How to Fix Scratched Wood on Kitchen Cabinets

Wood cabinets give a kitchen a warm, natural feeling. However, wood is not rock solid. Naturally, wood is somewhat yielding, making it susceptible to dents, gouges and scratches. Accidents happen, and any wood cabinet will eventually see its fair share of unsightly blemishes. Maintain the sleek look of kitchen cabinets by repairing scratches as they occur. How scratches are repaired depends on the severity of the damage.

Wax wood repair stick
Crayon (optional)
Shoe polish (optional)
Dry cloth
Razor blade
Wood filler
Plastic putty knife
220-grit sandpaper
Stain
Varnish
Wood repair marker (optional)
Small paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Firmly rub a wax wood repair stick over minor scratches. Wax sticks come in a variety of colors for matching cabinets. The wax will rub off, filling the scratches. Wipe off excess from around the scratches with a dry cloth. It is also possible to use a crayon or shoe polish instead of a wood repair stick.
- 2
  Remove any frays from around deep scratches carefully, using a razor blade.
- 3
  Pick up a small amount of wood filler on the blade of a plastic putty knife. Do not use a metal putty knife, as the metal blade may cause new scratches.
- 4
  Spread putty over and into the scratch. Wipe off excess and allow the putty to cure for the time indicated in the directions.
- 5
  Sand away any imperfections in the dried putty with 220-grit sandpaper.
- 6
  Paint over the slivers of putty carefully with matching wood stain, using a small, round artist’s brush. Allow the stain to dry then paint over the putty again with varnish. Wood repair markers, which color and seal the putty at the same time, are also available.

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