by WOODWEB's Finishing Team:
John Buries and Bob Niemeyer
Q. Is it possible to to remove mineral streaks in maple by bleaching?
A. John Buries responds: There has been little to no success in trying to bleach the mineral streaks out of maple. The application process alone requires literally brushing the bleach on to the mineral streaks. If you could efficiently accomplish this, you would have to apply it numerous times maybe up to 10 coats with a 2-part bleach.
The end result can still leave much to be desired. The color of the streak never bleaches as white as the maple, you may have a green tint left. It is a surface application and any sanding will probably reveal more of the dark streak.
In an isolated case, such as a valued piece, it may be worth the effort. In production I think it would be cost prohibitive and would achieve marginal results. Using this grade of maple for colors that will hide the mineral streaks or pre-staining to mask the streaks is probably the best approach.
