White marks on Cherry wood table need help?

Question

Just had thanksgiving dinner and table clothe it. After cleaning up and removing clothe there were white marks on it, like we had something hot. But all hot dishes were left in kitchen. Anyone know how to remove these marks or to help cover it. thanks

Answer 1

I have read that vasoline gets rid of water marks on wood which is what your problem sounds like. I would try this first because most people have vasoline around the house and it wont harm your wood. you are supposed to leave it sit on the mark overnite.

Answer 2

Don't paint the marks! Rub fine powdered ash into the water marks (ash that is filtered from the fire place is fine). Let the mark fade over a few days first, you may find that it disappears on it's own. The marks are water under the wax on the wood, condensation from a hot dish will do it. As the water escapes (slowly) the marks will fade. Ash will get into the wax, dry up the moisture quicker, and can be buffed off and repolished. Paint pens are forever, and may not perfectly match the table, and ruins it's value.

Answer 3

Try this first - Your hair dryer.

The white blemish like you describe is usually moisture trapped in the finish. Applying a little bit of heat will get the moisture to evaporate right out of the finish... no mess, easy to do.

Use the low heat setting on the hair dryer, and gently waft it back and forth over the blemish. The idea is to get the finish warm enough to cause the moisture to evaporate, but not get the wood underneath so hot it will let more moisture into it. Usually, just a few minutes will do the trick. Ive used this technique to repair a lot of furniture pieces over the years, and there's been no need to strip the finish, or use the messy techniques like ash, or mayonaisse, which often get suggested.

Have Fun

Answer 4

Go to the hardware store and get a cherry wood colored paint pen for about $5.