# How to Sand the Top of a Desk That Has Scratches on It
Scratches on your desk top can often be sanded, buffed and refinished until the surface looks practically new. The trick to making your repairs virtually invisible is to match the wood color as closely as possible with the wood stain you will apply after sanding your desk. If you have relatively shallow scratches and minor cosmetic damage, as opposed to deep gouges in the wood, basic sanding techniques should help you get the job done.
Things You'll Need
- Sandpaper in assorted grits
- Lint-free cloth
- Wood stain
- Brush
Instructions
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Sand the scratches one at a time on the desk surface, starting with a medium-grit grade of sandpaper. Work the paper in the direction of the wood grain as much as possible. Press lightly to work out the scratches, because sanding too hard may create a rut in your work surface. You can always sand off more wood by working gently.
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Switch to progressively finer-grit sandpaper as each scratch begins to fade.
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Wipe the desk surface with a damp cloth to remove wood dust. Wait for the desk top to dry completely.
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Apply wood stain to match your desk finish in long, even strokes over the sanded area. Work the stain in the same direction as the wood grain for a smooth finish.
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