Dilemma

C

Cabbit

Joined
Apr 2, 2004
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577
I received a certain HI Import product today with an intricately carved sandalwood handle and am completely blown away by it.

I have to compliment Kumar on an AMAZING job on this piece. The use of the sandalwood in the handle makes this not only an incredible piece but also adds a number of holistic properties to the piece due to sandalwood's spiritual and medicinal properties. This is a very rare item in that it has both physical and spiritual power.

I planned on putting up photos of it shortly after receiving it, however I don't believe it should be shown in its current state due to the amount of rouge used on the carved handle. The excess rouge was likely used because to get past export restrictions on Sandalwood (its almost extinct) and to smooth and protect the carving during transport.

The sad part is the rouge has completely hidden the natural beauty of the wood.

I've read up on ways to remove the rouge, however due to the delicate properties of the wood I'm unsure if I should use the chemicals noted. Sandalwood has a distinctive odor, and I'm afraid that I would lose that using them.

So my dilemma is this, should I use the chemicals, or should I let the rouge rub off naturally over time?
 
I use Murphy's Oil Soap to remove the rouge on both horn and wood handles. You might try some on a small part of the handle and see of you like the results.
 
Hi Cabbit!

Ddean has a sticky called "Tips, Tricks, & Useful Finds." The procedure for removing the rouge, and getting the wood super well finished should be there.
 
Drdan said:
Hi Cabbit!

Ddean has a sticky called "Tips, Tricks, & Useful Finds." The procedure for removing the rouge, and getting the wood super well finished should be there.
Click to expand...

I read that, just wondering if the chemicals and cleaners recommended would remove the fragrance of the wood.
 
Cabbit,
Sandal wood's scent will fade with age, due to the oil in the wood drying out. If you use a cleaner, make sure it does not strip the oil from the wood. Sandal wood is somewhat rare but is managed by a Indian Shik (not sure of spelling okay). I know this fact, due to my step-father being from Calcutta, India and he brought me back a piece of Sandal wood. The color will also darken with age sometimes, but a light sanding usually brings it back up.

Sharks_Edge

Karl B. :cool:
 
Cabbit said:
I read that, just wondering if the chemicals and cleaners recommended would remove the fragrance of the wood.
Click to expand...

:eek: Did you order the article in question knowing the wood species was sandalwood? If you do nothing, like Shark's Edge suggests, the odor will fade, but it will take several months. A light sanding will "refresh it" if you change your mind... To get rid of the odor NOW, you could put a coat of clear finish over the wood, once you removed the rouge, and any surface oils.

Shark's Edge... When I was in India, I purchased a lot of articles made of sandalwood, including bottles of pure sandalwood oil. The oil had government stamps on it, and I was told that the government regulated the cutting of trees and commerce of the wood.

I personally think sandalwood has a maaaarvelous odor. :) :p
 
Drdan--I think Cabbit wants to preserve the sandalwood aroma, not remove it.

Cabbit--you might be able to clean most of the rouge off with an old toothbrush simply by scrubbing. I dunno. It seems like cleaning agents might impart their own aroma to the wood.

--Josh
 
Yes, I knew it was sandalwood when I ordered it.

I too have a bit of sandalwood oil around and I wouldn't feel bad about using said oil to refresh the fragrance of the handle.
 
Oooops, sorry! :footinmou

Use sandalwood oil to protect the sandalwood; a few drops once and a while would keep the article both protected and aromatic. I think the sandalwood would overpower the chemicals used in tweaking the wood itself.
 
Mineral Spirits and Teak Oil

3 Pint Jars
- one with mineral spirits 100%
- one with spirits & teak oil 50/50
- one with teak oil 100%

Get a toothbrush and a cloth and be ready to move quickly.


Start with the cloth soaked in spirits alone. Rub the handle over and over, changing to clean spots when they get red....then to a new cloth if needed.

When the "bleeding" slows down, move to the toothbrush, dunking it in a pint jar full of spirits. Scrub it good.

If you do a good job, you'll be done in less than 5 minutes. Be vigorous, take it quickly.


Then do the same thing with the 50/50 jar.

It should completely stop "bleeding" and will take less time - probably half.

Immediately give it a coat of teak oil and let it sit for an hour or two. You can give it another coat if you want or use tung oil.

Important: use penetrating oils only if you want to preserve the smell, and don't do too many coats. If you over shoot it, you can always back it down with 100% spirits.
 
Well that's kinda hard question in a way. Personally I would try an old simple remedy. Use a little bit of baking soda on a stiff bristle toothbrush with a minimum amount of water and scrub vigorously.
Do a small area at a time, maybe a 1" X 1" square to see how it works and let dry before trying it again to see if it works.

Damned kamis and their rouge anyway!:grumpy: I tell you, "They are Lazy and Spoiled!":rolleyes: :D
 
Hey, Dan, I don't remember seeing that in TT&UF. If it's not there, it should be. Good information.
 
Cabbit said:
Well, considering the handle slabs are 1"x2"
Click to expand...
Well, then just do a place the width of the toothbrush.;)
The baking soda is a mild abrasive and doesn't impart any odor of it's own, but then it's used to absob odors as well. Might be a little salt on the brush may be better. You're right, it is a dilemma.:(

Edit:
You know, thinking about it it might be just as well to use a little mineral oil on the brush and see what happens. The oil should loosen the rouge and not harm the sandalwood. I think I would try that first. Mineral oil is pretty innoccuous methinks.
 
Aardvark said:
Hey, Dan, I don't remember seeing that in TT&UF.
Click to expand...
Scroll down to post #4 (used to be #1)

I think it won't take as much odor away as solvent methods

As noted, eventually sandlewood oil evaporates anyway

And if you are going to finish the wood......................


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Hey...what does HI sell specifically in Sandalwood?
 
Whatever they find when they open the box from Nepal.
 
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