Expert: Greg Scholl - 11/21/2008

Question
QUESTION: Whoops!  On putting my hot cup of coffee on top of a cloth, then resting it on my client's Extremely large (expensive) mahogany book case I found the heat to have gone right through leaving it with a white round circle, not just the rim of the cup but a whole circle.  What can I do about removing this as he is on holiday at the moment and I dread to think what he will say when he gets back?  I feel so awful as it has gone years without any marks and I would think a very, very expensive piece of furniture!

ANSWER: Hi Sue, sorry to hear about your mishap, there's no easy solution....don't be tempted to slather mayonaise or peanut butter on it, or some other fairy tale remedy it's likely lacquer, and you'll need a solvent to release the moisture in the finish.It could also be Shellac, so the trick to remove the ring could be different...is this a modern piece or an Antique?

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QUESTION: Hi Greg, thanks very much for your reply.  I think it must be antique as it is a massive piece of equipment and takes up a whole wall.  I was about to try the iron and white cloth method as many were mentioning it seemed to work.  I had also thought about the mayonnaise method but will hold fire to see what you say about that.

ANSWER: I haven't heard of the iron and white cloth method, and if the ring was caused by heat I certainly would not recommend applying more heat....could the bottom of the cup have been wet? If it is shellac, you could try the alcohol release method, but you need to do it very carefully in order not to mark the finish. Is the mark on a shelf, or on the top?


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QUESTION: Hi again Greg, I think you have to be really quick with the iron - doing it in stages, gradually increasing the heat of the iron and checking regularly.  The cup wasn't wet as I had placed it on a cloth anyway but the heat went right through the cloth and that is why it left a full circle of whiteness not just a ring.

I don't know what you mean by 'shellac'.  The mark is on the botton ledge as the bookcase reaches the ceiling and spreads across a whole wall.  Thanks for your interest.

Answer
Hi Sue, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner, I typed out this big long answer for you and then my browser stopped responding, and I lost it all....did you try the iron? I still think you shouldn't...especially if this is heat damage already....shellac is a finishing material that dates way back in furniture finishing. It's a natural resin that's a staple in the industry, and can be repaired and restored well, but it's a tad tricky to remove these type of heat or moisture rings. It's done with alcohol and a light touch...let me know if you want to pursue this route...regards- Greg