Patches on a wooden table.....

[ilovespinach]

HI,

DS1 has crayoned over the dining table. I've wiped it over with a damp cloth and the crayon has almost come off. Unfortunately there are no also paler patches where I have rubbed with the cloth.

The table is made of pine and isn't varnised - I think it has some kind of oil on it.

Does anyone know if I can do anything about the paler patches?

I'm also off to get DS1 one of those big padded boards to put on the table when he wants to do some drawing .

It sounds like the crayon has stripped the oil off. It's fairly easy to reoil - you just need to get some pine oil or teak oil (any DIY store will sell you some) But before you do, go over the table with a dilute washing up liquid solution and allow to dry thoroughly to remove any residue of the pen.

Thanks

For future reference, how should I deal with crayon on the table?

Ideal, don't let the little darling put it on there!

Seriously - don't use any alcohol to get it off and avoid giving him pens with alcohol in them as well. If you end up with wax crayons on your table put kitchen towel down and gently warm it with an iron (very low heat). Then wash with a dilute washing up liquid solution but don't get it too wet.

BTW wait a few hours before acting on the white marks, they might just be water puddles and try out.