Removing white/water marks from a old table

Re: Removing white/water marks from a old table

David Yoho

>Here's one trick that may work -

Take a soft cloth (old T-shirt is good) and moisten it with denatured alcohol. In this case, moist would be the way a health dog's nose feels. Take the moistened cloth and swipe it (do not rub it) over the affected area several times until the white goes away. Keep in mind that if the finish is shellac, denatured alcohol will soften it, so be careful.

David

Ever try the old timers trick using......

Scott in Eastern Iowa

>.....mayonaisse and cigarette ashes?

Make a paste of the two and cover the area in question. Allow to sit for several minutes then wipe off.

Viola...gone.

Ive done it and it really works. Wouldnt try it on fine furniture though.

I also can't do it anymore though......I quit smokin them damn things!!!

Scott

Wonder if Rottenstone Would Work?

Robert Hutchins

>Corned beef on rye with mayo, mustard and a side of rottenstone, please.

Re: Ever try the old timers trick using......

Lee Gordon

>I think the mayo might work on its own without the ashes. It's worth a try.

Re: Removing white/water marks from a old table

John Ergle in SC

>Actually just did this on our dining room table after the relatives left after Christmas - a vigorous rub with a soft cloth and non-gel toothpaste worked. I forgot where I saw it, but did an online search, and saw that trick mentioned several times. Also saw the one about the denatured alcohol, but I didn't have that on hand.

Safe way to eliminate water marks

Lee Schierer, McKean, PA

>Some of the methods mentioned may affect the finish. The white mrks are caused by water trapped in or just below the finish. The best way to remove the marks is to take a dry towel. I prefer to use linen rather than a terry cloth type, but either should work. Fold it 2-4 layers thick and palce it over the water mark. Take a clothes iron on the linen setting (this is why I use linen towels) and "press the towel" with the iron. As the wood under the towel gets hot, the water mark will disappear as the water is changed to vapor and escapes. Lift the towel from time to time to check the progress and move it around to heat different areas of the mark. Once you can't see any more mark, let the area cool. Repeat if necessary.

The only caution is to not scorch the linen towel. If you don't scotch the towel you won't damage the wood or the finish.

Lee

Mayonnaise and Plastic Wrap

Garrett in Victoria BC

>Coincidence! This tip from Associated Press was published in our local paper this morning:

Place a small amount of mayo directly on the white ring. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for about 30 minutes. Then lightly rub the mayo into the ring using a nylon scouring pad, working with the grain. Wipe up with a soft cloth and use lemon oil or paste wax to restore lustre.

Cheers, Garrett

Re: Removing white/water marks from a old table

Bob Falk

>If it is shellac, use a clean link free cloth and wipe gently with denatured alchohol.....should disappear completely. bob