Expert: Kirk Ryan - 9/3/2009

Question
I thoughtlessly sat a bottle of rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol on an antique table. It left a white ring. What can I do to make this better? It is my daughter's table, and I'll do anything at all to fix it.  It is an antique, approximately 100 years old, I think. Very dark wood.  Thanks for any help you can offer

Answer
Try finding a furniture oil that is specifically made for whatever type of wood it is. Try oiling the spot first and see how it looks after a week. You should apply the oil to a cloth first then the table, let it penetrate for a minute or two, and then wipe it away.

If this had no success, try using "triple zero" steel wool. This is very fine and shouldn't hurt the finish. Do not use the steel wool with force. Very gently try to get the ring out with the steel wool, and try using some oil with the steel wool.

Hope this helps!