Removing Hot Water Stain from Varnished Surface

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Any cabinetmakers on board?

I split hot coffee onto the varnished surface of an old dressing table. It has created a fairly large white mark (maybe 3" square).

I read on-line of being able to remove water stain marks by using a hot steam iron on a cloth laid over the mark. Moving the iron in the direction of the wood grain - keeping the iron moving as if ironing the cloth.

Is this the best and safest way to go about removing the water mark?

 

[Deleted member 16999]

I’ve used this method and it definitely works, I was advised to use a cotton cloth.

 

[MadAdey]

Any cabinetmakers on board?

I split hot coffee onto the varnished surface of an old dressing table. It has created a fairly large white mark (maybe 3" square).

I read on-line of being able to remove water stain marks by using a hot steam iron on a cloth laid over the mark. Moving the iron in the direction of the wood grain - keeping the iron moving as if ironing the cloth.

Is this the best and safest way to go about removing the water mark?

I remember my mum once taking a hot water stain out of a mahogany table by using brown wrapping paper. Put it over it and then use an iron, similar but different to the way you mentioned.

 

[IanM]

How about water marks from "slate tiles?"

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

OK - good oh - will give it the hot iron and cotton cloth treatment.

 

[Dellboy]

How brave are you ?

My friend who is a French polisher would pour meths over the mark, set light to it and wait until the flames were out then polish/rub with a lint free cloth like mad, the meths + flame would bring the water/ moisture to the surface then the friction of rubbing would do the rest.
Very small areas then using toothpaste and rubbing would also work.