How To Fix Wood Scratches

Scratches, dings, and wear on furniture can detract from its beauty and value. Many common finish issues can be addressed with basic tools and techniques. This guide will walk you through the process of repairing various types of damage to furniture finishes, from light abrasions to deep scratches.

In the above video, Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert shows host Kevin O’Connor how to handle light abrasions, heavier wear, and small gouges on hardwood surfaces. He explains how to blend these repairs in and when to call a professional.

Types of Damage To a Furniture’s Finish

Before attempting any repairs, identify the type and extent of damage to your furniture’s finish. This will help determine the best repair method and which products you’ll need.

Light Abrasions

Light abrasions are superficial scratches that affect only the outermost layer of finish, typically lacquer or polyurethane. These are often caused by materials rubbing against the surface during moving or daily use.

Large Abrasions

Larger abrasions penetrate deeper into the finish layer but don’t reach the wood itself. These abrasions require a more involved repair process to blend the damaged area with the surrounding finish.

Deep Scratches and Gouges

Deep scratches or gouges cut through the finish layer and into the wood beneath. These are the most challenging to repair and may require multiple steps to address both the wood damage and the finish.

Tools and Materials Needed To Repair Wood Scratches

You’ll need a variety of tools and materials to fix furniture finishes, all of which can be found at local home centers. Here are the products Gilbert used:

• To fix scratched-off varnish on furniture: Mohawk Scratch-Off
• To refinish the legs of Nathan’s office chair: Howard Restore-A-Finish in Walnut
• To fill in the deep-set scratch in wood: Mohawk Fil-Stik

Here’s a complete list of materials. Remember to match scratch remover, lacquer, and stain repair products to your damaged wood’s color:

• Scratch remover
• Lacquer
• Mineral spirits
• Steel wool (0000 grade)
• Wood stain
• Stain repair pens
• Stain repair crayons
• Plastic razor
• Rags
• Sandpaper (120-grit)
• Tack cloth
• Sanding sponge
• Wand-style lighter

Repairing Light Abrasions To a Wood’s Finish

Light abrasions are the easiest type of finish damage to repair. This quick and simple method fills minor imperfections with scratch remover:

1. Wipe the surface with a clean rag to remove any excess dust or dirt from the repair area.
2. Squeeze a small amount of scratch remover onto the cloth. Choose a scratch remover that matches the wood, whether light or dark.
3. 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 abrasions.
4. Let the scratch remover dry completely. 
5. Apply a light layer of finish over the top, typically polyurethane or lacquer.

Addressing Large Abrasions To a Wood’s Finish

For larger areas of wear or abrasion that don’t penetrate the wood, you’ll need to blend the repair with the surrounding finish. The goal is to remove the finish layer and allow the stain to penetrate the pores of the wood.

1. Clean the surface with a rag and mineral spirits. This will remove any wax and residue from the wood that might otherwise hinder the repair.
2. Use a piece of 120-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the damaged area. 
3. Wipe the area down with more mineral spirits to remove the sanding dust.
4. Dip a clean rag into a matching stain and rub it on the surface of the repair area. 
5. Remove the excess stain with another rag to assess the color. If the stain appears too light, apply another coat—you don’t need to let the first coat dry. Just wipe any excess stain off between each step.
6. Allow the stain to dry for at least 4 hours (or according to the manufacturer’s instructions). 
7. Once dry, apply a coat of polyurethane or lacquer to finish the repair.

Fixing Deep Scratches and Gouges

Deep scratches that penetrate the wood itself require a multi-step approach to repair. You may need a combination of stain repair pens and wax crayons to fill gouges.

1. Buff the scratch with a bit of steel wool to flatten the high points created by the scratch.
2. Wipe the repair area down with mineral spirits to remove the dust and contaminants from the scratch.
3. Match the color of the wood to the color of a stain repair pen. You may need two or three colors to blend the scratch in, depending on the grain pattern. If you don’t know which to choose, start with lighter colors before proceeding to darker ones.
4. Drag the tip of the pen along the gouge until the color begins to match.
5. Choose a repair crayon that closely matches the wood’s color. Use the wand lighter to melt the crayon so the liquid wax drips onto the scratch area. 
6. Allow the wax to cool for a few moments before scraping the surface with the plastic razor to remove the excess wax.
7. Touch the repair area up with the stain pens to match the grain pattern in the wood
8. Apply a thin coat of lacquer or polyurethane to seal the repair and match the surrounding finish if desired.

Additional Tips and Tricks for Fixing Wood Scratches

These steps aren’t difficult, but there is some practice and artistry required to match the repair to the original finish. While the above steps cover the basics, here are some additional tips to enhance your furniture repair efforts.

• Practice on a hidden spot: If you’re unsure about the color or finish, test the product in an inconspicuous area first.
• Buff with care: When using steel wool or sandpaper, always move in the direction of the wood grain to avoid additional scratches.
• Layer gradually: Build up colors gradually when using stain pens or crayons, going from light to dark and adding layers until the desired shade is achieved.

Maintaining Wood Finishes

On the shelves of supermarkets, hardware stores, and home improvement centers, you’ll find dozens of products that promise to clean and impart shine to your furniture. These products won’t harm your finish, but they aren’t necessary to keep furniture looking its best. 

Dusting regularly with a slightly damp cloth is all you need to avoid scratching the surface of a wood finish. For long-term care, we recommend the following maintenance tips:

• Apply a quality furniture polish or wax periodically to nourish the wood and enhance the finish.
• Avoid strong alkaline- or ammonia-based detergents (like window cleaners) or abrasive cleaners.
• Diluted dishwashing soap or furniture cleaner such as Murphy Oil Soap is gentle and effective for routine cleaning. 
• Keep furniture out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying of the wood.
• Use coasters, placemats, and trivets to protect surfaces from moisture and heat.

When To Call a Professional for Repairing a Wood’s Finish

While many furniture finish repairs can be tackled as DIY projects, here are some cases in which it’s best to consult a professional:

• For valuable antiques or family heirlooms
• If previous repair attempts have been unsuccessful
• If you’re unsure about the type of finish or wood
• When damage is extensive or covers a large area
• When repairs require specialized tools or techniques

Professional furniture restorers have the expertise and tools to handle complex repairs and can often achieve nearly seamless results.

Our Conclusion

Repairing furniture finishes can be a rewarding DIY project that breathes new life into cherished pieces. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can address many common finish issues yourself. However, consulting a professional may be the best course of action to restore the original finish on valuable or extensively damaged items.