Cleaning and Stain Removal - removing plasic rubbed on wood table

I purchased a wood table that was tinted dark chocolate brown. I wanted to keep it beautiful and clean by covering it with a plastic sheet. Unfortunately after many years when I took the plastic off. I noticed that the plasic rubbed off on the wood and there are large blotches of shiny spots on the hardwood dining table. Please can you tell me how to remove this or have i permanently damaged the wood. How do you maintain a beautiful wood table from /frequent washing/stains/hot pots when you have 3 messy children.

If it has a lacquer finish, mineral spirits might help. Apply a little to a soft cloth and rub in inconspicuous place first to test for ill effects on finish before proceeding. If unsuccessful, post your finish problems in the Finishing Forum. What has likely happened is that PVC migration from the plastic has taken place and finish is likely permanently damaged.

There are flannel backed plastic table cloths available. These are inexpensive and will protect table from spills and stains. They can be wiped clean and easily replaced.

There are trivets and hot pads available to protect table from heat. It's best to transfer hot food from pots to serving bowls if serving family style. Although still hot and should be placed on something to protect the table, the bowls are not as hot as a pot. Another option is to fill individual plates from pots at the stove and serve meals restaurant style.

Yeah, mineral spirits will dissolve plastic without harming laqcuer. Let us know whether that works.