Q: We have a Willett table with a glossy finish. It has many areas of heat damage from hot food placed on it without using the table pads. We’ve tried products to try and hide the areas, but it really looks bad. What can we do about the table finish?
— Ann Otto, Tallmadge
A: I once got this tip for removing whitish heat marks from furniture from Gary Hendrix of Hendrix Furniture Restoration in New Franklin: Cover the heat marks with a plain, brown paper grocery bag with no printing, and iron over the paper with an iron set at medium heat. The heat may draw the moisture out of the finish and into the paper.
If that doesn’t work, he said a furniture refinisher may be able to apply a chemical to soften the finish and allow the moisture to evaporate before the finish hardens again.
If all else fails, you can have the table top refinished. You can do that job yourself if you’re skilled, but you’ll probably get better results from a professional.
Have a question about home maintenance, decorating or gardening? Akron Beacon Journal home writer Mary Beth Breckenridge will find answers for the queries that are chosen to appear in the paper. To submit a question, call her at 330-996-3756, or send email to mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com. Be sure to include your full name, your town and your phone number or email address.