How to remove candle burn mark from white tv cabinet?

[superfixit]

Hi all,  

I stupidly left a Kmart candle burning on my white tv cabinet and it’s left this horrible mark. I’ve tried bleach, baking soda, gumption, and just about everything else. I will appreciate any help as I’m in a rental and really need to fix this asap

Thank you!!! 

PS  excuse the bad photo, trying to wipe a paste off it with no luck removing the stain

[JacobZ]

Hi @superfixit,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Unfortunately, I'm not aware of a great way you could remove this burn mark as it appears to be a shellac coating that has reacted to the heat from the candle.

You could try using some Premium Grade 0000 Super Fine Steel Wool and gently rubbing the burn mark to see if removes the burn mark, but I am unsure of how much success you would have.

Please allow me to tag some of our helpful members to see if they have any ideas @arfabuck, @Dave-1, @TedBear, @Noyade.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[TedBear]

Hi @superfixit this is a risky problem to offer suggestions to. The surface might not be laminate, but some form of plastic??

The safest attempt would be white toothpaste, but your need to leave it on for about 5 minutes before removing it with a toothbrush, then polish it with some more using a damp rag.

You could also try a series of other spirits ... but... only after first putting a little on a test location that is out of sight. I would try in this order: meths, white spirits, acetone. If the surface is plastic the acetone could damage it further instead. If the tested area stands up to the tested spirit, then only apply a little to the stained area with a cottonbud and remove it with the same. Hopefully one spirit will be ok & remove the stain.

If the heat has altered the nature of the material, then you may not be able to fix it & will need to inform the owner who could perhaps claim it on insurance (be prepared to pay the Excess) or to buy a replacement, which ever is the cheaper. But let's hope you can recover the surface as is.

[arfabuck]

Unfortunately there is no quick fix to disguise a burn mark.

If the suggested spirits do not have any affect then the paint polymers have been altered and there is no way of reconstituting them.

In a flat painted surface such as your tv cabinet,  there is no option of blending the stain in with other colours or grain pattern.

I am afraid you are going to have to bite the bullet and have the top resurfaced, - light sanding to scuff the surface and applying a top coat of compatible white paint.

If the manufacturers label is in existence and is local, try approaching them for a 'touch up'.

[superfixit]

Thanks for the help guys. I will leave some baking soda and toothpaste over night. Is there any type of paint you guys would recommend that I could just paint the top surface and blend it in? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @superfixit,

You'll have to allow me to contact our suppliers when they reopen tomorrow for their advice on a suitable paint for this.

I will get back to you as soon as I have an answer.

Jacob

[MitchellMc]

Hi @superfix,

We'd need to know what the surface is made from in order to recommend a suitable paint. Typically, the only specialised paint on offer that could possibly work would be the Dulux Renovation range for laminate kitchen cabinets. However, you won't be able to achieve such a high gloss level as the cabinet, and it will be noticeable that it is painted. By the time you purchase the primer, paint and materials, you might be coming close to the cost of the cabinet.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @superfixit 

😕 All the ideas I have had in my head for a similar instance have been suggested 😕 Super fine sandpaper may remove the stain but then it will be a rough area and possibly discoloured by the sanding even. 😕 Once we know the material the surface is then there may be an idea of how to go forward.

Dave