How can I repair this end table's finish?
#1
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How can I repair this end table's finish?
Hi. i spilled a fragrance oil on my end table. i did not realize the fragrance oil spilled for at least a few hours. when i wiped it off, the finish became much lighter in color. also, i think there may have been polyurethane (not sure if oil or acrylic) top layer on the end table.
In the pic you are looking at the area of discoloration. It is circular in shape, maybe the size of a plum. my phone does not have a flash, so you are also seeing the reflection of the lamp light that sits on top of the end table.
what can i do to get the top of the end table to have a consistent color. what can i do to get rid of the lightened discoloration area? do i need to find a matching stain?
thank you.
In the pic you are looking at the area of discoloration. It is circular in shape, maybe the size of a plum. my phone does not have a flash, so you are also seeing the reflection of the lamp light that sits on top of the end table.
what can i do to get the top of the end table to have a consistent color. what can i do to get rid of the lightened discoloration area? do i need to find a matching stain?
thank you.
#2
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If you are lucky, it was just the top coat that was damaged. Can you feel an edge to the damaged area with your fingernail?
Take a cotton swab, moisten it with denatured alcohol (rubbing alcohol will work) and rub it on an area that won't show, and see if it softens or removes the top layer of finish. If it does, it is likely a shellac finish.
Do that test and let us know....
Take a cotton swab, moisten it with denatured alcohol (rubbing alcohol will work) and rub it on an area that won't show, and see if it softens or removes the top layer of finish. If it does, it is likely a shellac finish.
Do that test and let us know....
#3
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table
Sorry to say, but in my experience the only way to get this to match well is to sand and refinish the entire table top. You may be able to get a partial repair to look fairly good, but you'll always see it.
Good luck, Steve
Good luck, Steve
#4
Sdodder is right on the mark. The oil acted like a stripper and completely dissolved the finish, whatever it was. Almost all finishes darken in color with age/sunlight, so no repair will make it disappear or even look remotely the same. It will need to be stripped and refinished.
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Hello CarbideTipped, sdodder and xsleeper. not the advice i wanted to hear but i do appreciate the insight. there are some other irregularities on the top of this, and another, similar, end table. how difficult is a stripping and sanding job? anyways to make it easier?