My bowl has mold!

[urobouros]

So I turned a piece of green red cedar to make my first bowl. It cracked, which I think is a result of focusing on one area too long with the sand paper to try & smooth a tearout. The other problem I have is a blue discoloration in a couple of spots that I think is mold. I didn't dry the bowl at all after rough turning, rookie mistake :rolleyes: , and went right to finish sanding. I also turned a green piece of maple into a little cup and went to sanding without drying and it also has the blue discoloration. I live in Seattle and my shop is my uninsulated garage so I'm in a pretty moist environment to begin with. Was the mold development a result of the lack of proper drying? Is it environmental? Does anyone have any tips for avoiding this in the future? Is there a finish besides paint that might cover it? I have a vase or tea light holder roughed out at the moment that I was going to finish this weekend but but don't want to ruin the piece with more mold. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[PaulD]

The best bet is to work with dry wood. I'm sure green wood and your environment are all contributing to your problems. After rough turning your green wood. Weigh the rough bowl and then place it in a microwave for five minutes or so. Then weigh again. Continue the process until you stop showing weight loss from the moisture being driven off. When dry, put the rough bowl back on the lathe and turn and finish to your heart's content and you are unlikely to have the mold problem. Note, you still are subject to occasional cracking in the drying process.. However, that seems to be a necessary evil when you are are drying wood, particularly on an accelerated basis.