How to Get Rid of Acid Nail Marks on Wood

The ugly, dark stains on your wood siding, deck or furniture occur when nongalvanized nails are exposed to moisture and begin the rust. Through a process known as oxidation, the rust stains become darker or black in color and detract from the appearance of your wood surface. Acid nail marks don't need to make your wood surface look old and dirty. You can get rid of acid nail marks with proper supplies that are safe and effective for wood.

Old clothing
Rubber boots
Rubber gloves
Ladder
Wood finish stripper
Paintbrush
Rags
Steel wool
Hose
Rust remover
Bucket
1 cup bleach
Scrub brush
Wood stain

Instructions

- 1
  Wear old clothing and rubber or work boots to avoid ruining good clothes. Put on gloves to protect your skin from irritating chemical solutions.
- 2
  Set up a ladder to reach high places, if needed. Apply wood finish stripper to remove paint or finish around the areas with nail stains. Use a paintbrush or rag to apply the stripper according to manufacturer's instructions.
- 3
  Scrub the wood with steel wool to remove finish or paint loosened by the stripper. Rinse the wood surface with a hose to remove the stripping solution and loosened finish.
- 4
  Squirt a commercial rust remover onto nails with surface rust. Scrub the nails with the steel wool to remove the rust to prevent further staining. Rinse the nails off with water.
- 5
  Pour 1 gallon of hot water into a bucket. Add 1 cup of bleach.
- 6
  Soak a stiff-bristled scrub brush in the bleach solution. Scrub the wood to remove the acid nail marks and discolored areas.
- 7
  Rinse the wood surface with the hose. Allow the wood to dry for 24 hours to ensure it's dry.
- 8
  Apply wood finish to the surface with a clean paintbrush, following package directions. Let the finish dry.

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