I have a relatively new dining table billed as "solid wood" with "rustic finish". I cannot tell whether it has a matte poly or wax finish. Over the last several days, small spots are appearing throughout the tabletop. Best description is they look like small dark waterspots (smaller than a pencil eraser). The finish and grain are not raised, but I cannot remove these spots with washing. Scraping one with a fingernail not only removed the spot but the top finish. Even though this table is quite new, I love the table and am tempted to try sanding the top and refinishing but am reluctant to do this without understanding what is causing these spots. Anyone have any ideas?

 

I am wondering whether this table is not solid wood as advertised but some type of veneer and something is bleeding thru it (glue?).