Repairing Guides

how to repair scratches on wood table

by Geraldine Feest Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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[Solution] How to Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Using Wax Filler Putty

  1. Spread a pre-colored latex wood filler in the scratch.
  2. Scrape off the excess filler with a putty knife.
  3. Dry the filler for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Rub the filler with 180-grit sandpaper to blend it into the wood.
  5. Wipe off the excess filler with a damp cloth.
  6. Finish the wood with polyurethane or another sealant.

You can rub out surface scratches in your wooden furniture with a paste made of mineral oil and pumice (available in powder form at hardware and paint stores). Use extra-fine-grade steel wool to rub the mixture into the scratched area. Then wipe it off and buff with a dry cloth.

Full Answer

How do you remove scratches from a wood table?

The Best Ways to Fix Scratches on Wood Tables

  • Iodine. If your table is a dark wood finish, reach for the iodine, an antiseptic solution you can find at most pharmacies.
  • Mineral oil and pumice. ...
  • Car polish. ...
  • Walnut. ...
  • Tea. ...
  • Craft paint. ...
  • Instant coffee. ...
  • Vaseline. ...
  • Lemon juice. ...
  • Shoe polish. ...

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How to remove scratches from wood with vinegar?

You will need:

  • Clean cloths
  • Sandpaper
  • Rubber gloves
  • Bicarbonate of soda
  • Salt
  • White vinegar
  • Non-gel toothpaste
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Bleach
  • Water

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How do you remove scratches from wood?

Remove scratches from hardwood floors as follow:

  • After you have properly cleaned the scratched area, use a wood Repair Pencil available from floor repair kits to fill in the scratched area.
  • Wipe off excess wax and smooth it out with a damp rag or cloth.
  • Let dry for 24 hours.
  • Take some wood clay also from the kit and fill in the scratch until it is level with the floor.

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Does toothpaste really fix scratches?

… Just smear ’em on, wipe ’em off and get your pristine and playable disc back:

  • A Banana.
  • Peanut Butter.
  • Furniture Polish.
  • Metal Polish.
  • Window Cleaner.
  • Eye Glass Cleaner.
  • Baking Soda Toothpaste.

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How do you fix a scratch on a wood table?

2:193:465 Easy Ways to Fix Scratched Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMix three parts cooking oil and one part vinegar in a jar and give it a good shake to make sure it'sMoreMix three parts cooking oil and one part vinegar in a jar and give it a good shake to make sure it's mixed. Use a soft clean rag to rub the oil mixture over the surface of your furniture.

How do you repair deep scratches in wood?

How to Fix Deep Scratches on Wood FurnitureClean the scratched area. Same as last time – use a soft cloth to clean up the damaged area. ... Rub mineral spirits over the scratch. ... Fill in the scratch. ... Remove excess filling. ... Sand excess filling. ... Seal the fixed area.

Does vinegar and olive oil fix scratches on wood furniture?

4 // Use an oil and vinegar mixture And last but not least, the hack that you were originally asking about! You can fix scratches quickly using simply oil and vinegar from your kitchen! Mix 3/4 cup vegetable oil and 1/4 cup white vinegar in a bowl and wipe the mixture on any wood scratch using a rag or paper towel.

Can you fix scratches on wood?

To rub out scratches on the surface of a wood table, make a paste with mineral oil and pumice (in powder form, which you can grab from a hardware store). Take some steel wool (ideally, extra-fine-grade so you don't damage your furniture) and rub the paste on the scratched area.

How do you remove scratches from a table top?

Mix 100ml (one part) of white vinegar with 200ml (two parts) olive oil in a bowl or a cup and mix well. Dip a soft cotton rag into the cup so that the solution gets soaked into the rag. Squeeze the rag so that there is no excess moisture dripping of it. Apply the soaked rag to your tabletop over the scratched area.

Does Murphy's oil Soap remove scratches?

And stains, marks and scratches can be removed easily from waxed floors using Murphy Oil Soap.

How do you fill in scratches on wood?

0:207:37How to Fix Wood Scratches | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust buff it. Off.MoreJust buff it. Off.

How do you remove scratches from varnished wood?

Apply the scratch remover to the surface and buff it over the damaged area. Apply light to medium pressure, allowing the scratch remover to fill the tiny scratches. Let the scratch remover to dry completely. Finally apply a light layer of finish over top, whether it be polyurethane or lacquer.

How do you get scratches out of an oak table?

The simplest method for repairing the scratch is to buff it out using your usual treatment wax and a lint free cloth. Another remedy is to gently rub the inside of a walnut on the affected area to repair the damage. The oil from the nut should match the colour of the wood and sufficiently smooth the scratched surface.

How do you repair a wooden table top?

1:483:29HOW TO REPAIR DAMAGED VENEER ON A TABLE TOPYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is a really easy fix all you do is you take a steam 10. And then you're gonna go ahead andMoreThis is a really easy fix all you do is you take a steam 10. And then you're gonna go ahead and color over all of the spots where the veneer is chipped off and where the particle.

Does Old English Scratch Cover work?

While this product does work BUT it leaves a lot of stain/residue behind. If you put this in a desk and then dont clean it up throughly, expect the color to transfer to anything you put on the table. also, if you clean it thoroughly, it looses its effectiveness.

materials needed

If you’re more of a visual learner, I detailed the entire process of cleaning off this table on my Instagram stories! Click here to watch how it all went down!

repairing dents and gouges

Probably the most satisfying part of the process is fixing all of those little dents and gouges in your table using the 3-in-1 Repair Sticks. I love that these come in so many different colors (they’ve even got one that’s perfectly color matched to IKEA’s white furniture!), and they do such a great job of making the issues way less noticeable.

removing light scratches

Next up, I used Mohawk’s Scratch-Off to blend in and remove some of the really light scratches on the table. This isn’t meant for really deep scratches, but it’s awesome for covering up surface-level scratches and things like fingernail marks or other small blemishes.

protecting from future scratches

Finally, the last step I took was to add some Scratch & Mar Resister Polish to help make sure that the table stays protected.

How to get rid of scratches on a table?

Rub in a circular motion over the scratched area and then finish by rubbing the cloth with the grain. Step 3 – Apply the Soaked Rag to Your Tabletop. Let the solution sit on the tabletop surface for 2 minutes. This allows the oil to soak into the scratches. Step 4 – Leave Mixture on Surface .

How to remove scratches from a dining table?

Here are some simple steps on how to remove light scratches or areas of damage on your dining table: Most light or surface scratches can be removed by lightly sanding the area with a sanding sponge or sanding block. Make sure you always sand in the direction of the grain.

How to remove scratches from wood?

Light scratches can be removed by initially using fine sandpaper (180 grit) before using something lighter (240 grit) to blend in and minimise the scratches caused by the 180 grit.

Why are my scratches not disappearing?

This process can be repeated several times until the scratches disappear. If the scratches don’t seem to disappear it could be because your scratches are too deep. If your scratches are too deep then scroll down and continue reading on the next section; how to remove deeper scratches with Crayons.

What is the best way to clean scratches?

White vinegar typically consists of 5% acetic acid and 95% water. These properties not only make it an ideal cleaning solution but they also help repair minor scratches. The acetic acid will work into the existing finish around the scratch to help fill it.

How to remove stains from a table?

Here are some simple steps to ensure you remove the stains safely without damaging your table further: Set your hair dryer to medium to high temperature. Hold it around 10cm away from your tabletop and move it side to side over the stained area.

How to protect a table from heat?

Don’t place hot or cold plates or serving dishes directly on your table, instead use a placemat to protect your table. Wipe up spillages off your table as soon as you notice them.

How to fix scratches on a table?

Sand the edges of the scratch flat with 180-grit sandpaper. Press the sandpaper lightly against the table and move it back and forth along the grain. Avoid sanding the areas outside of the scratch. When you’re done, test the edges by touching them. Make sure they feel smooth and look level with the rest of the table.

How to repair scratches on wood?

For deep scratches and gouges, choose a filler that is the same color as the wood you wish to repair. Pick up some of the filler with a putty knife, then spread it by brushing the knife along the inside part of the scratch.

How to fill cracks in wood?

1. Rub a wax wood filler stick over the crack. These filler sticks are often sold in the shape of crayons, so essentially you get to color in the wood. Choose a color that most closely matches the wood’s shade. Continue rubbing the stick back and forth until the entire crack is filled in.

How to level wood with filler?

An easy way to level the filler material and get all the excess is with a solid edge, like a credit card. Hold the card vertically against the wood, then drag it across the scratch. Use a rag to pick up the filler. If the filler begins to dry before you clean it all up, dampen a rag with mineral spirits.

How to smooth out scratches on wood?

To do this, hold the putty knife at a 45-degree angle. While pressing it lightly against the wood, drag it across the scratch. Do this in a few different directions to smooth out the scratched area. If you don’t have a plastic putty knife available, try using a solid, blunt edge like a credit card.

How to avoid wood from scratching?

To avoid scratching the wood, use a plastic knife instead of a metal one. Latex wood filler is similar to traditional wood putty, but it holds shape in deep scratches more efficiently. Get some online or at a home improvement store. Another option is to use a similarly-colored wood stain.

Can you scratch wood with sealant?

Sometimes the scratch may look deeper than it is. If the wood has a sealant on it, the scratch may not even reach the wood.

How to fix scratches on wood furniture?

You just need to smooth the area first. One way to spot-treat scratches or dents on furniture is by sanding the blemish along the wood grain with 180 grit paper. Then, clean off the dust and repeat with a 240 grit until you can’t feel the scratch anymore. Now it’s time to color the scratch.

What to use to remove scratches from wood?

Pecan, walnut, and peanut all work well. You can even use peanut butter or almond butter if that’s all you have on hand. The nut oil darkens the exposed wood and makes the scratch disappear. Once you’re happy with how it looks, press your fingertip over it for a minute.

How to remove dents from wood furniture?

To remove dents from wood furniture using your iron, very lightly dampen a thick white towel. (White will not transfer dyes to the furniture you’re fixing.) Place the damp towel over the dent and run a hot iron continuously over the spot for 30 seconds. Rotate the cloth, so you’re again working with a damp area, and repeat. Once you’ve lifted the dent, wait 24 hours to let the wood fully dry, then rub the area with olive oil to remove any haze.

How to cover scratches on wood?

Covering Scratches in Dark Wood 1 Mahogany or cherry wood: use iodine or shoe polish. 2 Darker woods like acacia: use damp coffee grounds. 3 Medium-colored wood: use black tea. The darker the wood, the stronger the tea you should use. 4 Ebony wood: use fireplace or wood ash mixed with a little water to form a paste.

How to get nut oil out of wood?

The heat of your skin helps the nut oil sink into the wood. Using olive oil and vinegar: Combine 1 part white distilled vinegar and 2 parts olive oil. Whisk until completely mixed, then dab the mixture onto the scratch.

Can you use sandpaper to remove scratches?

Using Sand Paper. Sometimes, there’s just no getting around the use of sandpaper to remove scratches or dents on wood furniture. If the item is painted, for example, any dents or scratches probably removed paint, too. But you may not have to refinish or repaint the entire piece, provided you’ve got more matching finish or paint.

Method 1: Walnut

The walnut method goes something like this: take a walnut, crack it in half, and rub the inside of the walnut on your scratch. Theoretically, the walnut oil both stains and expands the wood, filling the crack and blending it with the surrounding wood.

Method 2: Black Tea

I brewed a cup of black tea (and by brewed, I mean I heated some water in the microwave until it was boiling, then added a teabag.) I made it as strong as I could; the teabag sat in the hot water indefinitely, which was at least 20 minutes while I got everything ready for the experiment.

Method 3: Coffee Grounds

For the coffee ground method, I grabbed some instant coffee grounds, and mixed them with water to make a paste.

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Method 4: Iodine

This method works exactly how you’d think: take a rag, dip in in some iodine, then rub the iodine onto the scratch. Theoretically, the iodine should stain the wood, although I don’t think there’s any reason the wood would expand to fill the scratch.

Method 5: Oil and Vinegar

I’ll admit, I was really skeptical of this method. In theory, the oil expands the wood to fill the hole, while the vinegar stains it. The internet (and this article) have treated oil like some kind of magical wood expander, but honestly, the wood shrinks back down after the oil evaporates, so I’ve been a skeptic.

Final Results

Obviously, the oil and vinegar method was the clear winner. And just for the record, I tested it a couple more times on other scratches just to confirm it wasn’t a fluke, along with my 2nd place winner… the walnut!

How to fix scratched wood?

Fixing scratched wood is easy if you can get your hands on these two ingredients. Most people have them sitting in their kitchen cabinet. Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1/2 cup of olive oil and then rub the solution on the damaged surface. swiggle1.

How to get scratches off wood furniture?

Make sure to let it cover up the spot for an hour at a minimum. Clean off the extra peanut butter and buff what’s left of the scratch with a cloth until it fades away. swiggle1.

What pencils do you use to remove scratches from furniture?

Eyebrow Pencils. You probably have a few of these already on hand in your home as part of your makeup kit. Most people have no idea that eyebrow or eyeliner pencils work so effectively for removing wood scratches from furniture. Yet, any oil-based pencils will work great for this purpose.

How to get rid of scratches on a car?

Lemon Juice. Mix lemon juice with any vegetable oil in equal amounts, then apply it to the scratch. Rub along the scratch with a soft lint cloth, polishing it in the direction of the scratch. It’s a great way to buff away small marks and make them barely noticeable.

How to get a scratch out of a tea bag?

For darker furniture, you will need to steep it longer. Take a cotton swab and dip it into the tea. Then apply it to the scratch as necessary until it begins to blend back in with the original finish.

What crayons are good for scratching wood?

Brown crayons also work great for covering up scratches on wood surfaces. If the scratch is deep, the wax will help to fill it in better than using markers would.

How to polish a scratched surface?

Combine mineral oil with pumice powder to form a paste. Then rub it into the scratched area using ultra-fine steel wool. Afterward, you can rub away the excess paste and buff it up with a dry cloth. It’s a natural, homemade polish.

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