Need advise from a furniture refinisher pls: Steel Wool Scratches on Wood Furniture?

Question

Apparently, I used too much pressure when applying Howard's Restor-A-Finish with 0000 steel wool. My new, expensive floor model dinning room table which only had some minor scratches now has 1000's of steel wool scratches. This table has a modern style espresso satin (NOT glossy) finish. Someone suggested using a burnishing cream but they are so shinny and I would like to stay with the more flat/satin finish. However, I prefer high gloss over high scratch so I am open to all suggestions even if it is a glossy finish result. Does anyone have a suggestion short of using a refinsher kit? Thank you

Answer 1

So, you bought a new table, then proceeded to rub the top with steel wool and Howard's and you are not happy with the result?

Once rubbed, or even damaged, it's quite difficult to restore the "off the gun" flat finish on furniture.  I can lay in a light layer of flat lacquer and restore the finish.  A surface much larger than an end table makes this difficult. Whether you can do this successfully or not is unknown.  In addition, you have already applied a layer of oil with the Howard's that may affect any further finish, at least temporarily and without thorough cleaning.

Your other option is to use something like Abralon pads to dull the finish down by rubbing.

But you've rung the bell and getting it un-rung (back to the point before you started)  is going to be difficult.

Personally, I'd suggest learning to like a hand-rubbed satin finish.  Next time, run trial before you jump in.

Answer 2

Did you use the Howard's on the whole table?  0000 steel wool normally does not show scratches - I am surprised.

What I would suggest, is to take a soft cloth, reapply the Howard's just do a very thin coat, let dry and then get Miniwax paste wax, cut a piece of cloth, take a dab of the wax and put in the cloth and wet it and do a small section at a time - follow directions - (go with grain of wood) let dry to a haze (not too long) and wipe off (buff) with a cotton, lent free cloth.  Also, for your info, they have wax pencils now that you can get in different colors to match any color wood that fill in scratches and marks.  Also, did you use the steel wool with the direction of the grain?

Hope this helps.