How TO FIX
WOOD FURNITURE

Scuffs, scratches, and spills: Think of them as adding character rather than as flaws, and learn how to help mask and even remove certain unsightly spots.

PROBLEM	SOLUTION
Light Scratches	Shoe polish offers easy coverage and is reversible (just wipe it off with mineral spirits). To use, squirt some polish in a color that matches the surface onto a soft cloth, then rub it over the scratch. For more permanent color, there are lacquer sticks, though these are not for antiques.
CANDLE WAX	Scrape off hardened wax with a credit card or a rubber spatula, then buff the remainder away with a soft cloth and paste wax. To harden freshly dripped wax, rest a plastic bag of ice cubes against the wax for about five minutes before scraping.
WATER MARKS	If you catch the spill soon enough, you can try one of these solutions: Place a smooth white cloth on the surface and run a medium-hot iron (or bottom of a hot pan) back and forth over the area, lifting it as you go to monitor progress—you want to stop as soon as the mark is gone. Be sure to use a cloth without weave, which will otherwise leave an impression. Once the furniture is clear, polish the area. Apply an equal-parts mixture of baking soda and plain (non-gel) toothpaste to the area, rubbing with a soft cloth until you no longer see a mark. Wipe and buff.
RINGS FROM GLASSES OR MUGS	A white ring means moisture or heat has reached only the wax and the spot just needs a thorough cleaning. First try rubbing the area with a thick paste of olive oil and table salt, let sit 30 minutes, then wipe off paste with a soft cloth. If that doesn’t work, rub the ring with mineral spirits or odorless paint thinner (both found at hardware stores) until it disappears; you may want to go over the rest of the table while you’re at it. Then apply paste wax, using a soft cloth in a circular motion (i.e., buffing) to spread in an even layer. If the ring is darker than the wood, moisture or heat has actually permeated the finish and it requires professional refinishing.