How to Repair a Gouge in a Wood Table

Use wood putty if you're repairing a deep gouge. Purchase wood putty that is colored to match the finish of your table. Depending on the kind of putty you choose, you may need to mix or stir it, so read and follow the instructions on the container. Apply putty to the gouge and smooth the surface with your putty knife. You may need only a thin line of putty or a larger amount, based on the size and depth of the gouge. Allow the putty to dry completely--this may take a couple of days--then buff lightly with furniture polish.

Examine the repair. If it's more noticeable than you would like, touch up the repair and the area surrounding it. This can help make the overall effect of the repair more consistent with the table's finish, and you can camouflage the wood putty with varnish. Sand the repair with fine grit sandpaper, feathering the finish around the patch. Clean the surface with a dry rag.

Apply varnish over the sanded area in smooth, even strokes. Allow the varnish to dry for a few hours, then apply a second coat if necessary. Once the final coat has dried, apply a sealant using smooth, even strokes. Apply as many coats as desired for good protection, allowing the sealant to dry between coats.