How to Finish Water Damaged Dining Room Chairs

Water damage to wood dining chairs comes in several forms, from a flood to a chair that was damaged by a spilled glass of water. Whatever the cause, water damage leaves behind a white film or may darken the wood’s appearance. The process of cleaning, repairing and refinishing the wooden chairs to restore their appearance is accomplished without the need for specialized tools or professional assistance. Use products found in your home and the local hardware store to restore the water damaged wood’s finish.

Mayonnaise
Damp cloth
Rubber gloves
Safety goggles
Respirator
Steel wool
Lacquer thinner
Tack cloth
Wood finish

Instructions

- 1
  Cover any cloudy or darkened areas on the wood with a thin layer of mayonnaise. Allow the mayonnaise to penetrate the stain for 12 hours before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
- 2
  Set the dining room chairs into a well-ventilated space and slip on a pair of rubber gloves, safety goggles and a respirator. Remove the damaged finish with a piece of #0000 steel wool dampened with lacquer thinner.
- 3
  Continue to gently work the lacquer thinner, dampening the steel wool again when needed, until the water damaged finish is completely removed. Wipe down the wood with a tack cloth to remove any remaining lacquer thinner and prepare the wood to receive the new finish.
- 4
  Cover the affected area with a thin layer of the product used to originally finish the chair. For instance, spray a new coat of lacquer onto the prepared surface using even, back and forth motions. Allow the first layer of lacquer to cure for at least 48 hours before sanding it smooth and reapplying another thin coat.
- 5
  Allow the final coat of finish to dry and cure in a well-ventilated area for at least 48 hours before use.

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