Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/19/2007

Question
Two questions, first, my mother gave a circa 1960 Henredon coffee table with chipping veneer inlay.  She had some poor restorative work done a few years back, but the veneer is continuing to chip out of the inlay, and my child got some drops of white acrylic paint on it,  How do I restore this?  

Second, same child used a purple sharpie marker on a piece of paper which bled through to my solid oak dining table.  How do I remove this with out destroying the otherwise impeccable finish?

Gerri
Fairfax Virginia

Answer
Hi Gerri
Nice to hear from you.
Gerri I'm sorry but it sounds to me like the veneer inlay table needs an expert to look at it.
If the veneer has continued to come out, there has to be a moisture problem.
Are you using a damp cloth to wipe it?
And of course this type of table is meant to look pretty.
Its not meant for children as you are finding out.
I have had sucess removing marker from wood with Javex laundry bleach full strength. Just dip the end of your rag in the bleach and rub till the mark is gone.
Always do a test spot of any cleaning agent in a spot that does not show.
I have 4 grandchildren and know the problems that arise.
Good Luck and a great question
Regards
Eileen