How to Repair Water Stained Wood

If you have water stained wood, such as a table top, you may think the piece is ruined. However, water stains can be fixed within a matter of minutes with supplies you have around your house. There are several methods you may want to try.

Method 1: Hot Iron Method

If you have a water stain on a table top, you may think the table top is ruined. However, the hot iron method has repaired many badly marked wood table tops. Turn the iron on medium hot and let it warm up. Put the cotton cloth on top of the water stain and rub the iron back and forth. Do not let the iron stand still in one spot. Check occasionally to see how the removal process is working. The heat from the iron will dry the mark. The cloth acts as a wick for excess moisture and protects the wood from the heat of the iron.

If the wood looks dull after this process, a coat of furniture polish or wood restorer will make the area shine like new.

Method 2: Hair Dryer

The hair dryer method is very similar to the iron method. Turn the hair dryer on high and move it back and forth over the water stain. Hold it at least 8 inches from the stain. You will see the water stain disappear right before your eyes as the wood dries. Follow with a good shine treatment with furniture polish or wood restorer and your piece will be good as new. This method will work on surfaces that have been water stained for a long time, not just new stains.

Method 3: Old Fashioned Methods

Many people swear by using mayonnaise or peanut butter on water stained wood. Scoop out enough to make a good coating on the stain and let it sit for an hour or so then wipe away. Usually one treatment is all that is needed. The oil from the peanut butter or mayonnaise will penetrate the wood and restore the finish.

Another old fashioned treatment is to buff the area with toothpaste. Use paste, not the gel type. Apply a bit to a soft cloth and buff the water stained area lightly. This will buff away the water stain if it isn't too deep.

Method 4: Wood Restorer

If the above methods don't work, you may need to use wood restorer. This product is sold in home improvement centers and paint stores under many brand names. It usually contains some tung oil. Pour a bit of wood restorer onto the extra fine steel wool and gently apply to the entire surface of the area that is water stained. It will appear the entire surface is being lifted when actually you are just laying on a new top coat. Once it is completely dry, buff to a gloss and your piece will look like new.