Thread: Mold on timber after steambening

Not something I’ve heard of before. Are you sure it’s mould?

Is the timber sanded before putting in the steamer? Some sanding abrasives ‘rust’ when steamed

I would be doubtful that it’s mould steam will kill any organism. Most organisms will die over 80c for 10 minutes. Essentially sterilising the wood. There is no way it will suddenly appear after steaming.

If it looks grey or black its probably iron oxide staining. It can show up after water touches some timbers that have come into contact with steel particles . Oxalic acid makes it instantly dissapear.

Rob

This is going to sound random but just on steam killing mold - I occasionally grow mushrooms (king oysters, shiitaki, lions mane etc) in hardwood timber and the only way to kill endospores with with pressure+heat. Steam alone wont sterlise it (it will pasteurize).

Thanks for the responses everyone,
I think Rob is on the money with the iron oxide staining. I was so worried because it was coming up all spotty, and yes they are black/grey spots

Just out of interest, what sort of timbers are you bending?

Just one timber, Vic Ash