Wooden floors are a popular choice for many homeowners thanks to their natural beauty and durability. However, even the highest quality wood can suffer from scratches over time. Repairing a scratched wood floor doesn't have to be difficult. With a few simple tips, you can have your floor looking as good as new in no time. In this blog post, we'll outline some of the best ways to fix scratches on hardwood floors. Keep reading to learn more!
How to Fix Superficial Scratches
Although superficial scratches on hardwood floors may not seem like a big deal, they can actually cause significant damage to wood floors over time. The finish on wood flooring is thin, and when it's scratched, it creates an opening for dirt and moisture to penetrate the wood. This can lead to staining, warping, and eventually rot. To avoid these problems, it's important to repair superficial scratches as soon as possible. However, poor maintenance and bad cleaning habits can cause these problems as well. Fixing those tiny scratches has to be accompanied by regular and proper cleaning if you want to preserve your flooring for years to come.
You’ll need: water, floor cleaner, cloths, and wood wax
- Clean the scrape and the surrounding area: To remove dust and debris from the area, use a soft cloth and some floor cleaner.
- Wipe the surface clean: Wipe away any extra cleaner with a soft cloth and water, then wait for it to dry.
- Coat the surface: Gently apply a wood wax stick or protective coating to the scratch, making sure it is completely filled.
- Buff the affected area: After the coating dries, rub the area lightly with a clean cloth. This will smooth out the new coating and restore the glossy look.
How to Fix Minor Scratches
Don't worry, as with superficial scratches, these can be fixed fairly quickly with a little care.
This time you'll need: water, steel wool, floor cleanser, soft cloths, fine grade sandpaper, and wood finish like wax repair sticks.
- Clean the marks and the surrounding area: Make sure the floor is clear of filth and dust by wiping it down with a damp towel and some cleaner.
- Wipe the surface clean: Wipe away any extra cleaner with a soft cloth and water.
- Utilize steel wool: Gently brush the steel wool over the scrape, being careful not to rub against the grain of the wood.
- Blend using sandpaper: Buff the edges of the scrape with sandpaper to blend it in with the rest of the floor.
- Apply the wax: Apply the wax stick to the area gently, making sure the scratch is covered, then wait 10 minutes.
- Buff the affected area: Buff the area lightly with a soft cloth. If required, apply a new layer of protective coating and buff it out.
How To Fix Deeper Scratches
Deep scratches in your wood floors that are more than 1/16-inch deep are the sort of gouging caused by many things like dog claws and moving heavy furniture over the floor. If the damage is too severe, sanding the entire flooring is usually the best option. However, for more localized scratches, the best procedure is to fill in and color-blend the deeper scratches with wood filler.
What you’ll need: Stain markers, fine-grit sandpaper, wood filler, matching wood stain, plastic putty knife
- Use wood filler: With the putty knife, carefully press the filler into the scratch, while remaining inside the area. Smooth the damp filler down and wipe away any excess before it dries.
- Allow it to dry: Let it sit for two hours.
- Complete the filler: Sand it by hand once it has dried.
- Stain: Add wood stain to the cured filler with a color that matches that of the flooring.
So this is it, your simple guide on how to repair a scratched wooden floor. We hope you found this article helpful and feel you are now able to fix those pesky scratches yourself! If you did, please share it with your friends and family who may also find it useful. And remember, prevention is key when it comes to keeping your floors looking their best. And as always, if you have any questions or need further information about repairing your floor, don't hesitate to reach out to us for help!