Alcohol can also leave marks on wooden surfaces, but if you know how to properly use it, you'll find out that it can also take out the dilemma quite effectively. First, get a clean cloth and dampen it with denatured alcohol. Very lightly pass it over the stain. The cloth should be moving, but just skimming the surface. Remember, be very careful with this tactic. Using too much denatured alcohol can damage a water-based or lacquer finish, and dissolve a shellac finish. It's a good idea to use a small amount of alcohol at first, and just keep adding some if needed. Watch closely what happens. If you're not sure whether alcohol is compatible with the finish, try it on a very small area first. As long as this is done properly, you'll be able to remove the stains without worries.
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Alcohol Stains are caused by spilled drinks and by many medicines, lotions, and perfumes. Since alcohol dissolves many finishes, it is important to react quickly. Wipe up the spill quickly and rub the spot vigorously with your palm or with a cloth dipped in a small amount of furniture polish.
For older stains use a paste of rottenstone, baking soda or cigarette ashes mixed with mineral oil, linseed oil, or lemon oil. Rub lightly in the direction of the grain. Then wipe with plain linseed oil. Rub briskly with the grain of the wood, using a clean soft cloth. Wipe frequently to compare and match gloss of the repaired area with the original finish.
Powdered pumice (from paint store) is a harsher abrasive than rottenstone. Test to be sure it will not damage finish. Rottenstone is a very fine abrasive, found in some hardware and paint stores.
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Proper polishing of real wood furniture is very important to prolong the life of the furniture. Wood needs to have its natural moisture replenished to prevent the wood from prematurely drying out. A polish containing real lemon oil is the best thing for treating your fine wood furniture. Make sure that the polish contains real lemon oil, not just a lemon fragrance. Always polish with a soft white cloth. Polish in the direction of the grain of the wood. Avoid using any polishes that contain alcohol or silicone. Alcohol can have a drying effect on the wood and silicone can often leave a smeared appearance. If your wood furniture is already coated with a high build-up of old polish or wax, you need to remove this first before applying fresh lemon oil polish. The old polish and wax can be removed by using a furniture cleaner designed for this purpose. Furniture cleaners and good lemon oil polishes are readily available at most major hardware stores. Call our office if you need a recommendation or supply source.
