Wood furniture is attractive and durable, but prone to scratches and dings. Minor scratches can be easily repaired at home without resorting to restoration and refinishing. Period furniture may require a professional for repair; if in doubt, consult an expert before attempting to repair a piece of furniture. Scrapes on leather furniture are also best left to an expert.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Clean the Furniture Before Attempting to Repair the Scratch
It is important to clean the wood thoroughly before starting the repair.
Step 1. Prepare a cleaning solution by adding a scoop of mild dishwashing soap to approximately 4 L of warm water into a bucket or deep tub
Step 2. Soak a cloth in the cleaning solution and wring out any excess water
Step 3. Rub the wood to remove all grease, dirt, wax, oil or old furniture polish
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Work on a small area at a time and rinse and wring out the thick cloth.
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Step 4. Allow the wood to air dry or wipe with a dry cloth before starting the repair
Method 2 of 2: Choose from a Variety of Methods to Repair Furniture Scratches
Most wood furniture has a clear finish of lacquer, shellac, varnish or polyurethane. The techniques and products listed below are fine for finished surfaces and can be found in most hardware and home improvement stores.
Step 1. Run a marker to color the scars
You can find these markers in a variety of wood colors at a home improvement or hardware store. Apply the marker only to the bark. If any paint gets on finished surfaces, wipe it off immediately.
Step 2. Use black tea to mask scratches
Don't use herbs or green tea; black tea gives the color that corresponds to that of wood.
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Put the tea bag in a cup and pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of hot water.
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Leave it to soak for at least 2 minutes. If the wood is very dark, use a bag of black tea that has been soaked for at least 3 minutes. The longer the bag soaks, the darker the color will be.
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Dip a cotton ball into the tea and rub it gently over the gall.
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Use a paper towel to immediately blot the tea that lands on the surrounding wood so it doesn't get stained.
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Step 3. Apply a paste of water and instant coffee
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Add 1 tablespoon (28g) of coffee granules to a small bowl and add enough hot water to make a thick paste.
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Rub the paste into the gall, being careful not to spill any on the surrounding wood.
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Wipe off the excess with a dry cloth.
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Step 4. Rub a shelled walnut into the gall; walnut oil makes light scratches almost invisible
Advice
- Whichever method you use to repair scratches, buff with a soft cloth after wiping off the applied substance.
- Wooden furniture can be kept clean with a damp cloth. Furniture polishes and oils tend to leave a thin, oily film that attracts more dust.
- Light surface scratches can sometimes be removed by rubbing them with a paste made up of mineral oil and pumice. This method works best if the paste is gently rubbed into the scratch with a piece of extra fine grade steel wool.
- Treat scratches on very dark wood with iodine; simply dab the iodine on the scratch using a cotton swab.
Warnings
- Wood does not like humidity of any kind; use all products in small quantities and dry them with a soft cloth.
- It is important to work slowly and carefully, so that only the scratch is treated without wetting the surrounding wood.
