Embarrassed by the watermarks on your wood furniture?  Are you searching for the answer(s) to get rid of these unsightly irritations?  Well, you’re not the only one.  Many people today are pondering these same questions.  That’s why the folks at Van Dyke’s Restoration have decided to help you by giving different “remedies”, if you will, to try on your own.

If you have done any research on watermarks, you will find that there are an endless number of solutions that you could try.  The biggest tip when it comes to experimenting with different options is to begin with the mildest substances and work your way up to the stronger ones until the watermark is resolved.  Here are five different solutions to try:

Mildest
Oil Substance (Mayonnaise, Petroleum Jelly, etc.)

Mild
Mixture of Vinegar, Linseed Oil, and Gum Turpentine

Strong
Ammonia

Stronger
Denatured Alcohol

Strongest
Black Ring Only - Oxalic Acid (Wood Bleach)

Starting with the mildest, use a substance that has oil in it such as furniture polish.  Leave it on the watermark spot over night and then wipe it off in the morning.  The spot should be gone - if not move on to the second option.

The second solution is to mix vinegar, linseed oil, and gum turpentine using equal parts of each. Rub the surface lightly with the mixture.  Again, if this option fails, move on to the third option.

Another solution would be to use one part water and two parts non-sudsy household ammonia on a dampened cloth.  Take the dampened cloth and rub delicately over the spot.  If this fails to resolve the watermark, try using option four.

Option four consists of using a small amount of alcohol dampened in a soft rag.  Wipe the area carefully with the dampened rag.  Keep in mind alcohol can damage finishes, such as shellac, so be very careful when using it on the watermark area.  Again, if this option fails, move on to the final option.

The last option entails using oxalic acid, which you can find in a home improvement store under “wood bleach.”  Add the oxalic acid to exceptionally hot tap water and then paint it on to the watermark area. Unlike stripper, you can keep brushing because it's best to work it into the wood and let it really soak in.  Allow the oxalic acid to dry to a powdery residue.  Once it has reached this point, rinse it off the surface by using warm water and a sponge.

Hopefully, one of these five options will aid you in removing those irritating watermarks.  Good Luck!

Contact Information:
Please call Toll Free 1-800-787-3355 if you require further assistance.

Van Dykes Restorers
P.O. BOX 278
39771 S.D. HWY. 34.
Woonsocket, SD 57385

Order Line: 1-800-558-1234
E-mail: restoration@cabelas.com