How to Fix a Scraped Wood Floor

Non-Polyurethane Finished Wood Floors

• 1

  Dampen a clean cloth with water. Wipe the scraped section of the wood flooring to remove grime. Cleaning the scraped wood prevents additional scrapes due to abrasive grime.

• 2

  Wipe up moisture from the wood using a towel. Dry the wood thoroughly before proceeding.

• 3

  Dip another cloth in paste wax that matches the wood's finish. Rub the scraped wood with the waxy cloth until the scrape completely fills with wax.

• 4

  Let the wax-filled scrape fully dry.

• 5

  Wipe the repaired wood with another cloth to eliminate dried excess wax. Buff the floor to add luster.

Polyurethane Finished Wood Floors

• 6

  Dampen a clean cloth with water. Wipe the scraped section of the wood flooring to eliminate debris. Cleaning the scraped wood prevents additional scrapes due to abrasive grime.

• 7

  Wipe moisture from the wood using a towel. Dry the wood floor thoroughly.

• 8

  Prepare to remove the scrape with mineral spirits. Increase ventilation by opening windows and slip on gloves.

• 9

  Wet a scouring pad with mineral spirits. Rub the pad over the scraped wood until the scrape disappears. Follow the wood’s grain.

• 10

  Moisten another cloth with water. Thoroughly wipe off the mineral spirits.

• 11

  Wipe moisture from the wood using a towel. Dry the wood floor thoroughly.

• 12

  Dab polyurethane finish onto the previously scraped wood if the scouring pad removed the original polyurethane finish. Evenly apply a single coat of the polyurethane to the dulled wood using a narrow paintbrush.

• 13

  Let the repaired wood fully air-dry.