Removing black stain from window sashes?

[mudball]

Our windows took a hard hit this winter due to moisture - condensation and ice. Now the sashes are stained black. Bleach doesn't work very well lifting the stain but does lessen it somewhat. I wonder if deck-prep (wood restorer?) would help. Or do you have any other suggestions to refresh the wood before a long, long overdue refinish?

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Removing black stain from window sashes?

That looks like mold caused by the condensation. Try a specialized mold spray. Bleach is one of the worst things to put on mold. I use something called Concrobium. Here we can get it at any of the larger hardware stores. Comes in a green and purple bottle. Here is a link to some photos.

http://https://www.google.ca/search?um=1&client=safari&hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=ExAqU_zcEMfcqQG204CIAw&q=concrobium+cloth&oq=concrobium&gs_l=img.1.1.0l3j0i24l7.2504.5999.0.7927.10.7.0.3.3.0.181.929.2j5.7.0....0...1c.1.37.img..1.9.844.7X7-4FDkXV0#facrc=_&imgrc=WSYbmp11awC1yM%253A%3Bjd4zD74BxWnEuM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.homedepot.com%252Fcatalog%252FproductImages%252F300%252F8e%252F8e23184f-8358-491f-86a4-2c74ff1cbcce_300.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.homedepot.com%252Fp%252FConcrobium-32-oz-Mold-Control-025326%252F100654126%3B300%3B300

 

[lakelover]

Re: Removing black stain from window sashes?

http://https://www.google.ca/search?um=1&client=safari&hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=ExAqU_zcEMfcqQG204CIAw&q=concrobium+cloth&oq=concrobium&gs_l=img.1.1.0l3j0i24l7.2504.5999.0.7927.10.7.0.3.3.0.181.929.2j5.7.0....0...1c.1.37.img..1.9.844.7X7-4FDkXV0#facrc=_&imgrc=WSYbmp11awC1yM%253A%3Bjd4zD74BxWnEuM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.homedepot.com%252Fcatalog%252FproductImages%252F300%252F8e%252F8e23184f-8358-491f-86a4-2c74ff1cbcce_300.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.homedepot.com%252Fp%252FConcrobium-32-oz-Mold-Control-025326%252F100654126%3B300%3B300

(Link not working....just google Concrobium.)

I'm looking for something too, to reclaim some window trim with the same problem.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Removing black stain from window sashes?

That looks to be water stains. I'm afraid you're into replacement or paint.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: Removing black stain from window sashes?

As foodfisher said, it looks like water stains. Try a light sanding. If the water didn't go in to deep you might get down to fresh wood.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Removing black stain from window sashes?

Strip, sand, and refinish as best you can.
May not remove discoloration completely.
That is how homes get "character".

As long as the wood has not rotted, it will be ok.

If you need it to look perfect, paint it or replace it.
If you replace it, you will likely need to replace all the wood to get it to match.
Then you will need to do the window next to it so that it matches.
Then the door and baseboard trim, and so on. Eventually, you will end up replacing the entire house !!!!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Removing black stain from window sashes?

I would lightly sand and then use varnish or poly in aboyt 3 coats. If you want a santin finish then use some 0000 steel wool to rub the final finish and it will remove the gloss.

That black staining is where the old finish was lifted and or eaten away by the UV rays from the sun too.

 

[mudball]

Re: Removing black stain from window sashes?

Thanks to all of you for your comments. The water-stain-needs-stirpping-sanding-and-refinishing direction confirms my thinking. There are a lot of windows in the house which precludes painting because not all of them are so dire. Thanks again!