Removing Rusty Nail Marks from Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are often secured to the underlying surface with small nails. If the floor is quite old, the nails in the floor are often prone to rusting when exposed to moisture. The nails can be replaced with nails designed to repel rust, but the rust can sometimes penetrate the wood and result in an unsightly mark. The process of removing rust marks is a straightforward one, but it does require an acid that essentially bleaches the mark out of the wood. With the mark removed, you can restore the finish of the repair area with a special paste.

150-grit sandpaper
Sanding block
Oxalic acid crystals
Disposable cup
Rubber gloves
White vinegar
Floor restoration paste

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the stained area down to remove the floor’s finish, using 150-grit sandpaper attached to a sanding block. The sanding block will ensure that you do not inadvertently sand a divot into the floor.
- 2
  Mix oxalic acid crystals with water in a disposable cup. Oxalic acid crystals are readily available at home centers and paint stores. Follow the crystal manufacturer’s directions closely to mix the crystals and water in the correct proportion.
- 3
  Put on rubber gloves. Pour a small amount of the acid solution directly on the nail marks. Allow the solution to work into the wood for one hour.
- 4
  Apply the acid solution a second time if the marks are still visible.
- 5
  Wipe the repair area down with white vinegar to neutralize the acid.
- 6
  Wipe the repair area down with clean water. Allow the floor to dry.
- 7
  Put on rubber gloves. Rub floor restoration paste into the repair area until the finish matches the surrounding boards. Note that you will most likely have to apply several coats of the paste if the wood is dark.

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