A good test for you to tell what color is is going to be after using Wood Elixir is to put a drop of water on the area where the finish is gone. If you are satisfied with that color, then wipe Wood Elixir over the entire finish. This will clean the piece, hide scrathes, rebond the old finish, stop the deteriorization of the finish and increase the sheen all at once and, it will stay that way. A second treatment a week later will add additional strength to the weak finished areas.