Repairing Dings in Oil Varnish

Assessing Repairs

• A ding in oil varnish is an area where the finish is chipped. A tiny section of the varnish is missing, but the stain and wood beneath it are unharmed. Ensure you know the value of furniture with dings before you start repairs, particularly when dealing with antiques. Any touch-ups or refinishing mistakes could reduce the value of antique furniture. Hire a professional furniture restorer to repair varnish flaws on valuable pieces.

Surface Cleaning

• Clean the entire surface where the ding exists before you begin any repairs. Furniture often has layers of oil or wax that attract dust and dirt. Varnish repairs will be less noticeable if they're applied to a clean surface. The Family Handyman website recommends using a course, white cloth soaked in mineral spirits to remove grime. Use a cotton swab to clean inside crevices. Wipe the surface with mineral spirits until no dirt appears on the cloth, and then wipe it a final time with a clean cloth.

Reapplying Varnish

• Apply oil varnish to the ding with a small artists' brush that has a flat tip to make it easier to control the varnish. Lightly rub the area with super fine, or 0000 steel wool after the varnish dries. Blend in the repair by waxing and polishing the entire surface with a cabinetmaker's wax made for wood furniture. The wax is usually available at woodworking supply stores.

Other Options

• The This Old House website suggests using fingernail polish to repair a ding on any type of varnish. Cover the ding with a couple of drops of clear nail polish after you clean and dry the surface. Sand down the nail polish with 600-grit sandpaper after it dries. Rubbing an auto-polishing compound over the area with a rag will restore a glossy finish, according to the site.

Precautions

• Mineral spirits, oil varnish and other furniture refinishing products give off fumes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for properly ventilating an area when using such products. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection as directed by the product instructions to avoid skin and eye injuries.