How to remove polyfilla from dark wood?

[ax222s]

Hi guys,

Ive got an dark oak beam, but someone has managed to get pollyfilla (or some kind of filla) all over it.

How best to remove it? Ive tried soaking/scrubbing with a sponge. It looks fine, but when it dries it goes back to white.

I dont really want to sand it becuase its aged oak.

Perhaps some sort of solution that will dissolve it? I have some linseed oil, perhaps put some on to darken the polyfiila white?

Thanks

 

[Wayners]

Filler residue can be removed with white spirit.
Water just moves it about and then it dries white.
My concern is the effect white spirit will have on the wood? Maybe test a small area.

 

[ax222s]

White spirit? Thanks, Ill give it a go. Like you say, Ill try a small patch first. TBH, it cant look worse than what it does already! (famous last words)