Repair desk finish

May 12, 2005 4 Replies

I have a teak desk that I bought at a Scandanavian store many years ago. In my previous office, I had the right side against the wall and I needed to secure a few wires so I attached a couple of those wire guides with the double-stick tape on the back to the top corner of the desk. Probably not the smartest thing to do, but I was in a hurry.



I recently moved my office and now the left side is against the wall. I was able to get most of the double-stick tape off except for a little residue. so, again in a hurry, I used some Goof-Off or something similar. Unfortunately, it softened the finish, too. When I wiped it off, it left the finish cloudy and slightly tacky.



Is there any simple way to fix that one spot (about 2" x 3") or so without refinishing the entire top?



I don't know if the finish is polyurethane, lacquer, or what. I'm guessing it's not polyurethane as Goof-Off probably wouldn't touch that, right?


Trying to take shorts cuts is what got you in this fix in the first place, but you already know that.

I'd contact a professional restorer and get an opinion and also a quote, if they will give you one.

Lew

Lacquer, dollars to doughnuts. Easy to spot refinish lacquer...

Thanks to everyone for the help. I was able get it looking pretty good with some steel wool and some lacquer touch up in a spray can.

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