Exterior & Interior Care --- Section 3
The Executive 2005
149
Dents:
Small dents may be repaired by using steam. To raise a small dent, place a damp cloth over the area
and hold a medium-hot iron on it. The steam causes the wood fibers to swell back into place. It may be
necessary to repeat this process until the dented area is level with the surface. Allow the area to dry.
Restoring the clear finish:
Check the scratches carefully. If flaking varnish is visible with dark-stained wood underneath, only
the clear finish may need to be restored. Rub the loose varnish with fine steel wool or fine synthetic
steel wool until you have removed the flaking varnish and slightly roughened a small area of the finish
surrounding the scratch. With the tip of a rag, a small brush, or even a cotton swab, apply a thin coat of
wipe-on finish. Apply finish to the damaged area only. Several coats may be needed to hide the scratch.
Re-staining the wood:
If bare wood is visible at the bottom of the scratch, the wood will need to be re-stained. To remove
damaged varnish, lightly roughen a small area around the scratch with sandpaper, steel wool or syn-
thetic steel wool. Find a stain that is a shade lighter than the wood finish. Stain the bare wood with a
very small amount of stain on a rag, brush or cotton swab. If the color is too light, apply several coats. Rub
away excess stain with a dry rag. If the wood becomes too dark, use a rag moistened in mineral sprits to
lighten the wood. Select a lighter color stain and continue.
Several companies have simplified this repair process by designing oil-based wood stain into mark-
er-like containers to rub on to the scratch. Start with a stain color that is lighter than the original finish,
because torn and scratched wood fibers will absorb stain and darken quickly. A second coat can always
be applied if the color of the first coat is too light. Once the color is blended, patch the clear finish
as described above and apply a wipe-on finish.
Scratches and Nicks:
Professional woodworkers use certain procedures on scratches and nicks for easy repair. Light
scratches will often disappear when carefully rubbed with furniture polish or paste wax. Deeper
scratches can be hidden by carefully rubbing with a piece of oily nutmeat such as Brazil nut, black
walnut or pecan. Be careful to rub the nutmeat directly into the scratch to avoid darkening of the sur-
rounding wood. Color the scratch with brown coloring crayon or liquid shoe dye (especially good on
walnut). Always test a procedure on an inconspicuous area on the wood to ensure no damages to the
finish occurs.
Staining the scratch with iodine:
Mahogany - Use new iodine.
Brown or Cherry Mahogany - Use iodine that has turned dark brown.
Maple - Dilute one part iodine with one part denatured alcohol.
Commercial scratch removers, or stick wax to match the wood finish, can also be used. After the
scratch has been hidden, polish or wax the entire area. Deep scratches should be repaired and finished
by a professional.
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