Heavily damaged wood furniture that was exposed to water for a longer
time, expedite drying by removing all parts that are easy to take apart
including back panels, drawers, and doors. Do not try to force them if
they are sticking. You can take them apart later when the furniture has
dried somewhat and the wood has begun shrinking back.
Milky white
water rings are a fairly common problem in finishes, especially after
the finishes have aged and started to break down from wear and sun. The
better the quality of finish, the longer it might take to start to break
down. As long as the finish maintains its integrity, water can’t get
through it to damage the finish or the wood underneath. As an absolute,
no finish is waterproof.
Milky white water marks are caused by
water penetrating the finish changing its transparency. They are always
in the finish itself. The water causes minuscule fractures that prevent
you from seeing through. It is much like solid ice that is transparent
in relation to cracked ice that has voids and is opaque.
Success
in performing repairs is unpredictable because of the various types of
finishes, the age and condition of the finish, the age of the water
damage itself, and how deep the water has reached. Any repairs should be
attempted realizing the risks involved. One problem may lead to another
problem.
Ways to remove milky white water marks are:
The
first step is to clean and dry it so that you may be better able to
assess the damage. Moisture in wood furniture can also encourage fungus
and mold growth so drying it is crucial. Remove excess moisture by
blotting or wiping wood furniture for furniture that is not submerged
and was only lightly damaged.
White mildew spots may be cleaned
with turpentine or a mixture of equal parts household ammonia and water.
Wipe dry at once. Cream wood restorers with lanolin will help restore
wood furniture. Lightly damaged veneers can be glued back on.Only when
the furniture is completely dry can you begin to repair and refinish.
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