Boiling pot on my cherry galley table

[Waterborn]

While delivering my boat last year, my friend and crew member placed a pot of hot mashed potatos on my galley table. The result is a white burn mark left from the pot. Is there anyway to remove this awful looking reminder of a wonderful trip?
Thanks in advance.

If at first you don't succeed; skydiving isn't for you.

[rjrendemd]

First try to remove them by taking a steam iron and heating the white spot through a damp cloth. The spots are due to water vapor that gets trapped in the surface of the finish and the heat can force the water out. For some reason, the steam in the iron helps to prevent the wood from getting scorched. If that doesnt work you will have to gently abrade the surface without damaging the wood. You can try either 0000 steel wool with a lubricant like paste wax or lemon oil. I found this quote on a Bob Vila web site which will accomplish the same thing:

If the wood has a good finish (don't try on bare wood), mix equal parts of baking soda and regular white, nongel toothpaste. Lightly dampen corner of a clean, soft white cloth with water and dip into the paste. With circular motion gently buff the marks for a few minutes. Wipe area clean, and buff to a shine. Follow with furniture polish. (If rings remain after buffing five minutes or so, they may have penetrated the wood; you might have to refinish the piece).

[Dutch]

You,or your friend,most likely fried the finish on the table.The only way to get a decent finish is strip and refinish.
Repair,patching,etc. all will start looking worse in time.

[bstreep]

Before stripping, try oxalic acid. Worth a try. Will probably have to put a finish coat over it, but might keep you from having to strip it.

[cat man do]

I was wondering why you'd be boiling pot, most people smoke it

And then I read the post.

Dave

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by cat man do

I was wondering why you'd be boiling pot, most people smoke it

Boom-Tish!

Can someone hit Dave?

I think I'd be about keelhauling the friend and crew member and never feeding them potatoes again.
It must have been a real shame to see it.

Anyway, can't get upset about things, accidents happen on boats.
I hope you can find a solution.

Mark