Collectibles-General (Antiques)/furniture repair

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Expert: - 6/10/2005


Question
Good morning Eileen,
My elderly mother is devastated because she placed a plant on her mother's antique table which left one of those white moisture marks on it. There doesn't seem to be any damage to the wood itself. I believe there is a way to remove the mark.......hope you can help. It's a very dark wood, I'm not sure what kind. The table must be over 90 years old.
Thank you for any help you can give.
John

Answer
Hi John
Nice to hear from you.
Sorry this has happened to your Moms table, but it should be easy to remedy.
First try cigarette ash mixed with a bit of vegetable oil..you read right.
I have often had good sucess with this remedy.
If that fails, there is a product available at the hardware called "Blush Eraser"...this will work for sure.
Good Luck
Eileen

Collectibles-General (Antiques)

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

I can answer most questions about the repairing and refinishing of all your old furniture items (the things we call antiques). I can also give you advice on what wood items to choose and what wood items to avoid at auctions, flea markets etc. I DO NOT give appraisals on antiques as this is not my field of expertise.

Experience

I have been repairing, refinishing and of course buying old furniture for the past 30 years. On any given weekend I can be found at auction sales or flea markets searching out a good buy. I have taken several courses in this area over the years, but I find "Hands On" learning to be the best teacher. I can help you avoid the pitfalls and problems of this wonderful rewarding craft.

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