Asked on Feb 04, 2019

How do I remove the dried wet paper from a wooden table?

Therese
by Therese

My son kept his drink glass on an old magazine on top of my old wood coffee table. When i removed the magazine (after a day) the magazine covers had dried to the wood. When i picked up the magazine the paper was stuck to the wood. Please help - I understand I may have to re-finish but I am trying to avoid that.


  5 answers
  • Sharon Pugsley Sharon Pugsley on Feb 04, 2019

    Maybe wet it with it a soft wet paper towel by laying it on top for a short while to soften it and it will wipe off. It did work for me. As for any discoloration CLR worked great to get the color back to it's original state.

    Never scrape


  • Reggie Reggie on Feb 04, 2019

    Sometimes a little dish soap and a Soft scrubber will take the paper off.

  • Amir Hyman Amir Hyman on Jan 03, 2023

    To remove the dried wet paper from a wooden table, you can try the following steps:


    1. Gently scrape off as much of the dried paper as possible using a dull knife or spatula. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the wood.
    2. Dampen a cloth with warm water and gently rub the area where the paper was. This may help to loosen and dissolve the paper.
    3. If the paper is still not coming off, you can try using a mixture of equal parts warm water and mild dish soap. Dampen a cloth with the mixture and gently scrub the area.
    4. If the paper is still not coming off, you can try using a commercial cleaner specifically designed for removing stains from wood. Follow the instructions on the product and be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area.
    5. Once the paper has been removed, wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.


    Remember to be gentle and use caution when removing dried wet paper from a wooden table, as the wood can be easily damaged.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 03, 2023

    To use olive oil as a dried-on paper remover, soak a corner of a paper towel in olive oil, then spread the oil generously over the affected area. The paper stuck to the furniture should absorb the oil within half an hour or so; after that, wipe the loosened paper and the oil away with another paper towel.