Restoring The Clear Finish; Re-Staining The Wood; Scratches And Nicks - Monaco DIPLOMAT 2004 Owner's Manual

Restoring the clear finish:

Check the scratches carefully. If flaking varnish is visible with dark-stained
wood underneath, only the clear finish may need to be restored. Rub the loose
varnish with fine steel wool or fine synthetic steel wool until you have removed
the flaking varnish and slightly roughened a small area of the finish surrounding
the scratch. With the tip of rag, a small brush, or even a cotton swab, apply a thin
coat of a wipe-on finish. Apply finish to the damaged area only. Several coats may
be needed to hide the scratch.

Re-staining the wood:

If bare wood is visible at the bottom of the scratch, the wood will need to be
re-stained. To remove damaged varnish, lightly roughen a small area around the
scratch with sandpaper, steel wool or synthetic steel wool. Find a stain that is a
shade lighter than the wood finish. Stain the bare wood with a very small amount
of stain on a rag, brush or cotton swab. If the color is too light, apply several
coats. Rub away excess stain with a dry rag. If the wood becomes too dark, use a
rag moistened in mineral sprits to lighten the wood. Select a lighter color stain and
continue.
Several companies have simplified this repair process by putting oil-based
wood stain into marker-like containers. Just rub the stain marker on the scratch.
Start with a stain color that is lighter than the original finish, because torn and
scratched wood fibers will absorb stain and darken quickly. A second coat can
always be applied if the color of the first coat is too light. Once the color is
blended, patch the clear finish as described above and apply a wipe-on finish.

Scratches and Nicks:

Several professional woodworkers use similar procedures and tricks when it
comes to scratches and nicks, most of which can be easily repaired. Always test an
inconspicuous area of the wood prior to repairs to ensure no damages to the finish.
Light scratches will often disappear when carefully rubbed with furniture
polish or paste wax. Deeper scratches can be hidden by carefully rubbing with a
piece of oily nutmeat such as Brazil nut, black walnut or pecan. Be careful to rub
the nutmeat directly into the scratch to avoid darkening of the surrounding wood.
Color the scratch with brown coloring crayon or liquid shoe dye
(especially good on walnut).
Staining the scratch with iodine:
Mahogany - Use new iodine.
Brown or Cherry Mahogany - Use iodine that has turned dark brown.
Maple -Dilute one part iodine with one part denatured alcohol.
Commercial scratch removers, or stick wax to match the wood finish, can also
be used. After the scratch has been hidden, polish or wax the entire area. Deep
scratches should be repaired and finished by a professional.
EXTERIOR & INTERIOR CARE
DIPLOMAT 2004
3 •137