Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/cherry- sponge marks

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Expert: - 1/27/2010


Question
I purchased a cherry dining room table recently from a 3rd party. When I got it home, I realized there were several marks at the one end which look like someone used a sponge and did not dry it properly. There are not any white marks or rings-- simply what looks like marks left over from wiping the table with a sponge. Is this in the finish? How do I get rid of these marks so I'm not embarrassed to have it uncovered? The mfr. is Broyhill if that helps.

Answer
Hi Lori, this could be moisture or heat damage to the finish...I'm assuming you've tried wiping the table down with a damp cloth and hand drying it? If it isn't affected by a simple cleaning... then it's damage to the finish, and it will have to be restored, or even possibly refinished. Perhaps that's why they got rid of it.....as redoing a whole lacquer top can be a bit pricey....I could suggest trying to spray the top with a "blush erasing" type of solvent product, but this is really best tried by someone who knows what they're doing, as it can also ruin the finish...perhaps you have a Restorer in your area that can come evaluate it with you...post back if need be- regards- Greg

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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