Restore old wood to its original beauty.
Wood furniture can be a lovely addition to your home but can pose problems when it is not taken care of properly or when age causes the wood to disintegrate. Small blemishes on your wood should be taken care of soon after the problem surfaces; wood can be restored easily at this stage, using a few products. Does this Spark an idea?
White Spots or Blushing
White spots are caused by spills and condensation from drinking glasses. Blushing is a white haze that covers a piece of wood furniture that has a shellac or lacquer finish. You can usually remove both of these problems by polishing the furniture with liquid polish, then buffing the surface. If that doesn't work, you can try a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Or, try a gentle abrasive of cigarette ashes with a couple of drops of vegetable oil. Another method is a thin paste of linseed oil and rottenstone gently rubbed over the spot. You can also try buffing the surface with No. 0000 steel wool and linseed oil. Apply two coats of furniture wax and shine with a clean rag once the stains are removed.
Wax and Gum
Wrap a piece of ice in a towel and apply it to wax or gum that is on your furniture. The wax or gum will become hard and brittle. Scrape it off with your thumbnail or a putty knife. Remove any traces with No. 0000 steel wool that has been moistened with mineral spirits.
Ink Stains
If the ink stain is only on the surface, it can be removed with mineral spirits and a clean cloth, then rinsed with clean water on a soft cloth. Completely dry the surface and wax with another soft cloth. Buff to a shine. If this doesn't work, the piece may have to be completely refinished.
Paint Stains
Remove wet oil-based paint with mineral spirits and latex paint with water. If the paint is dry, try to lift it off the surface with the edge of a putty knife, being careful not to scratch the wood surface. Buff with No. 0000 steel wool and mineral spirits. Wax and polish the surface.
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