Thread: Restoring boardroom table

Originally Posted by BlackbuttWA

G'day guys...& guyesses

I have a boardroom table 2.4m x 1.2m with what are possibly water stains on it.

Is is Jarrah veneer top with solid Jarrah edge moulding. Finished with poly lacquer I think.

Could some of you experienced guys please offer me some advice as to how to regain the finish on it.
If you need more info...just ask.
Regards

Col

If you can post a few photos of the damage, someone might be able to offer some advice. All I can suggest is that if it was finished with Polyurethane, then you'd probably have to strip the finish and refinish. But, others may ave other ideas after they've seen some photos.

RoyG

It depends what type of water stains you have on your boardroom table. Take a look at the water stains. If they are white or light coloured, then they are quite easy to remove. However if they are dark coloured, then it will be more difficult to remove because the water has penetrated into the wood.

This is what I would do to remove the water stains

• Rub the water stains with an oil, such as mayonnaise or petroleum jelly.
• If the stains are still there, rub the stains gently with a damp cloth with some toothpaste.
• If you still see any stains, then mix some baking soda with toothpaste and rub the stains a little harder.
• After the stains are gone, apply some paste wax onto the wooden surface with a clean and soft cloth.

Hope this helps.

Let me know how it goes.

Many thanks for the suggestions.

2015-08-12 12.08.43.jpgHere is a photo of the worst stain.
I will wait for the weather to improve before I attempt anything.
Forecast to rain all next week.

Col

To me those marks look like abrasion through the finish rather than what I would call stains. I do not work with poly so can't offer any help if it is that. What I would do is to try a couple of solvents on a finished section that can't be seen (e.g. under an edge) to try to find out if the finish is re-soluble. For example, if it were shellac you would be able to soften it with metho and then would know that a new coat of shellac would solve the problem. I understand that some spray lacquers with dissolve with their own thinners in a similar way (need someone here with expertise to comment on that).

Determining on what type finish is will help you work out the solution. Even if the finish is not shellac you may find that a coat of shellac to seal the surface and then a good wax would provide a soft glow and be very protective to the surface. You could have a look at UBeaut's website to see what they recommend.

Hope this helps

David