i asked the wrong question.i have found out it was not fingernail polish but remover.thanks ever so much for t

Question

THE QUESTION SHOULD HAVE BEEN WHAT TO DO WHEN FINGERNAIL POLISH REMOVER IS SPILED ON A COFFEE TABLE.THANKS FOR THE HELPFUL INFO ON REMOVAL OF POLISH FROM TABLE.

Answer 1

If you want to remove a dried spot try rubbing alcohol. Spot may look alright if not try the following:
Fingernail polish has acetone and some oil in it (the oils make the acetone less harsh on the skin(. Acetone is a very stung solvent (like lacquer thinner) and will attack oil based finishes almost at once.
If you get a spot and know what finish is on your table you can repair it (even if you don't know the finish the following will work). (Acetone will not effect water based finish like the new water based polyurethanes, lacquers).
Gently sand spot(very fine sandpaper) and get a matching polyurethane (gloss, semi-gloss or satin)...sand until you remove top finish and just apply some urethane...be sure to remove any wax around spot (rubbing acholol will work and not attack finish..test underneath table to be certain. Brush on a small amount of urethane on spot.
Table should look fine when urethane dries....use just a very small amount.
Before using urethane try some good polish wax...table might look fine....
Master Quark

Answer 2

What a great excuse to refinish that coffee table.
Besides the obvious of wiping up the spill immediately, you need to examine if the varnish and wax are discolored in the area. If so then wash the area with warm soap and water or if you have T.S.P. (a white powder when mixed with warm water is a great cleaner, available at where ever paint is sold). Let surface dry before sanding.
Next sand with a fine grit sandpaper to remove all of the varnish. Dry wipe the dust with a cloth rag. You will be able to sand out small scratches and dents.
Apply a light coat of a stained varnish to the table top with a sponge brush to minimize brush strokes and repeat after each coat dries.

Answer 3

well you should DAB quickly or it may take off the finish