How To Get Rid Of Water Marks On Wood Furniture
Watermarks and stains are often present in wood furniture, especially coffee tables. These stains are due to cold glasses, spills, or hot dishes coming into contact with the wooden surface. Not all of them are permanent, but they sure can be stubborn to get rid of. This article will show you how to get rid of water marks on wood furniture using stuff you can find around the house.
When removing watermarks and stains, it is essential to note that this process can alter the state of your furniture. Even a tiny touch-up can cause a significant change or possibly damage the furniture. To get the most out of the techniques and methods that will be presented, you should first test these methods in a small space before committing to the entire area. Let's get started.
Identity What Color Of Stain Is On The Wood
Water stains are common on tables, and to know how to get rid of water marks on wood furniture tables, it is essential to determine the stain's color. Is it white, dark brown or black? Identifying the blemish should make it easier for you to choose a method to treat or repair your furniture. The color will also let you know how severe your problem is. Let's briefly discuss what white stains and black stains are.
White Stains
White stains are known to be prominent. These stains come from the bottom of a beverage in a glass. Cold glasses, those with ice, tend to sweat in the bottom and sides. The excess water that streams from the side pushes down onto the wooden surface. In turn, this forces the wood to acquire a thin layer of moisture. This moisture is evident by a white or gray circle on the surface of the wood.
White stains are less severe than you think. Because moisture is still on the surface, it hasn't penetrated deep enough to damage the table permanently. It is essential to wipe the moisture off where the cold glass may sit right after you see the wetness. But given enough time, the water can make its way into the wood's interior, leading to more repair work.
Dark Stains
Dark stains are a product of water that has reached the interiors of the wood. A quick fix for these types of stains is not possible anymore. Dark stains will need more work to repair and fix. The darker the stain, the more penetrated the water is on the wood. Knowing how to get rid of water marks on wood furniture with a dark stain is possible, read on to find out more.
Getting Rid Of Water Marks
Getting rid of watermarks on wooden furniture can be straightforward or can require some more drastic actions. There are different techniques and methods to go about how to get rid of water marks on wood furniture. We will show you our take, so you can replicate or make as a blueprint for your restoration project. Let's start with how to get rid of light stains first.
Light Stains
A straightforward solution to getting rid of light stains on your wooden furniture is through gentle heat. Heat can dry up moisture, especially those that are stuck in a porous material. An excellent way to apply heat to your furniture is with the use of an iron and cloth. We will show you a step-by-step guide on how to do this method.
- Lay the cloth on the affected area of the wooden furniture. With the iron set to its lowest setting, gently place the iron on the piece of cloth. Make sure that your iron does not produce moisture or steam. The last thing you would want is for more moisture to penetrate the wooden surface.
- Run the warm iron over the piece of cloth. Make sure to move in the same direction with each run. You do not have to apply to much pressure and make sure that the cloth does not get too hot too touch.
- Check your progress with every three passes you make. Lift the cloth and check to see if you are hitting the right areas. The stain should disappear around 5-10 minutes of doing this process. If the stain has not yet penetrated the wood, moisture should gradually evaporate because of the heat.
Dark Stains
For darker stains, these can be more stubborn to take out. But a few techniques should be practical and worth trying, like toothpaste. If toothpaste does not get rid of the problem, there is still hope for proper tools and professional restoration. But for now, let's take a look at what toothpaste can do. Here is the process.
- Toothpaste is an excellent medium to use because it has chemicals that, when mixed with moisture, can cause it to harden or evaporate completely.
- Brush the toothpaste gently on the area affected. Make sure that you scrub gently to protect the wood finish.
- Don't brush toothpaste too long, for this can also cause severe marks on the wood. A solid 3-min of cleaning should be enough to garner results. If you're lucky, the stain will disappear completely.
- Make sure to wipe the toothpaste dry every 30 seconds of brushing it on the wood. Always check on the progress. This method should be able to eradicate the mark or at least lessen its severity.
Other Things You Can Use To Remove Water Marks
- Hairdryer
You can use a hairdryer to get rid of trap moisture. Make sure you set it in the lowest setting possible and provide adequate distance from the hairdryer and wooden furniture.
- Vinegar and Olive Oil
When doing this method, it should be tested in a small area before applying it to the affected areas. Oil is an excellent substance that combats water, and the vinegar also helps water evaporate quickly. But be cautious because vinegar can also cause discoloration on the paint finish.
Conclusion
Suppose you have wooden furniture at home, especially if it is your coffee table or dining table, it is essential to know how to get rid of water marks on wood furniture. This knowledge is handy because accidents are bound to happen, especially when you have guests over, and you forget to put a coaster or a mat on the table.
Just remember when using these methods, apply them with caution. If the watermark removes completely, then congratulations! Just make sure to maintain your table and provide it with the proper coasters and mats, so you won't have to do this the second time around. Here's how to learn more about wood furniture care.
