How do I fix this?

Elizabeth Haire
by Elizabeth Haire

I have a lovely late 1940's vanity that belonged to my Mom. Unfortunately the top has numerous splotches and scratches on it. They weren't helped when my bottle of nail polish remover spilled in the very middle of the top surface ☹️. It's maple, solid, and I would like to make it look gorgeous again in it's "old" age.

What can I use on it? I am not a woodworker -I teach ELA to Middle Schoolers.

Thanks for your suggestions.


  8 answers
  • Em Em on Jul 04, 2021

    Sand and restain. First rub the nail polish in the direction of the grain with denatured alcohol. Use a putty knife to "lift off a bit as it softens" being careful not to scratch wood.

    Use an orbital sander or sand by hand. Clean off all dust and debris with a damp rag. Use a rag dipped in stain with a SMALL amount of stain on it and rub it into wood in straight lines going with the grain.. A little stain goes a long way. You can always add a second coat but have to start from scratch if you put on too much.

  • William William on Jul 04, 2021

    Use Citristrip stripper to remove any finish. Sand it down to raw wood. Start with 100 grit sandpaper, then 150 grit, and finally with 220 grit. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Stain if you want or just seal with three coats of a water based polyurethane.


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/furniture/diy-refinished-wood-dresser-top-39188185


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/furniture/you-need-this-simple-guide-to-refinishing-a-dresser-top-43281075


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/vintage-dining-table-top-redo-44318666

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jul 04, 2021

    Citri strip is a non-toxic remover that will take it down to the wood. From there sand and dust it off with a damp microfiber cloth. The finish will be up to you. MInwax makes some excellent stains and is readily available at diy stores. Seal with thin coats of polyurethane.

  • Janice Janice on Jul 04, 2021

    Citristrip will work well to remove whatever finish your vanity currently has. A trick I've used is to apply the Citristrip and then gently cover witha plastic wrap and let the stripper work its magic for 20-30 minutes (or even longer if necessary). Then lift the plastic away and follow the instructions. After removing all the stripper, sand the vanity well to get a smooth finish. Then either stain or apply a clear sealer to protect the newly redone surface. It's so great to learn you are going to bing back the beauty of your Mom's maple vanity!

  • I agree, use Citristrip. Tape-off everything else and apply it to the top. Cover it with plastic wrap for a half hour. Use a plastic scraper to remove it.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jul 04, 2021

    If you sand and restain here is a helpful idea or two:


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bathroom/vanities/staining-wood-vanity-vintage-renew-4191103?expand_all_questions=1

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jul 05, 2021

    Start with stripping the top. I would use citristrip. Then lightly hand sand with fine grit paper and clean with denatured alcohol. At that point, you can finish it to match. An old fashioned hardware store can help you match the color, most likely with a custom mix.

    Also, clean the sides very well before you match it and remove any wax that is there.

  • Sanding should get you cleaned up. It might not remove every stain but it will help. Use a lower number to start, like 80 grit and work your way up to about 400 or so. You can then stain and seal for a refinished top.