How Do You Get Rid of Dark Spots on Finished Wooden Chairs?

Dark spots on a finished wooden chair are usually water spots that have penetrated the chair's finish. They are in the wood itself, causing a darkening that can appear black under the finish. In cedar chairs, the spots are caused by tannic acid. Removing these spots will involve stripping the finish in the area where the spots are, and removing them. This project is best done outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage, because you will be using abrasive chemicals.

Wood finish stripper
Paint brush
Putty knife
Stripping pads
Warm, soapy water
Household bleach
Clean cloth
Wood restorer
Towel
220-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Wood finish

Instructions

- 1
  Apply a wood finish stripper to the area with the dark spots using a paintbrush. Let the stripper set for the time instructed on the package.
- 2
  Scrape off the stripper and melted finish with a putty knife, taking care to not put scratches in the wood. Dip a stripping pad in warm, soapy water and go over the area to remove any stripper residue. Rinse the pad in clean water, then go over the area once more to rinse.
- 3
  Soak a clean cloth in household bleach and wipe down the dark spot with the bleach until the stain is gone. If the household bleach is not strong enough, apply a wood restorer to the spot according to the package directions. Wood restorers may also be labeled as deck brighteners or deck restorers.
- 4
  Rinse the chair with water and towel dry. Sand the spots with a 220-grit sandpaper, following the grain of the wood, until the spot is smooth. Rub the chair with a tack cloth to remove the dust.
- 5
  Apply the same finish that is on the rest of the chair to the now bare spots. Let the finish dry for 24 hours before using the chair again.

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