How to Restore An Antique Drop-leaf Table With Heat And Water Damage

by Highstyle Restyle

This antique drop-leaf table belonged to one of my favorite (and best) clients great-grandmothers. Over the years, it suffered water and heat damage.

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Before we met, she had taken it to someone to 'restore' the top but when it was returned the water rings were still visible. She was told there wasn't any way to get them out. Well, that's not exactly true. It's called sanding. And more sanding. Unfortunately, there's no magic product to get rid of water rings and heat damage. If there was such a wonder product, furniture restorers would be in big trouble.

I felt horrible that she paid to have the table 'fixed' but I assured her that when I was finished it would be good as new. Or even better than new.

Since she wanted to keep as much of the table original as possible, I needed to find a stain to match the apron and legs. Matching a furniture manufacturer stain is tricky business. They typically custom mix their own stain instead of buying it pre-mixed so it's not as easy as going to a home improvement store and picking one up.

You won't want to miss ho w perfectly the top matches the bottom! And the best part is the water and damage is gone. Now, that's a happy ending I'd say. To see this process in its entirety, please visit my blog.

My client was thrilled with the outcome and I'm so happy I could restore her great-grandma's table just the way she remembered.

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3 of 7 comments

SK on Elderberry on Nov 03, 2014
Nice! I know it's hard work, but so worth the time. sk

1 Reply
- Highstyle Restyle on Nov 03, 2014
  @SK on Elderberry Couldn't agree more! )
  
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Sharon Brown on Nov 13, 2016
Water stains and scratches are removable with cracked walnuts

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