Asked on Feb 13, 2016
Touching up a tea cart
by
Sharon Poff
+12
I purchased an almost perfect tea cart that has sides that pull out for a table. My only problem is that there are a few worn spots on the top...I do not want to refinish the entire item. How would I cover it to make it blend in with the rest of wood?
12 answers
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You can try using the blending pencils they carry in Home Depot in the paint department available in an assortment of color.
Janet Pizaro
on Feb 14, 2016
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I've had good results touching up wood finishes with Howard's Restor-A-Finish.
Patricia
on Feb 14, 2016
- See 1 previous
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Sand the spots lightly with a VERY fine grit sandpaper to smooth out the edges. They try restaining the entire top. Put stain on a cloth and rub it in and rub it right back off.
Trudy
on Feb 14, 2016
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Always try the least "invasive" first and go from there. And it DOES depend on whether it's real wood or pressed wood. They are handled very differently. If it is real wood, try something like a stain pencil or Howard's Restor-a-Finish, as suggested after sanding very carefully and with fine paper. For both, there is a recommended top finish that you should use. If it is pressed wood, be VERY careful. Once the MDF or pressed board is exposed, it will swell with any moisture. First, sand with fine grit paper (not steel wool) and go to the finest grit paper you can find (the finer the better, like 320). Then use an OIL-based stain carefully painting in on where the stain is missing and then an oil-based sealer on top. This is the most difficult. I would suggest using an oil-based stain/sealer and go darker on the top. This can look very nice. You could paint also, but again with an oil-base. Do not use a water-based anything!. Good luck!
Nmk3
on Feb 14, 2016
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I have had great results with Howard's Restor-a-finish too. It comes in several colors and is very easy to apply. Just wipe it on with a soft cloth with the grain of the wood. I've even had good results using it on pieces that have a thin veneer top. Your scratches look like they will camaflauge well but not be completely unseen. I've also used the furniture knick markers, then apply Howard's-Restor-a-Finsh after the marker dries. Good luck!
Jill
on Feb 14, 2016
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Just use Old English furniture polish!
Ban323177
on Feb 14, 2016
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If they are really small surface marks . I just used 1/3 vinegar to 2/3 olive oil and it worked . If thier deeper it's best to use wood restore and do the whole table.
Terrie Neudorf
on Feb 14, 2016
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Have you tried Dutch Glow? You may not want to re-do the top after Dutch Glow.
Sarah
on Feb 14, 2016
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I also use Old English Furniture Polish. And on darker wood I use the brown tinted version. Almost always covers small nicks and scratches while moisturizing the wood. On some lighter woods I use coconut oil. Rub over the piece, let set for a little while to penetrate then buff with a soft cloth. This is especially good for wood that has been neglected and has lost its luster from being too dry. You can test these on a small area first to see if you like the results.
Goldrushgal
on Feb 14, 2016
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I would suggest Old English furniture polish or an almond stick to restore those spots. If they are actual gouges, a filler stick may work. I personally have never had luck with the crayon or marker type fixes.
MN Mom
on Feb 14, 2016
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I would decoupage it. Maybe not entirely but if you can't get the snatched off, maybe do some random theme pictures and then seal it.
Julie Moyna
on Feb 14, 2016
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Try to cover with a furniture brown marker then went dry clean it with a solution of olive oil and lemon juice or try Old English scratch cover oil. Good luck
Mar1416882
on Feb 14, 2016
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