A copper bowl was placed on my untreated oak table after it had been wiped over with a damp cloth. Now there's a large dark stain where I assume the copper has 'leached' into the wood. Any suggestions?

D Howell, July 2009

I have an untreated pine table in the kitchen and from time to time I stupidly allow a cigarette to burn it - before the wife gets home I sand it all over with an orbital sander and largely remove the burn mark - then I dress it with teak oil - I have a 5L tin for these emergencies.

She thinks I'm a wonderful person for taking so much care of our kitchen table.

Following some negative feedback I now do the sanding outside.

Peccavi, July 2009