Hi, N. The insect repellent no doubt contained a hydrocarbon that attacked the surface finish. It was probably a varnish, but there are other possibilities. I believe that this is a job best left to a pro because of the amount of damage and the cost of the table. Quite honestly, you really don't want a neighborhood kid pounding out a dent in your new car's fender even though he works cheap and it's the same with this.