Lightening wood

[Alcareyjr]

I was wandering in the woods looking for the Keebler elves when i ran across a dead log. This part looked like it may have been either a burl or a branch that had rotted off. My question is how can i lighten/brighten it to show more of the grain pattern?
PS. I didn't find the elves, and had to be satisfied with the piece of log.

 

[Dee2]

Are the pictures as found or have you peeled off some of the exterior?

 

[Mike Davis]

Bleach; household laundry type or there is a special two part wood bleach.

but, I thought this was going to be about wood that has been struck by lightning. There is a theory that lightning struck wood has special properties that are great for musical instruments. My daughter has a harp that is a reproduction of one in the Guinness beer museum in Ireland. Her harp was made from a walnut tree that was killed by lightning at the Biltmore Estate.

 

[Phil S]

Draino works great. It is strong so please wear PPE

 

[wsrhue]

I would try using a wire brush to it before trying bleach. It looks like there is still quite a bit of dirt in the crevices that can be brushed away.

 

[Steve Martin]

Scrub with warm soapy water and a wire brush. Dry in the sun. When dry, rub on boiled linseed oil or walnut oil. Repeat until the grain is sharp.

 

[Alcareyjr]

Are the pictures as found or have you peeled off some of the exterior?

This is how I found it except for cutting it down to size.

 

[Alcareyjr]

I would try using a wire brush to it before trying bleach. It looks like there is still quite a bit of dirt in the crevices that can be brushed away.

I was going to use a nylon bristle brush since I didn't want to damage the surface, just brighten it up.