How to Fix Blemished Wood Furniture

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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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.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

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

Step1

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.

Step2

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

Step3

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.

Step4

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

Step5

Dust away fine powder with a tack cloth or rag.

Step6

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.