Is there any way to get burn marks out of wood tables?

Question

We placed a hot pan on a cold cookie sheet then put it on a wood table. Obviously the heat transfered and has left white marks. Any suggestions other than refinishing?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Okidokey... white marks are not 'burns' its moisture trapped in the finish. When the wood heated up under the pan, it forced what moisture was in it to the surface.

EASY FIX - use your hair dryer. The problem is moisture trapped in the finish... most of the time... you can just evaporate it. Use the low heat setting on the hair dryer, and gently waft the hot air over the blemish. Should take less than 15 minutes. Don't hold it too close, and don't let it run too long. The trick is to heat the finish enough to evaporate the moisture, without heating the wood under it enough to bring more to the surface.

Ive done this to 'repair' a good number of pieces of furniture, without any need to strip and refinish the piece.

Good Luck

Answer 2

What has happened is the moisture has been drawn up into the topcoat. I don't know of a way to remove it without sanding and refinishing. The white color is in the coating.