Mahogany table surface damage

[peacay]

Newb here. Also: I'm not a woodworker, but I do watch a lot of vids. Enough to know not to do further harm by guessing or hamfisting any repair technique(s).

Mahogany table 63x195cm [I inherited it; don't know any history] -- whiteish area on surface is water damage from a few weeks ago. An iron leaked water through a plastic sheet beneath that had a small hole in it, then through paper onto the table surface, so it wasn't discovered for days.

The effect has been to loosen surface fibres sufficiently that it's a tiny bit rough, as hair fibres appear to be standing up a little. Very very little. The regular table surface is very smooth and this interrupts that smoothness as you rub your palm across the surface. I did spray some Mr Sheen over it to see how it would darken, and it probably improved it minutely.

I presume (?) that the damage suggests the table is finished with a water based paint/stain.

So I'm wondering what I should do? It will take a LOT to convince me to sand it. The great charm of this table comes from the insect damage patterning : absolutely don't want to take back surface if at all avoidable. Despite some minor wearing near the edges of the table on the long sides.

There's a couple of other minor scratches too. And also a ring-mark from something or other: that's possibly best left alone I guess : it's character!

Any suggestions/recipes/ideas gratefully received, thanks!

[old1955]

Welcome to the forum.

[Blackout]

Welcome peacay,
With the raised hairs I would suggest a like scrape over with a sharp razor blade type scraper. Personally I would mix some shellac with metholated spirits and put on tops I have stripped to bring the fibres up and then I trim them down. It helps me get a smoother surface to start treating (painting or alike).
If you want to experiment with maybe some shellac with stain then maybe trial with a small kids paint brush in a least noticeable area.

Just my very amateur thoughts.

Personally I pick up old pieces in very bad condition and then experiment. Some items I've stripped 4 times until I got it right but when you do it's very satisfying.

[Lappa]

Before you try anything, you will have to get rid of the Mr Sheen, as it contains silicon. Others might know of a better method but isopropyl alcohol has be suggested as one method.