Furniture and most items made of wood are prized not only for their beauty, but also for their sentimental value. This is why a lot of people hold on to their wood pieces, especially if these are treasured possessions that have been passed down from generation to generation. But like most materials, wood does wear and tear and water damage and other things that spoil or harm wood hasten its deterioration.
One type of problem is how to restore wood damage caused by water. Here are a few vital tips that you can consider. Be aware that there may already be things at home that you can readily use to remove water stains or other minor damage.
Using Oil and Oil-Based Substances
Oil and oil-based substances can be used to get rid of water stains. Water stains develop when moisture or water is left to dry on surfaces, such as when wet glasses are left on tables or when spills are not wiped dry. Various kinds of oil can be used to get rid of water stains, which usually appear as white discolorations on wood.
Oil reacts and removes minerals that have accumulated on wood, causing the white water marks. Lemon or orange oil are popular options. Simply wipe these on blemished areas and leave on for a few hours. Then, wipe off excess oil with a soft cloth. Mayonnaise is an oil-based substance that can also be used to get rid of water spots. Use this in the same way as lemon and orange oil. Other options include petroleum jelly, as well as Brazil or walnut oil.
Using Heat
Heat dissolves minerals that have attached to wood. A hot iron can be used to remove stains. But the iron should not be applied directly onto wood. Cover the area with a small towel first to protect wood from direct heat. Then, slowly smooth the iron on the wood and allow it to go over the area where the stains are. Do this several times or until the marks disappear. Always keep in mind that water readily seeps into the pores or minute openings on the wood, which causes damage to the material.
Therefore, once wood is damaged by water, put it in an area that gets just enough heat to speed up the drying process. Make sure to avoid putting wood under intense heat or in damp and cold places. Exposing wood to direct sunlight may overly hasten the drying procedure, which can cause wood to crack. Conversely, wood placed in damp areas or places where there’s not enough heat can encourage mold or mildew formation on wood surfaces.
Using Buffing Solutions
You can easily make your own buffing solutions. Get equal quantities of baking soda and toothpaste. Mix to form a paste. Place some of the paste onto the affected area. Finally, get a clean rag and buff or polish the stained portion with the mixture. Another combination is tobacco ash mixed with either mineral oil or linseed oil. For tougher stains, use turpentine, vinegar and boiled linseed oil. Combine equal measurements of the three.
Citations:
Claire Lassiter is a collector of wood items. Because of her passion for wood, specifically wooden furniture, she created a company, Dalworth Water Restoration, which specializes in restoring wood pieces to their former glory.