How to Fix a Hardwood Scratch on Pre-Finished Hardwood

Light Scratches

• 1

  Wipe away any dust from the area with a paper towel.

• 2

  Lay painter's tape around the scratch on all sides. This protects the surrounding wood while you work on the scratch.

• 3

  Rub the scratch gently in the direction of the wood grain with a steel wool pad.

• 4

  Dampen a washcloth with mineral spirits. Wipe the scratch with the mineral spirits.

• 5

  Dab a cotton swab with wood stain if your floor is stained and the scratch is still visible. Apply a thin layer of finish to the scratch. Wipe away excess finish with a dry cloth. While this does not rid your floor of the scratch, it camouflages the scratch by ensuring that it blends in with the rest of the wood.

Deep Scratches

• 6

  Wipe dust from the area. Tape off the deep scratch with painter's tape.

• 7

  Sand the scratch lightly with 120-grit sandpaper. Wipe the area down with mineral spirits if gentle sanding gets rid of the scratch.

• 8

  Apply wood filler if sanding does not eliminate the scratch. Wipe wood filler over the scratch to fill it. Scrape away excess filler with a putty knife. Allow the filler to dry for the amount of time specified on the can.

• 9

  Run your finger over the dried filler. If you feel a bump, the filler did not dry flush with the floor. Sand the filler gently and in the direction of the wood grain with 60-grit sandpaper.

• 10

  Wipe away the sanding dust with a dry paper towel.

• 11

  Re-stain the sanded area. Let the stain dry. Remove the painter's tape.