Dents
are depressed layers of wood caused
by hard impacts. Most can be raised back to original level by using steam.
 Place
several layers of damp fabric or damp, brown wrapping paper over the dent. Touch
the fabric or paper with a warm iron. The steam will cause the wood fibres to
swell back into place. It may be necessary to repeat this process until the
dented area is level with the surface around it. Allow the area to dry.
Since the steam opens the wood pores, sand the area thoroughly
to "repack" the grain. If you don't, the area will absorb more stain and have an
uneven colour.
NOTE: Don't use this treatment on veneers. The steam can
soften the glue under the veneer and cause it to come loose. Also, be careful
when applying steam near joints because the glue there can soften, also.
When an impact has been great enough to cut through the
wood fibres, steam and heat will not repair the damage. Fill the dent with a
good wood filler to make it level.
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