If it was factory made in the 1950's, then the finish is lacquer. The type of wood does not matter since the problem is in the finish. This type of damage can be reversed with the application of Wood Elixir. If you have been using Pledge on it, do the entire piece to remove the silicon with extra attention to the offending areas. (Throw the Pledge away.) --Previous Message-- : Hi, : We spilled some rubbing alcohol on my chest : of draws. The furniture is real wood made : back in the early 1950's. I don't know : what kind of wood it is but it has a : beautiful, reddish cherry color finish. : It has made a white mess on top and : streaking down the side. It looks to me : like the finish is ok and that this may : just be all the years of Pledge flaking up : under the alcohol. I don't know what to : do. It just makes me sick. Can you : please help? Thanks :