Shellac Sticks for Hardwood Repair

Indications

• Shellac sticks offer a good choice for repairing gouges or burns on otherwise undamaged hardwood furniture or floors. Minor surface damage can usually be repaired by applying a cleaner, mild abrasive or solvent, but indentations require a patching product -- such as a shellac stick -- that actually fills the indented space. Shellac sticks come in a variety of shades to match the wood and are fairly simple to control and use.

Method

• To apply a shellac stick to damaged wood, first heat a metal spatula or butter knife over an electric stove top. Press the spatula or knife against the shellac stick to soften it to a malleable consistency. Scrape the soft shellac stick into the hole, molding it into place. Heat the knife or spatula again and scrape off the top of the shellac stick to form a neat, even edge. Allow the shellac stick to dry as directed by the package. Sand the area with very fine sandpaper until it's even with the surrounding wood. Rub it with a cloth moistened with lemon oil or sewing machine oil.

Cautions

• Shellac sticks work best for repairing small portions of wood. Shellac sticks won't repair large areas of damaged finish or broken veneer. Consult a professional before attempting to restore valuable or antique pieces.

Purchase

• Find shellac sticks at hardware, home improvement and furniture finishing stores, or check with online retailers for a wider selection of colors. Stick waxes, and even crayons, can repair minor damage and scratches. Wood putty is typically used to fill larger cavities, such as damage caused by rot.