Mineral Deposits – Indian Rosewood

[Dave Staudte (rhymms with "Howdy") NB Guitar Repair (New Braunfels, TX)]

At Taylor if it wasn’t too bad, we would pick it out by hand with the back of an X-Acto blade.

If it was really bad it would require an Acid Wash. I can get the product they used if necessary for you. Seen it a lot on the Ovankol as well. And occasionally the Sapelle….

You could maybe try to dissolve it with some vinegar?

[Brian Boedigheimer BBmade]

Thank you. If you think of the stuff they used at Taylor let me know. I am actually asking this for a friend that sent me a message today. It may have been vinegar that I heard about. It had to have been on a Looth Group stream.

Thanks!

[Brent Gable Gable Guitars]

I’ve had good luck using a rag dampened with lacquer thinner. I’m not sure if that dissolves the mineral deposit or colors it with the tint of the wood, but it seems to work. I had some mahogany that was riddled with it, and a friend with a furniture refinishing background told me to try it.

[Paul McGill McGill guitars]

I have removed the minerals with vinegar.

I used a tooth brush.

I do not remember if I neutralized the acidity before finishing. Likely just sanded over it.

Paul