How to Fix Scratches on Sliding Wood Doors

Sliding wood doors may exhibit scratches if the wood is allowed to hit or rub against another object. Depending upon the force of the impact or rub, the scratch may be superficial or deep. In either case, you can remove scratches from wood by sanding down and refinishing the wood surface. If the scratch is deep, you may need to sand the wood with coarse-grit sandpaper followed by a touch-up with fine-grit sandpaper. Light scratches, on the other hand, may be removed with a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper.

Steel wool
Soft cloth
Coarse-grit sandpaper, 60-grit for use with deep scratches only
Fine-grit sandpaper, 150-grit
Wood stain or paint
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any paint or clear-coat by rubbing the steel wool against the scratched area. Dust the scratched area by using the cloth to wipe away any debris particles.
- 2
  Sand the scratched area gently with the sandpaper. If the area has deep scratches, use the coarse-grit sandpaper to sand the area until the scratches are removed. If the area has fine scratches, use the fine-grit sandpaper to remove these scratches. Sand the wood surface in the same direction as the wood grain runs.
- 3
  Wipe the sanded area with the soft cloth to remove any sawdust or debris. Use the fine-grit sandpaper to buff the sanded area until it is smooth. Buff the sanded area in the same direction that the wood grain runs.
- 4
  Wipe the sanded area with the soft cloth to remove any residual sawdust from the sanded area. Dip the paintbrush into the wood stain or paint and touch up the sanded area until it matches the rest of the door. Stain or paint the sanded area in the same direction that the wood grain runs. Allow the paint or stain to dry for several hours.

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