Replies

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Nov 23, 2001 08:47pm | #1

   *
   Colleen,

   You might try going < Obsolete Link > here for some additional information. It is quite a bit down the page.

   I will probably get crucified for this but.....I would recommend Min Wax Wipe On Poly as a final finish. I use it frequently on pieces where durability is an issue. Having a few cats myself, nothing that I am aware of will prevent claw marks. Hope this helps.

   Dano

1. 
   Gretchen_ | Nov 25, 2001 06:19pm | #2

   *Howard's will more or less cover the scratches, not remove them. It will renew the look of the surface. There is nothing to be lost by trying some.

1. 
   Colleen_Writt | Nov 25, 2001 06:19pm | #3

   *Is there any product I can use to smooth out the scratches? There is the additional problem of an area where a roll of electrical tape was left on the table overnight. Whatever solvent was in the tape ate straight through the finish. I was in Home Depot yesterday with a can of Minwax Antique Restorer in my hand. I got cold feet and put it back on the shelf.What does Howard Restore-a-Finish Do, actually?Does it smooth out the finish? I read that it does not dissolve the finish. How can you take out mars and scratches without dissolving the finish?I also had a can of the wipe on Poly in my hand. It said to remove all varnish and lacquer before applying. I want something that will fix this without having the table out of use for very long.My son suggested I call a professional refinisher before I need some kind of other professional help.Thank you Colleen

1. 
   CStanford_ | Nov 25, 2001 06:35pm | #4

   *Strip the finish off completely, sand or scrape to bare wood, refinish with Watco or similar penetrating oil finish (three to five coats) wax and buff. Say goodbye to scratches in the finish.

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Nov 25, 2001 07:14pm | #5

   *Colleen,In my first reply I provided a link for you to a discussion here on stripping. It sounds to me that you need to remove the finish, sand, and apply a new finish. Your son made an excellent suggestion. FWIW.Dano

2. 
   Colleen_Writt | Nov 25, 2001 08:58pm | #6

   *Dano, Thanks very much for your advice. I suppose you can sense my ambivalence, since I know what needs to be done and I hate do any further damage. Of course my son must be right,He's only 14 but quite sage.I did read quite a bit about stripping,on the link you suggestedand elsewhere.I have done other such projects before, on junky furniture, and they did come out well. My nervousness to start this one comes from the fact that this table is so nice.Of course I hate to wreak it.Thanks again Colleen

3. 
   Colleen_Writt | Nov 25, 2001 09:15pm | #7

   *Thanks for your reply,Gretchen. Most of the scratches are only into the lacquer,the one spot where the electrical tape melted through is right down to bare wood. Will the Howards color the wood and possibly show when I do strip and refinish? I used a Minwax touchup marker and it did notaffect the color of the scratches, which are whitish. Sorry if I seem obsessed, but of course I want to do it right.Thanks Colleen

4. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Nov 26, 2001 06:48pm | #8

   *Colleen,Yes, I did sense your ambivalence and hope that I didn't sound short. If you have done refinish work in the past with good results, approach this with confidence. Only you can determine your level of skill. Good luck on whatever path you take. FWIW.Dano