How to Fix Blemished Wood Furniture

If a guest dripped soda on your expensive wood table, or roughhousing kids left their mark on your cherished wood chair, don't head to the nearest furniture store for replacements. These everyday spots and scratches are minor irritations that can easily be removed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rags
• Very Fine Steel Wool
• Furniture Oil
• Paintbrush
• Rags
• Very Fine Steel Wool
• Mineral Spirits
• Mineral Spirits
• Tack Cloth
• Stain, paint or other finish

1. Clean the spotted or scratched area with a rag dabbed with mineral spirits (low-odor paint thinner available at paint stores) to remove dust, dirt and debris.

2. Pour furniture oil such as Danish oil on very fine steel wool until saturated.

3. Going with the grain, gently rub the steel wool on the scratched or spotted area. Keep the steel wool well oiled. To prevent surface damage, always scrub gently and carefully when using steel wool on wood.

4. Continue gently scrubbing until the blight is removed, taking care not to mar the wood underneath the finish.

5. Dust away fine powder with a tack cloth or rag.

6. Apply stain, paint or other finish as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Mineral spirits are flammable, so take care when you're using, and dilute the rag with water before disposing.
• Always apply stain, paint or other finish in a well-ventilated area.