How to Remove Bark From Live Edge Wood
- 1). Remove any loose pieces of bark by hand. Chip the pieces away with your fingers and nails. Do not pull back hard enough to splinter the natural edge of the wood. If it seems stuck down, leave it.
- 2). Wash the perimeter with a high-pressure water hose and power washer. Power washers can be rented from a hardware store, or your slab can be taken to the local car wash. Hold the power hose at an angle so the high-pressure stream of water goes just under the edge of the bark like the bit of a chisel. The pressure of the water strips away the bark and cleans the dirt and debris from the surface.
- 3). Brush away any remaining bark with a wire bristle brush in an electric drill or right-angle grinder. Go slowly so you have full control. Use the wire brush to grind away the bark, without scarring the live edge. If the bark does not come free completely, and you strip it away one layer at a time, stop where there is still a thin layer of bark on the live edge.
- 4). Sand the live edge to remove any thin areas of bark with a high-grain or fine sanding block. This should be done completely by hand and with very light strokes. If you sand too deeply, you scratch the live edge, and leave distinguishable scarring. Stop as soon as you reach the live edge.
- 5). Power wash again to knock the dust and grit away from the finished edge. Allow the slab to dry completely before using it in furniture construction.
