How to Take a Scratch Out of a Wood Finish

Wood is vulnerable to scratches due to regular wear and tear. Whether you have hardwood floors, wooden furniture or wooden accessories, scratches can damage the surface of your wood. Fortunately, there are solutions available to remove both fine and deeper scratches. You can either fill the scratch or refinish the wood, depending on your preference.

Steel wool pad
Soft cloth
Mineral oil
Hair dryer
Wood wax
Spatula
Colored wood filler

Instructions

- 1
  Buff the scratch using a steel wool pad. If possible, rub the scratch in the direction of the wood's grain. If the shape of the wooden object prevents this movement, buff in small, circular motions. This will gently level the wood's surface.
- 2
  Soak a soft cloth in mineral oil. Wipe the cloth across the scratch area to remove dust. The mineral oil will also help to fill the scratch.
- 3
  Allow the oiled scratch to dry completely.
- 4
  Warm the wood wax by holding a hair dryer next to it for about 10 seconds. Keep the hair dryer about 1 foot from the wax. You are aiming to warm the wax in order to make it pliable
- 5
  Apply a pea-sized amount of wood filler to the spatula. Colored wood filler will help to disguise deeper scratches. Press the filler into the scratch then smooth and level the surface by sliding the spatula along the wood.
- 6
  Allow the products to dry completely, as directed in the manufacturer's instructions.

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