October 7, 2025Oct 7 Popular Post A common fix I had to do was removing a blush from finish caused by water. Often a glass, flower pot, etc. would leave a white mark. This was probably one of the most severe I ever did. It was summer time and the barrister's bookcase was in a moving van, wrapped in a moving blanket and there was a leak in the van. The owner did not want to have to have it refinished (watched too much Antiques Road Show, apparently). I started off with my usual, a white ring remover cloth. It was working, but it was going slow because of the extent of the damage. I had guessed because of the age, it was a shellac finish. So I dampened a cloth in denatured alcohol (the solvent for shellac). Light "touch and go" padding of the surface almost immediately restored the finish.
October 12, 2025Oct 12 You da man. Great restoration. Just wondering was the piece dry by the time you got to it?
October 12, 2025Oct 12 Author 19 hours ago, Gerald said: You da man. Great restoration. Just wondering was the piece dry by the time you got to it? Yes, I think by the time the homeowner filed the claim, the mover processed it and I got the order and set the appointment, it had dried out
October 21, 2025Oct 21 Super job. Question - do you know what is in the "Homax white ring remover" ? Could it be denatured alcohol?
October 21, 2025Oct 21 Author 2 hours ago, Fred Wilson said: Super job. Question - do you know what is in the "Homax white ring remover" ? Could it be denatured alcohol? No, it's a rather oily cloth. I thought at one time it had tallow (that is why dogs always got attracted to it (beef fat)). It also seemed to have a light abrasive. On a low gloss finish, it might make a glossy spot. I'd dust with a touch up lacquer after cleaning off the oil. If the gloss was OK, I'd just clean up with Guardsman furniture polish \https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/msds/188321-msds.pdf
October 21, 2025Oct 21 Thanks for the info. I get water spots on lacquer finishes as well. Would any of these fixes work there as well?
October 22, 2025Oct 22 Author On 10/21/2025 at 11:39 AM, Fred Wilson said: Thanks for the info. I get water spots on lacquer finishes as well. Would any of these fixes work there as well? Yes, 99%+ of all the furniture I fixed was lacquered. I always rolled my eyes when someone said their factory furniture had "poly" on it. Trying to impress me, but did the opposite.
December 30, 2025Dec 30 These methods are old ways to remove water marks: 1) use vinegar. Pour on a little. Wait a few minutes. Gently wipe off. When results are reached, Pour on some olive oil. Polish in a circular motion. Repeat. 2) 1 part water 2 parts baking soda. Make a slurry. Put on water mark. Let sit a few minutes. Gently wipe off in a circular motion. Repeat. When results are reached, Drizzle on some olive oil. Polish in a circular motion. 3) place a dry cloth over the water mark. Place a warm iron on cloth and move on a circular motion over water mark. Repeat. When results are reached, Drizzle on some olive oil. Polish in a circular motion. Edited December 30, 2025Dec 30 by MrRick
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