Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Moldy Wood
I twice turn my wet wood bowls. After rough turning I coat in Anchorseal. Sometimes but, not always, I get some mold. What is the safest way to finish turn wood with mold? I assume it is no different than turning spalted woods. I have a Trend Airshield Pro which I always wear when turning and sanding. Is that good enough or, should I treat the wood first with something like deck cleaner or diluted bleach? Already have asthma. Don't want to make it worse.
TIA, Doug in Sunny Seattle
Re: Moldy Wood
Mold is quite different than spalting.
Per Dr. Seri C. Robinson in her book "SPALTING 101"......when asked "Is spalting dangerous to people?" "No. Spalting is not mold (and in mold's defense, most molds are completely benign too."
Wash the mold off. The wood will be dry in an hour.
If you already have respiratory issues, add a little chlorox to the wash. You can also wipe the fresh-turned wet wood the chlorox before you anchorseal it. Most wood molds are harmless unless you happen to be allergic to them. Lots of people have issues with plain old mildew mold.