripping to the top ans sides and leave the bottom alone --your job will be easier----

You will also need mineral spirits and steel wool---

Do not us water to wash off the stripper---this is red oak and it will turn gray if you do that---

then hand sand---and coat with three coats of oil based poly----

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