I have an old table that looks like cherry or mahogany that is pretty worn and has almost no protective finish on it anymore.
What has happened is some hot, cooked ears of corn were put on a pot holder and set on the table. A glass dish holding warm pulled pork also was set on the table, this one without a pot holder under it because it wasn't that hot.
When the pot holders were removed, big white spots remained.
I've tried regular cleaning stuff and mineral spirits with no success. I have not tried lacquer thinner or acetone for fear of making the problem worse.
Is there anything I can do to remove the spots without resorting to refinishing?
There are several cleaning products by Howards you can try.
Some are oil and wax blends, while others have an abrasive for heavier cleaning.
My best guess is you are looking at a total refinish. The last dining table I refinished, I was able to just do the top. The finish on the base was fine, and I was able to match the color. It took a good weekend to refinish, but was well worth the time invested.
I think the fire method works on the same theory as some of the YouTube videos showing folks applying a steam iron over a cloth on the spot to make it disappear.
I'm skeptical because I don't trust everything I see on the internet. The spot obviously is something drawn up from the wood and not transferred from the object that caused it, like a water spot would be.
Heating the area seams like it would soften the finish, to even out the area. My concern is that, although the videos show it disappearing, that the area heated and steamed (or set fire to) will turn white after it cools, which is not shown in the videos.
That's why I wonder if any of you competent woodworkers have actually had experience with this as a real fix.
Thanks for the reinforcement! I will give it a try.
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