will vinegar stop wood rot will vinegar stop wood rot

Next, use the wet rag to rub where youll be positioning the patch. But first, you need a few supplies to deliver a satisfactory finish. The soils organic matter is home to growing fungal organisms, affecting the material upon contact. Vinegar does not damage untreated wood when diluted with olive oil or water before applying it. White vinegar will stop wood rot because it is a fungicide, which has antimicrobial properties. Wood rot is caused by fungi and needs specific conditions to thrive. Does vinegar stop wood rot? Rub the furniture with moistened cloth in a circular motion after dipping it in vinegar oil mixture. Nonetheless, it is prudent to stop fungi at early rot development stages. It also helps prevent wood rot. There are three types of rot. For instance, the honey mushroom attacks live trees, causing untold damage. As a result, they generate tiny wood holes, causing cracking and discoloration. Polyurethane glue usually foams and expands before hardening. These conditions include temperature, moisture, and pH level. Im Walter, the woodworking enthusiast behind Woodworkly. When you apply vinegar solution that dye due to rust on a wood surface, it will automatically turn into deep color upon drying. It can be molded to match the exact wood profile. Further, it works best on lumber unexposed to elements, like under a roof or indoors. This includes the siding on a house and wood around appliances and outdoor decking areas. In order to stop wood from turning grey after applying vinegar, use a new product of vinegar and never use rusty steel wool when applying vinegar on wood. If you dont notice any negative impact on the area you tested, your prepared vinegar solution is good to go for the whole cleaning process. Use a scraper or putty knife to apply the formula. Since the wood has already been damaged, you must monitor for signs of further decay as there is an increased risk of future rot. Common household bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill and stop the spread of the fungi that causes wood rot. This homemade natural cleaning solution wood polish leaves both a delightful scent and shine. It can be easily repaired with this restoration product. These conditions include wood that has a moisture content of at least 20 percent and an abundance of air. Combine #lemonjuice with vinegar or olive oil to make compound #cleaningproducts that work hard! Mallet. This condition is caused by fungi that eat away at woods cell walls. youll about to see super clean, fresh- and nice-looking furniture after cleaning the wood with vinegar. If the rot is detected early, you can avoid having to spend a large amount of money on repairs later. Adding lemon oil or squeeze of lemon juice is an optional step that is useful to penetrate deep into the small cracks on the wood surface to remove the dirt inside the wood. If you notice any watermarks or if the finished or painted surface is damaged, you should immediately stop the application process and start to work again on the mixing process. You can polish the wood with vinegar quite easily. Unfortunately, most patching products do not stick to existing paint. Therefore, read the discussion above for more insight. But thats a quick snapshot and theres a lot more to know about, can you use vinegar on wood? Apply the formula to the wood during construction or when an active decay fungus is stopped. There are several types of rot, including wet, dry, and brown rot. And apply a generous product amount and push it into the rotted region. In this article, the expert team at Danford, Brewer & Ives answer the question, what is wet rot in wood? and explain how and why it needs to be treated. This way, the scenario will not reoccur after applying the formula. It may slow it down, but it won't stop it. However, chlorine bleach causes excessive wood pulping and alters its color. White vinegar will stop wood rot because it is a fungicide, which has antimicrobial properties. For example, try to make a new vinegar solution by adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar instead of 3 into a cup of water. The vinegar and water mixing ratio should be 1:3 when cleaning the wood. Generally, cedar is a typical patch option for most projects. Another treatment for wood rot involves applying a fungicide. Give the epoxy 24 hours to dry, then it is ready for sanding, priming, and painting. Coconut oil is another option when dealing with wood rot at home. Once you find the source, you can get rid of the fungi and prevent the spread of the rot. Dry rot is an example of a common problem that affects wooden structures. Thankfully, it is easy to spot differences between wood rot and mold. Heres how to polish the wood with vinegar. It also causes devastating structural damage if it persists. Does vinegar kill wood rot? The hardener will soak into the rotten wood and form a solid foundation for the paint. Then, remove all dirt, primer, and rust to facilitate better adhesion. Remember, the more frequently you check, the sooner youll notice any problems and the quicker youll be able to correct them! First, paint the lumber with a bonding compound. Use a putty knife to shape the paste on the lumber. If you want to keep the wood furniture stay original color without aging for so long better not to use vinegar for cleaning purposes. WoodCritique.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Caused by fungal spores feeding on damp timbers, if wet rot isnt treated quickly, it can lead to potentially serious structural damage to your property. He is passionate about woodworking projects & plays with woodworking tools having spent over 2 decades as a leader for Woodworking Planet. Fungicides can help prevent rot by interfering with key processes in fungal cells. Required fields are marked *. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent dry rot. Thus, diluting the formula with water before applying it to the affected lumber is advisable. Combine some olive oil, white vinegar, and a little bit of elbow grease to restore and fix scratches on your wood surfaces!#tuesday #cleaning #clean #home #love #housecleaning #cleaningservice #cleaningtips #happy #cleanhome #realestate #carpetcleaning pic.twitter.com/IrYNiSoFN5. Will vinegar stop wood rot? You can use vinegar for cleaning any wood surface including indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, wood countertops, wood carvings, and flooring. Then, ensure the circle is a half-inch thick to deliver enough to mix. It is just a little bit different from the cleaning process. Bleach also kills and discourages mold and mildew growth. The acidity of vinegar is not strong enough for . Dampen the exposed lumber surface with a wet cloth. The acidity of vinegar can be harmful to some woods. Remember that wood tannins make it notoriously difficult to decompose. Dry rot is a fungus that only grows in damp areas. The fungus that causes dry rot needs both water and oxygen to grow. Therefore, wood wholly soaked in water does not have air for the fungi. If your house is built with balloon framing, you may be able to finesse a paint brush up into the wall cavity by working from the basement. Next, apply an even pressure amount and work in circular strokes to deliver a more uniform surface. Fungi growth rate slows down when the temperature is much lower or higher than this range. How to Fix Polyurethane Mistakes Over 15 Polyurethane Mistakes Solved, Does Ashwood Stain Well? The top chart mayhem position belongs to white rot fungi, the most successful and aggressive decomposer. To keep untreated wood from rotting, there are a few steps you can take: 1. Bleach also kills and discourages mold and mildew growth. Bleach can irritate your eyes, skin, and nasal cavity. The Janka rating of wood tells us how easily a wood can Hi there! Other white rot fungi variations include the artists conch and turkey tail. Love how rich Browns and Gold complement the wood. Some other fungicides include hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, boron solutions, baking soda, and ethylene or propylene glycol. Next, pour the solution into a jar and heat it gently. Experts recommend sealing all the cracks in areas subject to high humidity and using a dehumidifier to eliminate the excess moisture. You can also go for homemade dry rot treatments. Wait for about six hours and sand the excess glue from the patch. Below is more insight into the wood rot types. Here is how to do it: fill a spray bottle with 1 part lemon oil and 1 part white vinegar. Then, work down to fine-grit sandpaper, like 200-grit, for a smooth finish. Give the formula sufficient time to penetrate the wood. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Also, put the formula on a glass or plastic piece to keep it from sticking to the lumber. By doing this youll be able to identify whether you have used enough amounts of vinegar and olive oil, did you mix them well, are contaminated things. Asphalt prices tend to fluctuate with What Is Wet Rot in Wood? Thats how you should clean wood using vinegar. A thorough drying process will help to prevent the spread of the fungus. You should not directly pour concrete over grass. This solution can help prevent the spread of fungus and make wood last longer. In addition to looking like cobwebs, these fungi also produce mycelium, a cotton-wool-like mass. Get a disposable brush and have lacquer thinners on hand to clean the brush. Thus, firmly squeeze it with your fingers for better mixing. If the dry rot extends deeper than 1 4 inch (0.64 cm), boric acid won't have much of an effect. This fungus typically causes damage to load-bearing timber, but it can also affect outdoor wood. This is because zillions of fungal spores fly through the air and land on a new source of food. Also, refinish them to complement or match the surrounding surface. White vinegar stops lumber rot as it is a fungicide. Never use undiluted vinegar on wood since it will leave water marks and damage the wood's finish. The rust will react and dye the vinegar solution making a deep color. Generally, it sets within half an hour at under 24 degrees Celsius. Also, use a broad brush to apply thin, uniform coats. Apply dilute bleach to kill the wood rot and prevent it from spreading. Remove existing rot - If any rot exists on the wood, remove it with a wire brush, sandpaper, or a . If you suspect that your house has dry rot, you can take the following steps: Firstly, you must identify the wood. Regular polishing makes the wood fresh and prevents it from looking dull, dry, and worn. Make sure not to give air bubbles to trap inside the vinegar solution when mixing since they create troubles for the mixing process. Rub along the direction of the wood grain to remove the dust and dirt particles quite easily and to clean the wood properly. Vinegar can stop fungal spores from spreading, allowing you to contain the wood rot and stop it from causing further damage, but it's not the only treatment that can or needs to be applied. Borate can be applied to a wood structure during construction or as a treatment for active decay. Besides, it has antimicrobial properties, keeping wood-eating organisms at bay. The primary materials are bleach, a stiff brush, a cotton ball or spray bottle, a putty knife, a wood filler, and sandpaper. Then, stir the formula with a putty knife for about two minutes. Monitor the solution with a candy thermometer. When polishing lacquered, varnished, or painted surfaces, you need to wipe off the excess vinegar solution immediately on the wood with a soft cloth since staying vinegar solution on the finished surface for too long can peel off the finish. Generally, prevention is the best way to deal with wood rot. wood surface including indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, wood countertops, wood carvings, Make the mixture of white vinegar and water, Dip a cotton cloth in the vinegar solution, Make the mixture of white vinegar and olive oil, Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and olive oil with 2 cups of warm water in a jar, Close the lid and shake the jar well to make the vinegar solution, Test the vinegar solution on a small painted area to see the results, Dip a cotton cloth in vinegar solution, swell and moisten by wringing it, Rub moistened cloth gently on the painted surface in a circular motion to clean and polish the surface, Remove excess moisture using a cotton cloth, Let the surface dry for one, or two hours, Mix one part of vinegar with 4 parts of water in a jar, After mixing them properly, add the solution into a bottle of sprayer, Add a little amount of lemon oil or squeeze of lemon juice to the bottle, Take a lint-free tack cloth and spray the vinegar solution on it, Rub moistened cloth gently on the wood area with stains or mold in a circular motion to clean and remove stains and mold. Wet rot spreads by feeding on lumber, then emitting spores into the air. Brown rot has a darker appearance than white rot. Vinegar doesn't stop wood rot. As you can see therere lots of advantages of using white vinegar in wood over other artificial chemical products which are also not environmentally friendly. These conditions include moisture, a viable food source (wood), and oxygen. Even though cleaning and polishing wood using vinegar follows the same procedure, mixture preparation is a little bit different from each other. White rot involves multiple enzymes, enabling it to oxidize lignin. Free water is the moisture amount above the fiber saturation point. Another preventive measure you can take is to avoid allowing water to seep into the wood. Structural Damage Unlike wet rot, the fruiting bodies of dry rot can spread throughout the building on surfaces with a high density of moisture. Now you know, can you use vinegar on wood and how to use it properly on any wood without damaging or ruining the finish? In this article, we have deeply discussed, whether can you use vinegar on wood by taking the qualities of vinegar, uses of vinegar, how to use vinegar on wood for both polishing and cleaning, and more. I used tea and vinegar to make a natural dark wood stain Applied a few coats of sealer to finish the job pic.twitter.com/mM4tHAGyOd. Hickory Burns The Longest. Otherwise, it will cause skin irritation. You'll need to scrape away the rotted wood, which will take the rot-causing fungus with it. You do not use the correct paint on the wood. Otherwise, you risk compromising a buildings structural integrity. pic.twitter.com/mES8gukUr9. Repeat the cut until you remove the rotted wood by hand. The stronger the odor, the more fungi there are. Then buff the excess moisture using a clean dry cotton cloth. With a passion for DIY projects, plans, techniques, and tools, I'll share knowledge with woodworkers of all levels. Then, using the brush, apply as much CPES to the wood as the wood will allow. Wood rot is decay triggered by fungi and moisture. Get a clean putty knife and scrape off the excess formula. Otherwise, the situation will worsen, posing a risk to the structures integrity. Strongest Wood Joint Types and Uses- 13 Quality Wood Joint Types, Does Wood Glue Work On MDF? Thankfully, wood rot is easy to remove. Next, squeeze the hardener tube without removing the cap. Also, wear rubber gloves when handling the formula. Sometimes, this rot type cannot digest the lignin in certain lumber species. You can use multiple wood fillers, whether epoxy or polyester wood filler. Rub the furniture with moistened cloth in a circular motion after dipping it in vinegar oil mixture. When a wood structure starts to rot, excess moisture can contribute to the development of the problem. It is a nontoxic cleaning compound made with a weak form of acetic acid mixing with starches and sugars. Ensure you keep stirring the paint for easier handling. The best way to avoid wood rot in your home is by making sure it doesn't get too wet (or dry out completely), which will prevent the growth of mold and mildew as well as any rotting caused by water damage over time. Clothes Iron. Once the moisture level exceeds 30 percent, the wood is susceptible to the dry rot fungus. If yes, replace them with pre-treated ones. The affected wood loses structural strength. Yet, more than five million fungi exist in our soil and air. Thus, test the finish on a small, inconspicuous area before application. Sanders. You can use a scrap wood piece as a straightedge to deliver a clean, flat edge. Although the speed and spread of rot vary widely, all cases require suitable activation conditions. Mix one cup of white vinegar with 4 cups of warm water and one cup of olive oil and dip moistened cloth in it and rub the cloth in a circular motion to remove dust, dirt and polish the wooden surfaces. Fungicides to defeat brown rot include: baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, boron solutions, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, vinegar, etc. pic.twitter.com/ysl3XtS6V3. Spread the filler two inches beyond the rot problem. Never use undiluted vinegar on wood floors since it can leave water marks and ruin the wax finish on wood floors. It requires a high moisture level for growth and thrives in dark, damp conditions. Lemon juice kills mold, cuts grease, and leaves a streak-free shine. Only remove soft and rotting material. You can stop the rot on lumber using boric acid. This rot type sustains itself by feeding on nutrients and moisture from the wood. This will give a shiny effect to the wood. Finally, the paint should cure in ten minutes unless the area is humid. Doing this will further prevent the rot from spreading any further. Instead, it feeds on cellulose and sugar, making the affected area brown. Yes, white vinegar stops wood rot by stopping the fungus pores from spreading. If the screwdriver sinks into the wood, you've got a wood rot problem. First, you need to add one cup of water into the bucket and then pour 3 tablespoons of white vinegar into it. Nevertheless, it is prudent to treat all wood rot despite its variations. You 1:12 slope ratio (ADA Recommended) means that for every inch of rise, you will need one foot of ramp. Therefore, you can use vinegar to restore rotted wood rather than using artificial chemical compounds like Flex Seal on rotted wood. Let the material soak in the acid and cure thoroughly. Make sure not to apply white vinegar directly on the wooden surface since it can ruin your finish and leave water marks on the surface which are difficult to remove. Thus, you can mitigate its risk by removing moisture. If the applied area is ruined with your pre-prepared vinegar solution, make a new vinegar solution by reducing the vinegar portion in water. If you suspect that timbers in your home could be affected by wet rot, its best to have a specialist survey carried out to identify and remove the cause. Further, since the wood has a rot damage history, it has an increased rot occurrence risk. The formula revitalizes, replenishes, and protects lumber. Paint can hide wood rot, so poke the siding with the tip of the screwdriverthe wood should be firm and hard. But it is challenging to identify wet rot as it thrives in dark and poorly ventilated areas like roofs, lofts, and cellars. Joining MDF Boards In 5 Easy Steps, How to Use Mineral Spirit On Wood- 5 Ways to Safely Use Mineral Spirit. Do shed bases need to be perfectly level? However, the wood may take one to six months for rot to develop if it is in a 24. Give the wood filler 30 minutes to dry. However, the wood immediately starts to rot once water enters the equation. Besides, it is advisable to prime and paint the wood if youll use it in outdoor applications. Herere the steps you need to follow when polishing wood with vinegar, Ok. So, in order to get a better understanding, first lets see how to use vinegar for wood cleaning. After covering the whole wooden surface with the vinegar solution, take a clean cotton cloth and buff the wood in a circular motion to remove excess vinegar solution. You can do this by; Once the wood is dry; you can use the following fungicides to treat the wood rot; You can easily find wood preservatives containing copper or borate. It would be ideal if you performed this every two to three months. Wood rot causes multiple structural problems indoors and outdoors. In addition, wood preservatives eventually become weak, creating a conducive atmosphere for wood rot. Treatments made of ethylene glycol kills both wood-consuming fungi and insects that are drawn to damaged and weakened wood. Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed. Fungi are the simplest version of plant life. #woodsilk pic.twitter.com/TY7uegrGRT. These species last longer and have toxic substances to fungi. 2. Love it 8! Air-dried lumber has 18% water, below the fiber saturation level. It spreads through the air to solid, healthy wood. In these cases, the dry rot fungus may have germinated in several locations, and then combined into one massive attack. Next, paint the stain or paint coat and let it dry. Drill. Tyron is an avid woodworker and writer. Does vinegar kill wood rot? So, lets discuss each of the above steps in-detail to get a good understanding of cleaning wood with vinegar. You can follow the same procedure above for the lacquered, painted, or varnished wood surfaces. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But make sure to dilute the vinegar with water or olive oil before using it on painted wood because undiluted vinegar can damage the paint and damage the wood. Afterward, prime and apply a finish of choice. You can add equal amounts of white vinegar and olive oil using a tablespoon and the total volume can differ according to the wood area that youre going to cover. This article is for you to get your mind clear up. #WeeklyWisdom How to clean a wood fence: 1. Furthermore, chlorine bleach removes rot stains from the lumber and brightens its natural hue. There are roughly 1,000 species of fungi that can cause it. Is Manufacture Wood Good In 2023? Nevertheless, below are some wet rot characteristics to help with your assessment. Further, it is referred to as Serpula Lacrymans and generally settles on timber and woodwork. You should check for moisture in high-risk areas regularly. The hardener will build a solid base for the polyester filler, which is filled in using a putty knife. However, most people can learn to identify and prevent it. Some people love to see the wood furniture getting an aged look and some dont. Check if the rot spreads over several boards and if the damage is beyond remedy. We will aim to also equip you with the knowledge that will help you avoid getting ripped off by dishonest contractors who use wood rot as an all-purpose tool for selling expensive and unnecessary work! They include. Use a trim router to remove the damaged wood. Water and oil-borne chemicals are perfect for this job. The acidic nature of vinegar may deter some fungi but it is not effective at eradicating fungus from wood. As with many fungi, dry rot spreads through airborne spores. Wet rot also grows under floors, windows, frames, doors, and steps. Never use undiluted vinegar on wood since it will leave water marks and damage the woods finish. So, in this article, well explore what kind of vinegar you use on wood, what does vinegar to wood, how to use vinegar on wood, whether can you use vinegar on painted wood, and a lot more. Then, place one side of the patch to hold it as the glue sets. Also, read this article for more information on the wood condition and ways to remedy the problem. But what happens when you have to deal with wood rot? Yes, you can use vinegar on wood by mixing white vinegar with olive oil for polishing or white vinegar with water for cleaning. It eventually rots despite painting, annual cleaning, and using treated solutions. Use a gun applicator to apply the formula in pre-measured ratios. This amount can differ on the wood area you need to cover. Further, use long screws that reach the baseboards. Get some plain apple cider vinegar & add some nice scent of essential oil to it, then just scrub your floor like normal. But ensure that the lumber is dry before proceeding. I hope that you will learn something useful, and if you feel like more, be sure to surf the website and see what interests you. Mix both epoxy parts thoroughly till you get a uniform hue. The below conditions must occur at the same time for rot to occur. The hardness of wood depends on how much they rate on the Janka hardness scale. Wood rot can cause severe damage to the environment if it reaches a water body. We just need to moisten the wood with the vinegar solution, not oversaturation because the oversaturation of vinegar results in excess on the wood surface and can damage the wood finish by forming water rings. Unfortunately, wood does not last forever. Then take it out and do wring to remove excess vinegar solution from the cloth. Dip a cotton cloth in vinegar olive oil solution and rub on an inconspicuous area of wood after wringing it. This is because when fungus has established itself in the wood, the acidic levels must be strong enough to penetrate the wood and kill the fungi. How fast does dry rot progress? What happens if you don't fix dry rot? White vinegar is less pricy than most of the wood cleaning products on the market. Therefore, spraying vinegar on wood surfaces is strictly prohibited. It reacts with the wood darkening it. Diluted white vinegar does not damage painted wood. How to Polish Wood FurnitureMix 4 parts olive oil with 1 part white vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle.Test the solution on a small patch first to see if it leads to the desired effect.Spray the solution on a microfibre cloth and work it well into the wood. If nothing worked well, better to contact the manufacturer of vinegar or olive oil through their website or go for another manufacturer. Yes, you can use vinegar on wood by mixing white vinegar with olive oil for polishing or white vinegar with water for cleaning. Also, it is an all-encompassing term for various fungi types flourishing in high-moisture regions. Also, use multiple thin coats of white or grey primer for an even application. . Or you can use white vinegar to polish the wooden surfaces. Wood offers an ideal habitat for fungus to thrive. Walter Parker is a woodworking enthusiast. Spray the solution directly onto a dry microfiber cloth.#tips #construction pic.twitter.com/8Iwf5umaMR. However, adhering to the correct steps when applying the formula is advisable. Now your vinegar solution is ready to clean the wood. by wpx_cairns | Oct 5, 2022 | Tree Removal. White vinegar is an effective product that helps to remove the dust and dirt from your furniture and clean them. Before heading into the main project, you should test the prepared vinegar solution with an inconspicuous area of wood to see how it reacts with the wooden surface. For example, decayed lumber may spread the infection to healthy, sound wood parts through normal fungi growth. Ultimately, lumber rots due to prolonged moisture exposure. Strategy One: Patch the Rotted Wood with Epoxy. Use short back-and-forth motions to grind away remaining rot spots. One popular remedy for wood rot is vinegar because vinegar's acidity has the ability to act as a fungicide that kills off fungal spores. Remove as much rotted wood as possible without damaging the healthy parts. The best way to prevent wood rot before it spreads is to proactively inspect your homes structure to see whether it has begun to show. Furthermore, the glue in question activates with moisture. This rot type spreads quickly. Further, the formula protects wood pieces from wear, moisture, and burrowing insects. Although mold and mildew are fungal and love wet lumber, they only cause discoloration, not wood rot. You can clean the untreated wood and eliminate dust and dirt from the wood. Further, use the knifes edge and corners carefully to match the epoxy to the woods edges. Also, some are edible, like the famous Shiitake mushroom, prized globally for its flavor. It is important to note that you should apply these fungicides to both the damaged and undamaged parts of the wood. This way, the dry rot can be treated before it can cause structural damage. | Danford Brewer & Ives - DBI Ltd. . When buffing the wood with cloth, you may notice some areas which are still green and didnt clean properly. So, youll have to replace it, resulting in more repair expenses. Or buff the surface dry with a clean cloth. Lets see how to polish the wood with vinegar using the correct procedure. In general, fungicides (pesticides) are used to kill or prevent fungus and their spores from growing. Alternatively, use a spray primer to guarantee a more uniform layer and avoid brush strokes. It remains confined to wet areas, unlike the latter, which can grow anywhere. Wipe onto wood. In order to prevent the outset of heavy repair and replacement costs, you should monitor the woodwork in your house actively. Thus, white wood rot. Polish gently all over the wood without missing spots. Next, use a flat glass or plastic piece as a mixing palette. You can prevent wood rot from spreading further by regularly inspecting your home for signs of the disease. Herere the steps for removing stains and mold from wood using vinegar. He wants to make people love woodworking! Heres the procedure for using vinegar on wood floors, Uodate: my wood floor is ruined bc roommate poured straight vinegar on it even though he was told it HAD to be diluted pic.twitter.com/tn6SqtBNA3. Testing is helpful to minimize the damage you are about to do for the main project since you can identify the issues you made in the initial step and correct those immediately. However, chlorine bleach can cause excessive pulping of wood and alter its color.