How to Remove Scratches from Wood Furniture

Wood furniture is great. It makes your house feel warm and fancy. But it can get scratched up easily. Pets, kids, even just using it every day can cause scratches. Don't worry! You don't always need to call a pro to fix it. I'll show you some easy ways you can fix scratches yourself and save money.

What Kind of Scratch Is It?

Before you start fixing, you need to know what kind of scratch you have. This helps you pick the best way to fix it. And not make it worse.

• Surface Scratches: These are small. They only scratch the top coat of the wood. Like a light haze.
• Medium Scratches: These go through the top coat and into the wood a little. You can feel them.
• Deep Scratches: These are the worst. They dig deep into the wood. Think sharp objects hitting hard.

Knowing the type of scratch is the first thing to do before you fix your furniture!

Get Your Tools Ready

You'll need some stuff to fix your furniture. Here’s a list:

• Clean Cloths: Soft cloths to wipe dust and put on polish. Microfiber ones are the best.
• Wood Polish: Pick one that's made for your furniture's finish.
• Furniture Markers: Good for hiding small scratches, especially on dark wood.
• Wood Filler: For deep scratches. It fills in the hole.
• Sandpaper: Fine sandpaper to smooth things out.
• Steel Wool: To buff the finish.
• Mineral Spirits: For cleaning the wood.
• Artist's Brush: To put wood filler in small spots.
• Putty Knife: To smooth the wood filler.
• Color-Matching Stain or Paint: If the scratch took away the color.
• Safety Glasses and Gloves: To protect your eyes and hands.

Having these tools ready will make fixing your furniture much easier.

Let's Fix Those Scratches!

Now, let's look at some ways to fix scratches. We'll start with the easiest ones.

1. The Walnut Trick (For Tiny Scratches)

Yep, a walnut! It can hide light scratches. The oils in the walnut fill in the scratch.

1. Wipe the scratch with a soft cloth.
2. Rub a walnut (the meaty part) on the scratch. Push lightly.
3. Keep rubbing until the scratch looks better.
4. Wipe off extra oil.

Easy, right?

2. Furniture Polish (For Surface Scratches)

Good furniture polish can hide scratches and make your furniture shine.

1. Clean the area around the scratch with a damp cloth. Let it dry.
2. Put a little polish on a soft cloth.
3. Rub the polish on the scratch in circles.
4. Buff it with a clean cloth.

This is a fast way to make small scratches look better. Test the polish on a hidden spot first, just in case.

3. Olive Oil and Vinegar (For Small Scratches)

Olive oil and vinegar? Really! The oil moisturizes the wood. The vinegar cleans it.

1. Mix equal parts olive oil and vinegar.
2. Dip a cloth in the mix. Squeeze out the extra.
3. Rub the cloth on the scratch, following the wood grain.
4. Wait a few minutes. Then wipe off the extra.

A natural way to fix scratches. Good if you don't like chemicals.

4. Touch-Up Marker (For Color)

These markers fill in scratches and bring back the color. Use them if the scratch took away the stain.

1. Clean the scratch with a damp cloth. Let it dry.
2. Pick a marker that matches your furniture's color.
3. Carefully color in the scratch.
4. Wipe off extra marker.
5. Let it dry.

You can find these markers at most hardware stores.

5. Ironing Dents (For Dents, Not Deep Scratches)

Steam can make the wood swell up. This can lift dents and small scratches. This is best on wood that isn't finished.

1. Put a damp cloth over the dent or scratch.
2. Set an iron to low heat (no steam!).
3. Press the iron on the cloth for a few seconds. Check it often.
4. Keep going until the dent or scratch is less.
5. Let it dry.

Be careful! Don't burn the wood.

6. Wood Filler (For Deep Scratches)

For deep scratches, you need wood filler. It fills the hole.

1. Clean the scratch with mineral spirits.
2. Put a little wood filler on the scratch with a putty knife.
3. Put a little too much, because it shrinks when it dries.
4. Let it dry. Follow the instructions on the package.
5. Sand it smooth with sandpaper.
6. Wipe off the dust.
7. Add stain or paint to match the color.
8. Seal it with a clear finish.

This takes more work, but it's needed for bad scratches. Take your time.

7. Steel Wool (For Blending)

Steel wool can smooth out the finish after you use a marker or wood filler. Always use a lubricant, like mineral oil, to prevent scratching the finish.

1. Put a little lubricant on the area.
2. Gently rub the steel wool on the area in circles.
3. Wipe off extra lubricant.

This makes the repair look really good.

Stop Scratches Before They Happen!

It's easier to stop scratches than to fix them. Here are some ideas:

• Use Coasters: For drinks.
• Use Placemats: For dishes.
• Put Pads on Furniture Legs: Felt pads are great!
• Keep Furniture Clean: Dust it often.
• Keep Out of Sunlight: The sun can hurt the finish.
• Protective Finish: Consider applying a durable finish, such as polyurethane, can help protect your furniture from scratches and other damage.

These simple things can really help.

When to Call a Pro

Some scratches are too much for you to fix. Call a pro if:

• The damage is really bad.
• The furniture is expensive or old.
• You don't feel good about fixing it yourself.

A pro can fix it right.

You Can Do It!

Fixing scratches on your furniture is a great skill to have. You can save money and keep your furniture looking great. Know what kind of scratch it is, get your tools, and follow these steps. You can fix most scratches yourself. You got this!