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While selling furniture most of my life, this was a story I heard several times a year. People would call or come in to the store wanting to know what they could do about the dreaded ring on the table top. Some had left drinking glasses on the table, and the condensation seeped through. Others had spilled nail polish remover on it. Children had drawn a picture on it with magic markers. And, the best, or worst in their case, was the one were they set a hot pizza box directly on the table top.

Frankly, when it comes to a ring on the table top, if you want that top perfect again, you're going to have to pay for it. If your table top is solid wood (e.g. oak, cherry, maple), you will have to have your top stripped, sanded, and re-stained. Some people cringe at that thought, but if this a table you plan to continue using for many years, and hope for it to become an heirloom, then it would be best to spend the money. Taking care of solid well-made furniture can be a costly investment, but it pays for itself for as long as it holds up over the years.

On the other hand, if your table top is made of laminate, veneer, or particle board, you have two choices: learn to love the ring, or buy a new table. I absolutely hate that these poorly made cheap excuses for furniture exist, but all can't be right in the world. I've seen these types of furniture develop water rings very quickly.

Certain varnishes are made that help prevent the water rings from happening too quickly. Ultimately, the best thing to do is keep your table top free from moisture. Moisture does a lot of damage to wood, as well as heat, which is why you shouldn't use a hair dryer to try to remove a water ring! MOISTURE and HEAT will wear down your finish and cause your wood to split over time. Keep coasters handy for your drinks, and prolong the beauty of your table top.

Learn more about this author, Emilie Grace.
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