Nothing ruins the appearance and value of fine wood furniture like an ugly dent or a nasty gouge. Dents are different from gouges because simple dents often can be repaired rather easily. Dents are only depressions in the surface; the wood grain isn't broken. If it's only crushed or pushed in, it's a simple repair. But with gouges, grain might be torn and wood might be missing. A small gouge can be filled with colored wax, wood compound or putty. For a really good match or for a deep gouge, hire a pro finisher, but if it's just a simple dent try "steaming" it up. Put a drop of water in the dent and cover with a damp cloth. Then apply a hot iron for a few seconds. If the dent is still present, repeat the porocess a few more times. If it doesn't come up, it's a gouge. And that's the On The House tip for today.