Kitchen table

Frank
by Frank

I have and old kitchen table that we have used for about 40 years. I decided to clean it so I washed it and then applied 2 coats of Min Wax to it. Now I am starting to get white blotches all over the table. How do I fix this mess? Or can I wash it again and apply an oil finish to it. What can I use.


  11 answers
  • Anna B Anna B on May 30, 2020

    Was the table stained or poly coated before you washed it an used the Min-Wax? I received an old, 70+ years old maple table a few years ago. The stain was faded and scratched. I used a hand sander with fine grit sandpaper and made several light passes over the table to remove the old maple stain. Then I used a tack cloth to get it completely dust free and applied two coats of a light maple stain (dry well between coats). I gave a single pass with a nearly grit free sand paper, used the tack cloth and applied 2 coats of clear matte poly. Looks great and has stood up to seven grandchildren eating many meals around it.

  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on May 30, 2020

    I agree with Judy's advice. You can sand off the old stain and apply new stain.

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on May 30, 2020

    You will need to sand it down and use a stain then apply a clear satin finish.


  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on May 30, 2020

    Get your self a bottle of ammonia take all the polish off and start over.The polish is what turns white when it gets wet or heats up.

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on May 30, 2020

    I would sand it off and reapply stain

  • Annie Annie on May 30, 2020

    Hi Frank. It may be time to re finish the old table back to original. Once you apply wax it is very hard to remove without using a chemical stripper. Heres a good link that may help you out. https://www.amishoutletstore.com/blog/pro-tips-refinishing-solid-wood-furniture-diy-guide/

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jun 01, 2020

    Hi! I stripped ours down and whitewashed it. Love it! There may have been moisture still when you applied the Min Wax, leading to the splotches or, it's because it didn't absorb well into the wood. If you want to just want to try to salvage the finish, try mineral spirits. If the finish isn't salvageable, you may have to strip it down to bare wood and start fresh. Good luck and stay safe!

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jun 01, 2020

    It sounds like there was some moisture on the table when you refinished it, locking that in when you applied the Min Wax.. Maybe there was something on the bare wood that did not allow the stain to go down properly-it was blocked. Any case, strip and refinish. Best to you.

  • The white sounds like moisture trapped beneath the finish, which happens on our table as well. I cover the spots with a towel and apply a hot (no steam) iron. This helps dry it up.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Jun 02, 2020

    A lot of time a shellac finish will develop white spots if you get moisture on it (like rings from glasses). You need to strip off off finish before adding new stain.

  • Dee Dee on Jun 03, 2020

    You should try gently sanding down the top coat with 220 sand paper. See if that removes the white blotches. If it does not sand it again. Then reapply the stain, let it thoroughly dry before putting any varnish/laquer for a top coat.