How to stop spalting

[Kelly]

I have some beautiful spalted sycamore that has been properly stickered in my shed for 2 years.
It has 12 % moisture content and I am ready to use it. Should any special measures be taken to make sure I am not introducing harmful spores into my home when I bring the finished piece in? When does the “spalting” stop ?

 

[jlwest]

I don't think the "spores" , if any, are harmful. If the wood is finished I would not worry about it.

 

[Stabilization Solutions]

Agreed with Jlwest, if it is well finished it will be perfectly fine. The only ways I know to fully arrest the spalting is drenching it with bleach which opens a big can of other headaches or a heat cycle to an internal 185f+ for a few hours. It being 12% it would likely have some siginificant movment and checking at that temprature. I will suggest masking up when cutting and sanding it, I had a severe upper respitory infection after processing a large batch of spalted maple with inadequate PPE.

 

[mquan01]

this is a good article abbot spalting

Make it special with spalted wood

Its fine lines and random patterns lend an exotic look to any project. Here’s what you need to know.

www.woodmagazine.com

 

[mquan01]

also Google 'Dr. Spalting'. Sara gave us a presentation years ago and she knows more about this than anyone.