How to fix this table top

Kim Gearin
by Kim Gearin
My sister brought me this table top. Someone threw it out. There are a few scratches but they do not seem to go all the way through the finish. What is the best way to remove them without damaging anything underneath?
  16 answers
  • Lindcurt Lindcurt on Jun 29, 2015
    Stain markers or crayons. Check at your local paint store.
  • Brenda Young Brenda Young on Jun 29, 2015
    Gorgeous find, and definitely worth saving. I would use Kramers Best antique restorer , that stuff works wonders! You can find it on Amazon. Dont try the crayon or marker route, inlaid tops are worth a small fortune. Use something professional and retain its value.
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Jun 29, 2015
    I have a similar table,with inlay.I simply restrained it's a walnut and used a combo stain,polyurethane finish.It took along time to dry,even though it put on very thin coats,I was pleased with the results.If I were to do it again,I would use a separate stain and polyurethane.That way if I wanted to stain it a little darker with the stain first,It would have been easier I think.
  • Shelly Shelly on Jun 29, 2015
    I would use 000 steal wool. It's very fine and will work out the scratches. It will also smooth out the surface without disturbing the inlay. Once you have it smooth wipe it with tack cloth to remove any dust then apply a thin coat of polyurethane or two rubbing it down with 000 steal wool in between coats. That should protect the surface in the future.
  • Paul Villafranca Paul Villafranca on Jun 30, 2015
    You have an awesome table. I like scratches and nicks it gives it a story. To hide them a bit I like to use restore oil.
  • Duv310660 Duv310660 on Jun 30, 2015
    i agree with using steel wool, but I would test to see if the finish is lacquer or shellac, and follow up with a coat(s) of what's already on the table. Polyurethane has a particular look to it, awkwardly modern compared to the rest of the piece. Also I prefer a vacuum and soft cloth to tack cloths which can leave residue if you are not familiar with using them.
  • Teri Boelk Teri Boelk on Jun 30, 2015
    Steel wool then a new coat of oil or lacquer.
  • Me Me on Jun 30, 2015
    the finest steel wool you can find, and you can just put a good paste wax on the wool and rub that in. Use a light touch. No nasty fumes, no worry about what works with the old finish. My dad taught this to me and it works well on OLD pieces.
  • John Bittner John Bittner on Jun 30, 2015
    There is a good product called "Restore A Finish" that will cover the defects well. You can find it on eBay. Order the color that is closest to the finish and follow directions. I use it on my clocks that I repair
  • Ella Greene Ella Greene on Jul 01, 2015
    I love Amish Secret for this. It does wonders, and cleans and protects.
  • Lisa Whitaker Lisa Whitaker on Jul 04, 2015
    lovely!
  • Kim Gearin Kim Gearin on Jul 05, 2015
    Thank you all so much.
  • Shirley Kalinosky Shirley Kalinosky on Jul 11, 2015
    Have you restored this yet? Isn't it a shame when you find something this lovely and it's marred by something. Hope you were able to make it your own.
  • Rebecca Bender Rebecca Bender on Jul 15, 2015
    Doesn't work on everything but I use Old English Scratch Cover. Works great on most things I have tried.
  • Charlotte Wood Eckel Charlotte Wood Eckel on Jul 15, 2015
    Mix tung oil and turpentine 50/50 and clean it, then see how it looks. The turpentine lifts all the grime and dirt and the tung oil leaves a beautiful finish.
  • Kim Gearin Kim Gearin on Oct 23, 2015
    so I used.stain on the top and the scratches are only noticeable if you look real close. since my sis just brought me the top I combined it with a short barstool that I painted. I think it turned out nice. thanks for all the advice.