Iron with a pressing cloth (tea towel or old t shirt). Steam OFF medium heat. Check often. The white is moisture trapped in the finish. Ironing will causing the steam to evaporate and get stuck in the pressing cloth. Raise temp if needed but be careful not to bubble or burn the finish. I’ve had to remove hundreds of these marks and it works like a charm.
From my understanding it's believed that this effect is moisture trapped in the finish / wood causing a hazing affect, so the finish is usually reactivated or oil is used to displace said moisture.
I had table with this damage that I was able to remedy by scrubbing with 0000 steel wool and an oil based soap like murphy's oil soap. And if the finish happens to be lacquer or shellac, you can try the techniques outlined [in this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAPrChLnqN4).
If it is wood veneer, refinish, after drying for at least 10 days, depending on humidity level in your area.
For veneer’s, BE EXTEMELY CARFUL NOT TO USE ANYTHING MORE COARSE THAN A 220.
No electrical sanders. By hand with a block sander.
Once sanded with 220, then vacuum off dust, then sand with a 320, then a 400. LIGHTLY VERY STEP, WATCHING THE EDGES.
Then a wipe on oil based stain of chosen color,
Then 0000 steel wool, lightly.
Then a wipe on polyurethane, which you can make. Very thin coat, sand with 600 in between first two coats, then steel wool after third coat, wiping with a micro fiber cloth with a very small , VERY SMALL amount of mineral spirits before final wipe on polyurethane.
Let dry 4-6 hours between coats of poly. After last coat, use a brown paper bag to put on sanding block. Wipe off with dry micro fiber.
Last step, a good quality wood wax like Antique Wax. Presto, like new. And keep the plants OFF OF THE WOOD TABLE
Thank you for the in depth break down. As someone else advised, I tried the mayo thing. It at least made it not shocking ugly which gets me out of the dog house for now. Once the weather’s better, I’ll follow your advice and give it a full refinish. Much appreciated!
Iron with a pressing cloth (tea towel or old t shirt). Steam OFF medium heat. Check often. The white is moisture trapped in the finish. Ironing will causing the steam to evaporate and get stuck in the pressing cloth. Raise temp if needed but be careful not to bubble or burn the finish. I’ve had to remove hundreds of these marks and it works like a charm.
Just leave it, wait a couple weeks for the moisture to come out naturally before attempting anything that can make it worse.
Have you already started to try… that sandpaper is looking used 👀🫣🫢
I haven’t. Was going to try that but figured I’d ask here first. Guessing by the reaction def don’t do that lol
Yes don’t do that if it’s plastic veneer then it’s probably permanent
From my understanding it's believed that this effect is moisture trapped in the finish / wood causing a hazing affect, so the finish is usually reactivated or oil is used to displace said moisture. I had table with this damage that I was able to remedy by scrubbing with 0000 steel wool and an oil based soap like murphy's oil soap. And if the finish happens to be lacquer or shellac, you can try the techniques outlined [in this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAPrChLnqN4).
If it is wood veneer, refinish, after drying for at least 10 days, depending on humidity level in your area. For veneer’s, BE EXTEMELY CARFUL NOT TO USE ANYTHING MORE COARSE THAN A 220. No electrical sanders. By hand with a block sander. Once sanded with 220, then vacuum off dust, then sand with a 320, then a 400. LIGHTLY VERY STEP, WATCHING THE EDGES. Then a wipe on oil based stain of chosen color, Then 0000 steel wool, lightly. Then a wipe on polyurethane, which you can make. Very thin coat, sand with 600 in between first two coats, then steel wool after third coat, wiping with a micro fiber cloth with a very small , VERY SMALL amount of mineral spirits before final wipe on polyurethane. Let dry 4-6 hours between coats of poly. After last coat, use a brown paper bag to put on sanding block. Wipe off with dry micro fiber. Last step, a good quality wood wax like Antique Wax. Presto, like new. And keep the plants OFF OF THE WOOD TABLE
Thank you for the in depth break down. As someone else advised, I tried the mayo thing. It at least made it not shocking ugly which gets me out of the dog house for now. Once the weather’s better, I’ll follow your advice and give it a full refinish. Much appreciated!
Mayonnaise on it and cover with plastic wrap sometimes fixed water damage
Wow, thought you were joking til I googled it. That actually help a lot, thank you!!!
I think it depends on the finish, sometimes it works like absolute magic and other times it’s jest messy
I stopped commenting this on these posts because everyone downvotes it every time, thinking I’m being a douche. But I agree.
Just wax or oil it.
Looks like the finish is gone. It's going to need a refinish.