Asked on Oct 09, 2014
Dark water rings. : ( On 100+ yr old chest.
by
Danyce
+17
My husbands' great Grandfather's chest. My idea to use as a coffee table, and of course I was the culprit....the water seeped right through the coaster : ( I've read we can use mayo to remove white water rings, but how about these dark (black) rings? I'd be so grateful for any help!
16 answers
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@Operation Home Blog might be able to give you some tips on this!
Hannah V
on Oct 09, 2014
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I've heard mayonnaise works on those... I haven't tried it however...
Mary
on Oct 09, 2014
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That is a pretty dark stain. Not sure if you will be lucky enough to remove it from the chest top. With the age of the top however it looks as it was there for many years. It sort of adds some mystery to the top. Perhaps start a legend about the rings and pass it on to the future family members. Old finishes are very tricky to repair. Doing it without knowing for sure that the remedy will work, may make the top even worse. I would forget about it as it looks as though it was there for years, Remember to protect the top of the chest better and enjoy what will become a cherished family treasure.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 10, 2014
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You could try ironing it - it may or may not work but won't make it any worse! put a soft cloth over the ring, start with a low heat iron and gradually increase the heat, if you notice it lightening then you can keep increasing until its gone :)
Hayley@ TheDesertNestDubai
on Oct 10, 2014
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With something this old, I think I would take the advice of Woodbridge! Just enjoy it as it is!
Jeanette S
on Oct 10, 2014
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Woodbridge, you've given me an idea. I'll attach a note to the inside cover: Water stain left by Danyce circa 2014 (maybe it'll encourage some genealogy research in another hundred years...viaAntique Road Show. Lol).
Danyce
on Oct 10, 2014
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you could try equal parts of olive oil & vinegar. Rub it in & wait & see if it works.
Myrna Brumback
on Oct 10, 2014
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Leave it. It's part of the history of the piece. Things don't have to be perfect.
Venetia Kaseman
on Oct 10, 2014
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I have done both the ironing trick and the mayo trick on a very black ring also and it took some time and patience but it did lighten it a lot - not totally gone but not so noticeable. I am of the belief that anyone that comes to my home and picks out the flaws deserves the following: 1) never to be invited back and, 2) to be lied to so I tell some outrageous story about it!!! I find that both of these steps make me feel just fine!!!LOL
Theresa Springett
on Oct 10, 2014
- See 1 previous
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@Daynce I have a chest very much like that one..Mine has the metal with the studs but the metal looks more copper. Is the picture of the original color or has it been changed. My chest belonged to my great-great grandmother. She brought it to Texas from Alabama via covered wagon. I am so proud to have received it from my grandmother.
Sandy Lee
on Oct 10, 2014
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@Daynce the water seeped into the wood the only way to get rid of it is by stripping the wood and bleaching it. You lose value. And so many memories just leave it put a note in the table top and call it a day. Good luck.
Cyndy Flatt
on Oct 10, 2014
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My grandmother used cigarette ash and water, making a paste and rubbed the spots away. Theory ash is a natural healing abrasive. Removes water ring without damaging the surface. It was a progressive and repetitive process until you are satisfied with the results. It always worked.
Tracy Taranto
on Oct 11, 2014
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I have always used toothpaste. Put on in a circular motion let sit awhile repeat again with finger in one corner of a rough old wash cloth rub. Repeat maybe twice and it will go away. A water ring is just where it gets in all the old dust or polish built up.
Wglindner
on Oct 11, 2014
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New Life Furniture Masque -- as an antique dealer -- the ONLY thing we use!!!
Debi McCoy
on Oct 12, 2014
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Amish wood milk!
Marie
on Jan 17, 2015
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Amish wood milk is a scam
Debi McCoy
on Jan 18, 2015
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