How do I sand stamps off of lumber?

Question

I just finished building a deck. The boards have stamps 1–2 ft from each end, and I could not bring my self to be as wasteful as to always cut them off. I tried to place the boards with the stamp down when possible, but the mill seemed to have taken special care to place the stamp on the “good” (undamaged) side of most boards. Here is a picture:

deck stamp

I probably have 30–50 of these stamps to sand off. How easily do they come off—is it too much to do by hand, using a block and sandpaper, given that I have no ambition of becoming the next Karate Kid? If so, I will have to convince my wife to let me buy another powertool. :) Should I get a belt sander, or will a random-orbit sander or Mouse be sufficient for this job? (The latter two would be more useful for future indoor projects.)

score 4 · Answer 1 · edited Jul 27 '10 at 14:25

4

If you can get under your deck I'd try and do a test sanding just using sandpaper and some arm strength to see how easy the stamps come off. I'd be willing to bet a small orbital sander would do the trick with some fine grit paper.

Orbital sanders are pretty cheap so convincing the wife shouldn't be too much trouble. Maybe hop on craigslist or ebay and see if ya snag one on the cheap.

edited Jul 27 '10 at 14:25

Robert Cartaino

245
3
14

answered Jul 27 '10 at 14:00

You can probably rent an orbital or belt sander at home depot for a few bucks as well. – Eric Petroelje Jul 27 '10 at 14:03
2

@eric: Never waste a good opportunity to buy new tools. =) – JohnFx Jul 27 '10 at 14:22
1

@JohnFx - I used to think the same thing, but now I got so many tools I don't know what to do with them all :) – Eric Petroelje Jul 27 '10 at 15:01
@Eric - Craigslist! :) I'd buy some if I lived closer LOL – Jul 27 '10 at 15:10
@Scott - but once I have a tool, I can't get rid of it... I might need it someday right? (probably the day after I sell it) – Eric Petroelje Jul 27 '10 at 15:28
you can get cheap palm sander for < $15 - why not? – Wayne Werner Jul 27 '10 at 23:30

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 27 '10 at 17:14

2

I was curious if you could wash those off and found an article that has four different ways to wash off stamp ink: http://www.ehow.com/how_5185607_remove-ink-stamp-wood.html.

Of course this is talking about stamp pad ink but I would try one of these to see if you could get the ink out first before going to sanding it (sanding could be visible if you are not very careful).

answered Jul 27 '10 at 17:14

Jeff Widmer

8,132
12
45
64

Although after reading your question again, maybe you are looking for a reason to buy a new tool. ;) – Jeff Widmer Jul 27 '10 at 17:15
[cough], how did you know? It takes one to know one, I suppose. – Vebjorn Ljosa Jul 27 '10 at 17:31

score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 29 '10 at 12:55

1

It looks like you're using untreated dimensional lumber for your deck. If you want that to last you really need to paint it. That would get rid of the stamps. Untreated fir like that really doesn't like to be outdoors. Even with a deck sealer you're not going to get the life out of it that you'll be happy with I think. Especially if it's uncovered as most decks are.

answered Jul 29 '10 at 12:55

Cody C

2,811
2
17
18

No, it's pressure treated. Home Depot's variety isn't as green as the other ones. – Vebjorn Ljosa Jul 29 '10 at 13:09
1

however be carefull that you replace the treatment you send of. – Walker Aug 17 '10 at 10:51

score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Nov 09 '17 at 22:30

According to this link, https://www.decks.com/how-to/494/removing-ink-stamps-from-lumber, the ink is somewhat washable. It will wear off on its own, and can be scrubbed off with bar soap and abrasive scrubbing pads. If that doesn't work, you can still sand, or leave it to wear away on its own.

score 0 · Answer 5 · answered Jul 28 '10 at 23:19

0

Have you asked the mill if there is a way for you to remove their ink?

Failing any useful response from them, you might want to try lemon juice. I know it's good for removing the stains from steel coming into contact with tannin and it might work.

answered Jul 28 '10 at 23:19

Bernhard Hofmann

463
6
17

How do I sand stamps off of lumber?

5 Answers5