How to Repair Wooden Tabletop Scratches

Wax Patch Method

• 1

  Hold a hot patch knife and wax directly over the scratch. Choose a wax stick that most closely matches the color of your wood table. Allow the wax to drip gently onto the scratch until the wax forms a slightly rounded mound.

• 2

  Press a spatula onto the melted wax to fill the scratch. Rub the area gently with a clean rag. Scrape the area level with the spatula.

• 3

  Allow the area to dry completely. Brush on shellac to harden the area. If necessary, varnish the repaired patch if your table has a varnish finish.

Wood Putty Method

• 4

  Choose a wood putty color that most closely matches your tabletop finish. Dust the area to be filled.

• 5

  Apply wood putty with a small putty stick. For very small scratches, use your fingertip to apply the putty. Rub the putty into the scratch until it is smooth.

• 6

  Wipe away excess putty with a clean, dry rag. Adjust the color if necessary with a commercial stain marker. Varnish the repaired patch if your table has a varnish finish.