Is there a way to remove water rings and heat/scorch marks on a wood table?
what’s up? asked:
My dining room table is looking really sad and though I cover it with a table cloth before we use it - I should have gotten the protective pads.
Someone told me about a mixutre of salt and something else but wasn’t sure what?
Anyone heard of this or other ways to repair this?
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sand it down and restain
Comment by sam_shellybenitez — April 17, 2005 @ 3:56 pm
The only way I know of is to sand down and refinish the table.
Comment by Chuck Cecil — April 19, 2005 @ 8:24 am
I operate a furniture restoration business, and have had success with a product called “Howard Restore A Finish” it is similar in appearance and use, as “Old English” furnish polish, and is applied in the same manner. It is available in 6 colors of stain appearance, and is usually available in stores like home depot, and Lowes. I would also suggest that it would be available through “Vandykes Restorer” Cataloges Basically, apply a liberal amount of the product to the entire table top, using a very fine 0000 steelwool pad to rub the finish into the table top which cuts through the “white” spots, and saturates the burned areas. The directions on the product indicates that a second coat may be required. No special tools are needed except for the steel wool. I sometime use a wet-dry sand paper with the Howard product, and get great results. The product gives renewed luster to the old finish on the table, and you may find that while you’re at it, while the “rag’s” still wet with the product, you can apply it to other pieces of your furniture to “Liven the Luster” of even old dull pieces. “Try it, you’ll like it…”
Comment by bobinn — April 22, 2005 @ 1:46 pm
I know a trick that works like a charm. Go to Van ***** restorer’s web sight and order a can of Bahleens retarder. You will only need a “spritz” of this . Just let it mist down onto the area that is damaged and watch it disappear. Do not use too much as it will mess up your finish. The way it works is it turns the hardened finish back into a liquid form allowing the moisture to escape. When it dries, it will look just like it did before you scorched it. If you have any questions just e-mail me at
Comment by Nishi — April 24, 2005 @ 10:03 am
There are all kinds of ‘home remedies’ that you will hear about to fix blemishes in wood….including salt, mayonaisse, and even cigarette ash.
If the problem is only moisture blemishes (white rings, white fog, etc) then it is a simple matter of moisture trapped inside the finish itself. A quick, simple method of removing excess moisture from a wood finish, is your hair dryer. No sanding, no chemicals, no mess…just apply some warm air to the surface to help the moisture evaporate. Do not let it blow continuously in one spot…the surface could get too hot. The idea is to help the moisture evaporate, not damage the finish.
Ive used this method myself to repair many pieces of furniture, as a professional woodworker, hobbyist, and in my home.
If youve got actual burn marks — it will really depend on how deep they are, and the color of the existing finish. Darker finishes are easier to mask burn marks in…lighter finishes require that you get down into the wood more. There are products available (some in a kit) that will help you repair such damage without refinishing the whole surface. This DOES take some ‘artistic’ skill, and a good eye for color and blending. It also helps if youve got some experience in finishing and repairing wood. I would not recommend that someone start learning how to do this on an important piece of furniture. It is a worthwhile and enjoyable hobby (and profession) for many of us tho, and if youve got the patience (and the willingness to start all over many times, hehehe) then you may very well want to try doing this yourself. I’d recommend at least attending a couple of workshops at a local building supply store, read up on the subject in books or on the web, and get a good area to work in …. climate controlled and well ventilated. Worst case scenario, you’d have to sand down the whole surface to start over, hehehe.
Have Fun
Comment by thewrangler_sw — April 25, 2005 @ 3:41 pm