Gary, Valerie is right about the wood bleach being an effective way to
lighten a dark
wood. In addition to the oxalic acid type wood bleach that she mentions
there is a
two part (A-B solution) that most professionals prefer to use. It is quite
possible that
the wood bleach will not be necessary if the dark color is in a stain that is
on the
wood and not in the wood. A paint and varnish remover (stripper) will be
necessary
to remove the varnish from the dash either way so that the wood bleach can
work
on the wood. The bleach will not work on a varnished surface so the varnish
must
come off. When you remove the varnish some of the wood stain will come out as
well
and the wood will be lighter. If the wood is still to dark then it is time
for the bleach.
It is also possible that the natural color of the walnut is darker than you
would like.
Walnut wood can be quite dark in its natural state. Wood bleach will take
the wood
lighter than it comes in its natural state but, this is an unnatural ashy
look and you will most likely want to use a light stain to bring back some
color. If you think this is
too much work and go to the belt sander make sure you have a solid wood dash
and
not a veneer. A power sander will go right threw a veneer in short order.
You can tell
if the dash is solid by looking at the back and gauge holes and this will
also tell you
how dark the natural walnut is. I hope that this information is more helpful
than
confusing and good luck.
Mark Moore
74 tr6
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