How to Repair Marks on a Wood Table

The dining or kitchen table is the heart of the home. Meals, homework, crafts, and family game night all take place on this home furnishing. Scratches and coffee rings can ruin the perfection of a beautiful wood table. Getting the piece back into pristine shape can be frustrating and time consuming. Complete refinishing will remove any marks, but there are simpler and less toxic methods of preserving a wood table. Whether it's a water mark or a scratch, simple refurbishing will bring out the luster of your wood table.

Instructions

1

Use a soft, clean cloth and a wax buildup remover formulated for wood. Rub with the grain of the wood and wipe clean with another clean cloth. The marks may just be in the wax and will go away when it is removed. It this is the case, apply another coat of dusting wax, and the table will look good as new. If marks remain, there are still a few tricks to try to remove them.

2

Apply a touch-up pen to scratches. It will have to be in the color or stain that is on the table. Simply use like a pen and fill in the scratch. Use a clean cloth to buff out any extra pigment that has bled out of the scratch. Let it dry, and the scratch will be the same color as the rest of the table. Apply dusting wax to protect the finish.

3

Apply small drops of refurbishing oil to a steel wool pad or directly to the table. A little will go a long way. Rub the oil in the direction of the wood grain with the steel wool. You don't need to scrub hard. The fine steel wool will open up the grain of the wood and work in the oil. The oil comes in basic wood finish colors, so make sure yours matches. There is also a neutral color that works well on all types of wood. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any excess oil. Finish with dusting wax and buff well.

4

Apply mayonnaise to a coffee ring or water spot. Rub the mayonnaise in with a clean, soft rag in the direction of the wood grain. Let it sit on the table overnight. In the morning, wipe clean with another soft rag. This will remove all but the most stubborn water damage. You can also try rubbing in a paste of equal parts white toothpaste and baking soda. You will really have to work this in. Let it stand for 20 minutes, then wipe clean with a fresh rag.