What causes blue stain in pine?
There may also be holes where beetles have bored through the wood. The coloring of Blue Stain Pine most commonly occurs from a fungus carried by the Mountain Pine Beetle. The beetle bores into the wood, infecting the tissue with fungus, which softens it and makes it easier for the beetle to burrow and lay its eggs.
Why is pine beetle wood blue?
The beetle bore into the tree, lay their eggs, and cut off the flow of nutrients & water, killing the tree from the inside out. A fungus from the beetle is introduced into the tree and discolors the wood with a distinct blue tint.
Can you stain blue stain pine?
Staining. By staining Beetle Kill Blue Pine, you can add even more personality to this gorgeous wood. Choosing the right stain will bring out the character and personality of the wood, making it perfect for floors, walls, cabinet or even tables and other furniture projects you may have.
Is blue stain wood safe?
What about health and safety concerns? Blue stain poses no health risk, and blue-stained lumber is safe to handle. The same safety rules for using non-stained lumber apply to blue-stained lumber: Wear eye protection and a dust mask when sawing or machining lumber.
Can you build with ponderosa pine?
Ponderosa Pine is generally recognized as the most versatile wood found in abundance in North America. Its uses range throughout every phase of light construction. Low-grade lumber is used for boxes, crates and wood packaging. Knotty Ponderosa pine is also used for interior woodwork.
What is killing the pine trees in Colorado?
Now, after marching across the state and killing millions of acres of pine forest, the burrowing, fungus-spreading mountain pine beetles are slowly losing steam. While other beetles have thrived in Colorado’s drought-ravaged mountains, the mountain pine beetles have reigned as the state’s most nefarious pest.
How do you treat blue stain fungus?
Temperatures higher than 150°F are lethal to blue-stain fungi. Dry kiln operators should be able to use drying schedules to control blue stain. In the summer months and in the tropics, dry kiln operators should chemically treat the wood with fungicides in addition to using proper kiln schedules.
How do you get blue stain out of wood?
Begin by mixing baking soda with white vinegar or lemon juice to make a paste. It should be at least as thick as toothpaste. Spread the paste over the stained area and gently rub it with a sponge or your fingers. Spray the area with plain water, or white vinegar for an added cleaning boost.