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Wood Furniture Stain Repair

Today's fine furniture is often factory-treated with a high-performance finish to protect the costly wood surface beneath. Antique pieces, in particular, may represent a considerable investment to the collector. All solid wood furniture should be protected and treated with care in order to maintain its fine appearance and inherent value. In spite of your best efforts, however, accidents and spills are inevitable and must be quickly dealt with to maintain the integrity of your furniture's fine wood surface. A few simple items can help you to quickly and effectively deal with threatening marks and stains.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotton cloth (several, white)
  • Mayonnaise or salad oil
  • Furniture polish
  • Cigarette ashes
  • Lemon juice
  • Linseed oil (boiled)
  • Pumice (powdered)
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Instructions

  1. Water Rings or Marks

    • 1

      Apply mayonnaise or salad oil to a clean, white cotton cloth.

    • 2

      Gently rub the affected area to remove the surface marks.

    • 3

      Wipe the area with a fresh, dry cloth.

    • 4

      Apply furniture polish with a clean cloth, and work it into the wood using a circular motion.

    • 5

      Buff the surface by hand using a white cotton cloth.

    White Marks

    • 6

      Rub the area with a cotton cloth dipped in a mixture of cigarette ashes and lemon juice.

    • 7

      Wipe dry with a fresh cloth.

    • 8

      Apply furniture polish with a clean cloth, and work it into the wood using a circular motion.

    • 9

      Hand buff to restore the surface shine.

    Milk or Wine

    • 10

      Prepare a paste of boiled linseed oil and pumice.

    • 11

      Apply the paste by rubbing it into the wood in the direction of the grain using a clean, white cotton cloth.

    • 12

      Wipe the surface dry.

    • 13

      Apply furniture polish with a clean cloth, and work it into the wood using a circular motion.

    • 14

      Buff to restore the surface shine.