Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/4/2008

Question
I have a veneer dining room set with six chairs in good condition except for scratches and spots on the tabletop from the pad being in place too long.  I have cleaned the set with Fornbys wood cleaner. How should I "fix" the top and should I refinish or just use scratch cover...should I revarnish to preserve the wood.  Thanks for your help.   Jan

Answer
Hi Jan
Nice to hear from you.
Jan its always our darn table tops that get like this and its too bad when the rest of the set is in great condition.
Always try to fix this type of damage if possible before a refinish.
This spot where a pad was left will be the trickiest if its bad.
Without seeing the damage its difficult to say.
Its possible you could sand with very fine paper to get it out then apply a coat of varnish as you say.
Do not sand into the wood, only the finish. I would use 400 grit paper carefully....in fact on second thought start with superfine steel wool before any sandpaper.
But if the damage is severe Jan you are left with no alternative but to refinish.
Just a table top will not be a big deal at all.
The biggest problem will be getting the top to match the rest of the set. I cannot advise about that without seeing the table.
Jan there will be no harm done in an attempt to fix this as you have the option of a refinish if the marks will not come out.
Good Luck and great question.
Regards Eileen