because you have colour/shade descrepency due to a light repair, I can only suggest stripping the top , this should be easy as you don't have a laquered finish . preparation ,= remove all oil with a solvent sutch as white spirit ,.now you can use steel wool going with the grain,lots of elbow grease lol ,or you could use a orbital sander or a belt sander ,keep sanding until repaired area blends in.when you are satisfied with sanding result go over table top with white spirit and rub over with steel wool .,always work with not against the grain of the wood ,. ensure area is free from dust ,now you're ready to stain .try and find a stain as close as you can to the colour of the legs. use a wax stain which is applied with a cloth not that liquid crap,.... go on have a go nothing to loose ,as long as you get the shade right with the wax/stain you should be able to achieve a good result .all the best and good luck .ps use a medium sandpaper and finish off with a fine and then super fine ,that way you won't see any sanding lines.pps remember to sand with the wood grain not against it.
killerdanny, October 2011
