Is this bench salvageable?
May 31, 2024 2:31 PM Subscribe
Hi!
I have the Pottery Barn Benchwright bench in the color 'rustic mahogany'. Unfortunately, I used the bench as an ironing board for one evening. Even though I kept a thick blanket on it before using the iron, the top surface of the bench got discolored and now has a big, white patch (Picture in link). I am cursing my foolishness!
Do you have any suggestions on how to salvage this? Happy to get referral for furniture repair company or even suggestions for a DIY.
I stay in Toronto, Canada.
Thank you!
Best answer: should be able to find a mahogany stain at a local hardware/paint store, or a near match. maybe even a new hue you prefer? follow instructions on the tin: dry outside, etc.
posted by HearHere at 2:36 PM on May 31 [1 favorite]
posted by HearHere at 2:36 PM on May 31 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Ironically, a little strategic ironing can bring it back.
posted by AzraelBrown at 2:59 PM on May 31 [7 favorites]
posted by AzraelBrown at 2:59 PM on May 31 [7 favorites]
Best answer: Set your hair dryer on low heat and move the head around the stain. Check on the stain every 2 minutes to see your progress. Keep the hair dryer in constant motion around the stain to avoid damaging the finish and repeat as necessary, making sure not to use the hair dryer for more than 2 minutes at a time. As the wood reheats, its pores will re-expand and the hair dryer will evaporate the stain-causing moisture. - first tip at "How to Remove Heat Stains from Wood" round-up wiki & Food52's advice page.
posted by Iris Gambol at 3:20 PM on May 31 [6 favorites]
posted by Iris Gambol at 3:20 PM on May 31 [6 favorites]
Best answer: Chiming in to agree with what's been said by AzraelBrown and Iris Gambol: the white is caused by moisture from what you ironed, and you can eliminate the white by warming it carefully. Been there, done that.
posted by anadem at 5:26 PM on May 31 [3 favorites]
posted by anadem at 5:26 PM on May 31 [3 favorites]
Best answer: After you dry it, you may want to stain it ANYWAY, then put a protective barrier on it.
posted by kschang at 6:29 PM on May 31
posted by kschang at 6:29 PM on May 31
Response by poster: Thank you all for your brilliant suggestions!
A couple of weekends ago, I ended up ironing the bench again using a cotton/linen fabric as base. As I ironed, the wood heated up and released moisture droplets. I was careful to remove the cotton fabric constantly and wipe the droplets with a dry cloth.
It took me a couple of hours but I could restore it back to almost normal.
I have attached the images of the process in the link posted above.
Thank you all!
posted by synapse2512 at 2:37 PM on July 16 [1 favorite]
A couple of weekends ago, I ended up ironing the bench again using a cotton/linen fabric as base. As I ironed, the wood heated up and released moisture droplets. I was careful to remove the cotton fabric constantly and wipe the droplets with a dry cloth.
It took me a couple of hours but I could restore it back to almost normal.
I have attached the images of the process in the link posted above.
Thank you all!
posted by synapse2512 at 2:37 PM on July 16 [1 favorite]
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posted by synapse2512 at 2:32 PM on May 31