How to Repair a Burn Mark on Wood Furniture

Burn marks happen on wood furniture for a variety of reasons. It could have been the result of a hoot curling iron, a hot pot or a cigarette. Whatever the reason for the burn mark, it looks terrible. There is a way to fix the burn mark yourself. The repair is not overly difficult, but it can be a little time consuming. Take the time to fix it correctly because rushing through the job will end with poor results. Depending on how deep the burn is will determine how hard it will be to fix.

Instructions

1. Rub the burn mark with very fine steel wool. If the burn mark is only a surface burn gently rub the area and check often to see if you have removed the burned area. Stop rubbing as soon as you see the burn mark is gone. Very fine steel wool can be purchased at hardware stores and home improvement stores.

2. Wipe up all dust from the surface of the furniture. Use a tack cloth.

3. For deeper burns which you have rubbed color off of the surface: Apply a matching coat of gel stain to the area, wipe off. See if it matches or needs a second coat. Gel stains are available at hardware and home improvement stores.

4. For light surface burns and deeper burns that have been stained: Paint a thin coat of shellac, allow to dry. Continue layering think coats of shellac. Allow each coat to dry completely before adding the next coat. Layer until the area is slightly higher than the rest of the surface.

5. Dip a small piece of very fine steel wool into paste wax. Rub the area until it is flush with the rest of the surface.

6. Apply a matching colored furniture wax to the entire surface. Be sure to rub in the same direction as the wood grain.