• New Woodbarter Hats Are Available!!! Scroll down on the main page to the Member Activities & Site Support, Then click on Wood Barter SCHWAG and go to the topics on hats by Woodtickgreg to order your hat. There's only a limited quanity, so don't wait to get yours.

Help: damaged finish

Alancw

Member
Full Member
Messages
1,129
Reaction score
3,202
Location
Orange, CA
First name
Alan
Used iron over double folded napkin to try and raise dents and damaged finish. Best way to repair? Wife not happy.
Issue getting better with time.
IMG_1920.jpeg
 
Last edited:

Mike1950

Founding Member
Founding Member
Full Member
Messages
29,684
Reaction score
45,185
Location
Eastern Washington
First name
Mike
I know about dent repair. Picture of dent and screw up. Without, we do not have enough info.
@Mike Hill has restored furniture, he might be able to give more hints on restoration.
Or in obscure place see what melts it?
Is it veneer top?
 

Mike1950

Founding Member
Founding Member
Full Member
Messages
29,684
Reaction score
45,185
Location
Eastern Washington
First name
Mike
Looks like water damage. Can't really see size and depth of dents. Soft edge dent it will work, sharp edge dent. No.
Again is it veneer ? How old? Then I will guess finish.
 

duncsuss

Trying to turn a little better each day
Full Member
Messages
4,529
Reaction score
6,423
Location
Wilmington, MA
First name
Duncan
I suspect that could be a shellac finish. I would test it in a non-visible spot by rubbing with a white paper towel with a spot of denatured alcohol (which is the solvent for shellac flakes)

When you know what the finish is, it will be easier to plan how to fix it.
 

Mike Hill

Board Whoarder
Full Member
Messages
11,087
Reaction score
27,488
Location
Nashville, TN
First name
Mike
That's why I don't try dent repair unless,the piece is unfinished and even then I don't usually. If a compressed wood dent, the steam and heat could raise a bump that you then need to sand down. If it is an old piece it could be shellac. If not then likely a varnish of some kind or lacquer. Test in an inconspicuous place as @duncuss said with some denatured alcohol or even Everclear. Once you establish what finish it is, you can choose what watermark repair process. Sometimes you just have to get the stripper and sander out and refinish
 

Mr. Peet

Member
Full Member
Messages
9,247
Reaction score
11,122
Location
northeastern PA
First name
Mark
Did you wipe it with rubbing alcohol? It works as a cleaner too. If it is a finish that has a few years on it, a simple quick wipe should not damage the finish at all. If it looks unchanged, try some of the above. If it looks better, then move to the next step.
 
Top