Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Oak table
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Reginia
07-01-02, 01:04 PM
Concerning the question of imprints from writing on a newly refinished table, what would have to be done if the imprints did in fact go through to the wood?
I have a table with several places where someone pressed too hard when writing and their message is in the wood. I would very much like to refinish this table but I am not sure what to do about this problem.
I have a table with several places where someone pressed too hard when writing and their message is in the wood. I would very much like to refinish this table but I am not sure what to do about this problem.
George
07-01-02, 03:44 PM
Believe it or not you may be able to iron out the 'wrinkles' - but you'll have to remove the finish first.
Most woods soft enough to be distressed from a ball point pen can be steamed flat. Here's the procedure.
Take a clean cotton cloth (old t-shirts work great) and fold it into several layers - at least 4, preferably 8. Get it soaking wet, then wring it out. Place this directly over the indentations on the raw wood. Apply an iron (no steam setting) set on medium (the setting for cotton is about right).
Leave it in place for about 30 seconds. Carefully remove the cloth and check the indentations with your fingertip. If they're still there, try it again until the indentations are gone or repeated applications appear to have no effect.
Take care to keep the cloth damp at all times - the iron should never touch the wood itself, only the damp cloth...and be careful handling the cloth - it's HOT!
After the dents are gone (or reduced), wipe the area dry and let dry completely (overnight). Sand lightly to moderately to remove traces of the steaming and/or any indentations that may remain.
Most woods soft enough to be distressed from a ball point pen can be steamed flat. Here's the procedure.
Take a clean cotton cloth (old t-shirts work great) and fold it into several layers - at least 4, preferably 8. Get it soaking wet, then wring it out. Place this directly over the indentations on the raw wood. Apply an iron (no steam setting) set on medium (the setting for cotton is about right).
Leave it in place for about 30 seconds. Carefully remove the cloth and check the indentations with your fingertip. If they're still there, try it again until the indentations are gone or repeated applications appear to have no effect.
Take care to keep the cloth damp at all times - the iron should never touch the wood itself, only the damp cloth...and be careful handling the cloth - it's HOT!
After the dents are gone (or reduced), wipe the area dry and let dry completely (overnight). Sand lightly to moderately to remove traces of the steaming and/or any indentations that may remain.