Monaco CAYMAN 2007, Manual

Page: 69 / 226

EXTERIOR & INTERIOR CARE - 3
CAYMAN 2007 65
Scratches and Nicks:
“Quick and simple” rarely describes repairs
to stained wood fi nishes; however, a few tricks
used by professional woodworkers can be tried
to repair nicks and scratches.
Fixing scratches in stained woodwork:
Light scratches will often disappear when
carefully rubbed with furniture polish or paste
wax. When scratches appear lighter than the
surrounding dark-stained woodwork, it usually
means either that the scratch goes through the
stain into the wood or that the varnish is fl aking
off. Deeper scratches can be hidden by carefully
rubbing with a piece of oily nut meat such as
Brazil nut, black walnut or pecan. Be careful
to rub the nut meat directly into the scratch to
avoid darkening of the surrounding wood. Color
the scratch with brown coloring crayon or liquid
shoe dye (especially good on walnut). Always
test a procedure on an inconspicuous area on the
wood to ensure no damages to the fi nish occurs.
Staining the scratch with iodine:
Mahogany - Use new iodine.
Brown or Cherry Mahogany - Use iodine
that has turned dark brown.
Maple - Dilute one part iodine with one part
denatured alcohol.
Commercial scratch removers, or stick wax to
match the wood fi nish, can also be used. After
the scratch has been hidden, polish or wax the
entire area. Deep scratches should be repaired
and fi nished by a professional.
Dents:
Small dents may be repaired by using steam.
To raise a small dent, place a damp cloth over
the area and hold a medium-hot iron on it. The
steam causes the wood fi bers to swell back into
place. It may be necessary to repeat this process
until the dented area is level with the surface.
Allow the area to dry.
Restoring the clear fi nish:
Check the scratches carefully. If fl aking
varnish is visible with dark-stained wood
underneath, only the clear fi nish may need to
be restored. Rub the loose varnish with fi ne
steel wool or fi ne synthetic steel wool until you
have removed the fl aking varnish and slightly
roughened a small area of the fi nish surrounding
the scratch. With the tip of a rag, a small brush,
or even a cotton swab, apply a thin coat of wipe-
on fi nish. Apply fi nish to the damaged area only.
Several coats may be needed to hide the scratch.
Re-staining the wood:
If bare wood is visible at the bottom of the
scratch, the wood will need to be re-stained.
To remove damaged varnish, lightly roughen a
small area around the scratch with sandpaper,
steel wool or synthetic steel wool. Find a stain
that is a shade lighter than the wood fi nish. Stain
the bare wood with a very small amount of stain
on a rag, brush or cotton swab. If the color is too
light, apply additional coats. Rub away excess
stain with a dry rag. If the wood becomes too
dark, use a rag moistened in mineral sprits to
lighten the wood. Select a lighter color stain and
continue.
Several companies have simplifi ed this repair
process by designing oil-based wood stain into
marker-like containers to rub on to the scratch.
Torn and scratched wood fi bers will absorb
stain and darken quickly. Start with a stain color
that is lighter than the original fi nish. A second
coat can always be applied if the color of the
fi rst coat is too light. Once the color is blended,
patch the clear fi nish as described above and
apply a wipe-on fi nish.
COUNTERTOPS
Solid Surface
Routine Care:
The motorhome solid surface countertops and
sinks have a matte/satin fi nish. Soapy water or
ammonia-based cleaners will remove most dirt
and stains from all tops and bowls. Individual
techniques may be used to remove different
stains. Follow the recommendations below.
Cleaning the Countertops:
Most dirt and stains: Use soapy water
or ammonia-based cleaner.
Water marks: Wipe with damp cloth
and towel dry.
Diffi cult stains: Use soft scrub and a
Grey Scotchbrite Pad.
Disinfecting: Occasionally wipe surface
with diluted household bleach (one part
water and one part bleach).
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