Could it have been condensation from heat?

You'll have to get local quotes to know how much the refinish will cost. It can vary so widely. It could in the end be less expensive to get a new table.

This might work. It softens the finish, allows you to manipulate it and fix the problem without stripping the table.

TY both for your replies. Kendrah, even in pricy So. Ca., refinishing couldnt (?) equal the cost of a ’new’ table I’d find on Chairish , or the like,…which would be fine if we weren’t waaaay past starting out. Be so much easier to find by antiquing or even thriftng back east than here.

Beverly, I remember using Formsby many years ago, though how and on what? Now, I often use Howard Restore a Finish successfully on my mostly antique woods. Im wondering if its similar to Formby’s. I will first try the Howards, then the Min -wax.

* side note. For the supposed dislike of ” brown “ furniture, it’s not reflected by prices on Chairish, et al.

Again, many thanks . Will let you know the results.

My guess is heat caused it, but the shape is odd.

My Mom had an oak dining table. My brother wanted it when Mom downsized, but she gave it to me because she knew he would not take care of it. She did refinish the tabletop after an incident with heat, though I don't know what process she used (just that it looks fabulous and has held up well).

martinca, do you plan on leaving the tablecloth off? if it's always going to be covered, I might not even bother with a repair/refinish, unless that's the kind of project you like to do.

We got an antique dining table. $3000k. It needed to be refinished. Price quotes were $3000k. Made me wonder whether to refinish or throw another chunk of change down on another vintage table.

There are fewer and fewer professionals doing restoration work these days. Their prices are premium. Their workloads large.

My parents are in a 6 month cue to get their chair recaned.