Project Brief
This project involved bleaching feature grade spotted gum timber to remove its naturally dark and warm tones while ensuring a smooth, uniform finish. The client wanted a much lighter appearance, free of any red or pinky hues, and requested a subtle lime-washed effect.
Additionally, some sections of the floor required replacement, which created visible gaps between the newly installed boards and the existing timber. The goal was to achieve a bright, cohesive look that blended the old and new seamlessly.
Original Condition of the Timber
The original timber had a deep, dark color that absorbed too much light, making the space feel heavy and enclosed.
Due to previous treatments and natural aging, some areas had deeper tones than others. New replacement boards were slotted into certain areas, but due to milling differences and age variation, they did not match the original timber, creating inconsistencies that needed correction.
Bleaching Spotted gum for a Lighter, More Modern Look
To remove the dark and red tones, we applied a controlled bleaching process. Spotted gum timber, known for its high tannin content and natural oils, requires careful treatment to ensure the bleach reacts evenly across all areas.
Controlled bleaching – A gradual approach was used to lighten the timber without damaging the grain or causing patchy results.
Multiple bleaching applications – We repeated the process in areas where the red tones were more stubborn, ensuring uniformity.
Surface preparation – After bleaching, the timber was neutralized to prevent unwanted chemical reactions with subsequent finishes.
Addressing Challenges with Bleaching and Finishing
One of the biggest challenges with bleaching feature grade spotted gum is its natural reaction to paint residues, oils, and tannins embedded in the grain. These can sometimes cause issues when applying water-based finishes, leading to discoloration, blotchiness, or adhesion problems.
To overcome these issues:
We performed multiple rounds of surface neutralization after bleaching.
The timber was carefully sanded and prepped to remove any hidden contaminants.
A high-quality water-based lime product was applied in thin, even layers to prevent streaking or blocky patches.
Custom Samples for the Client
Understanding that the client wanted the lightest possible result, we prepared multiple custom water-based lime wash samples to fine-tune the final look. These samples showcased:
Variations in bleaching intensity to gauge how much of the dark tones could be removed.
Different lime wash levels to achieve a natural, non-streaky finish.
How the new and old boards would blend after the bleaching and lime washing process.
Through this process, the client selected the lightest option, ensuring a bright and refined appearance without harsh contrasts.
Final Finishing: Durable & Hard-Wearing Protection
Once the perfect lime-washed tone was achieved, we sealed the timber with a premium water-based polyurethane finish. This provided:
High durability – Ensuring the floors would withstand daily wear and tear.
Non-yellowing properties – Keeping the light, natural look intact over time.
Eco-friendly and low VOC – A sustainable choice for modern renovations.
Smooth, consistent finish – Preserving the beauty of the grain while maintaining a bright, refined aesthetic.
Client Reaction
The client was delighted with the results, especially with how even and natural the finish appeared. Their biggest concern was ensuring the floor had no red tones and no streaky or blocky appearance—both of which were successfully eliminated through our meticulous process. The added protection of the water-based polyurethane gave them confidence that the new look would remain durable and beautiful for years to come.
This project highlights how bleaching blackbutt, combined with expert lime washing and careful finishing, can achieve a stunning, modern flooring transformation.