How To Fix Scratches On Wood Table | Fixing Minor & Deep Scratches

Fixing Minor & Deep Scratches on The Wood Table

• Just like any type of wooden furniture, wood tables are vulnerable or susceptible to scratches and damage. Using your wood table regularly can result in issues such as dings, scrapes, and wear on the finish. The wood tables can also get affected by deeper damage like gouges, burn marks, and liquid ring marks.

• If you are a pet owner or a parent, then you must be familiar with the fact that accidents can happen, which can usually affect the furniture you use the most. The pets generally make wood table legs into chew toys and scratching posts. Some of the wood tables are soft enough that even a child can scratch their name into the side with their fingernail.

• Entirely dependent on the darkness of the finish and softness of the wood, the damage to your beloved table might be more frequent, or more obvious. When it comes to fixing up a minor scratch in a new wood table or if you are looking to restore your old table to its original glory, then repairing scratches can make a big difference in the appearance.

 

How To Remove Scratches From Wood Furniture?

When it comes to getting rid of scratches or scuff marks from wooden furniture like dining tables, the first and foremost thing to do is identify the type of scratch. If it’s a gouge, then sand the surface scratches as long as it’s smooth and even.

Once you’re done, apply wood filler, such as putty, before repainting it. You can also use an abrasive pad or fine sandpaper to get rid of a light scratch. To clean the surface after sanding, go through the following steps:

1.    Use a dry cloth slightly wet with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol.

2.    Rub lightly over the wood surface as long as all traces of dust and debris are gone.

3.    Apply a coat of clear wood finish over the entire surface to keep it safe from future damage.

Below are more specific, proven, and tested DIY hacks to fix deep scratches to other home furniture products, such as your wooden bedroom sets, tables, and chairs.

Option 1 – Use a Vinegar and Olive Oil

• Mix vinegar with olive oil to get rid of scratches from wood furniture. First, get some white vinegar and olive oil.

• Take a bowl & pour the white vinegar into it. Add a bit of olive oil —sufficient enough that it should look like an equal amount of both liquids are in the bowl. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour.

• Using a soft cloth or rag, apply this mixture to the scratched area of your furniture. Rub gently as long as all of the deep scratches are gone.

 Option 2 – Use a Walnut

• Rub the walnut in the scratched area of the wooden table. Do this in a circular motion through the length of the scratch, from one end to the other.

• Rub the walnut along the whole length of the scratched area. Rub it back and forth numerous times.

• Leave the scratch for several minutes to soak in. While waiting, you can eat some of the walnuts if you like! Meanwhile, the natural oils that are present in the nuts will seep into the wood, which in turn helps to heal the ugly wound. 

• Take a soft cloth and start polishing over the whole area. 

• Stop polishing and check it; your hard work should reveal that the scratch has disappeared!

 Option 3 – Use Shoe Polish

Using shoe polish is another best way to get rid of scratches from a wooden table, chair or floorboards in your home. You can easily apply shoe polish to wood tables and can use it on any type of wood. Here’s how to use shoe polish to get rid of scratches from wood furniture:

• Clean the surface of your piece with the help of a clean cloth and warm water. Dry it meticulously before starting this project.

• Pour a little bit of shoe polish onto a soft cloth or paper towel and start rubbing it into the scratch. Repeat as long as the scratch disappears completely.

• It is important to be careful not to get any polish on those areas that are not damaged. Otherwise, things will get worse instead of better.

  Option 4 –Tea Bags or Coffee Grounds

• You can also take advantage of old tea bags or coffee grounds, to buff out scratches on wood furniture. Take a mug full of hot water & then soak a black tea bag in it. Allow it to sit for at least two to three minutes.

• The main aim here is to transfer the color of the tea to the water. The darker the color, the better it will be to match the color of dark wood.

• Administer a small amount of the used tea bag or coffee grounds to the scratched areas and rub it gently. Wipe away any excess with the help of a soft cloth. The oil from the coffee grounds or tea bag will assist in filling in the grooves caused by the scratches, making them less noticeable.

   Option 5 – Fill Scratches with Wood Putty

• For minor scratches, you can fill them using wood putty. You’ll want to use putty that is specifically made for finishing touch-ups on wood furniture. You might want to use a cotton swab to prevent it from getting messy.

• Ideally, it’s still best to use a putty knife to administer a thin layer of the wood putty to the scratched area. Then, use either a cloth or your finger to get rid of any excess. Let it dry for at least 15 minutes, and then sand it down with the help of 100-grit sandpaper and a hand sander.

• After sanding, apply another thin layer of putty over the scratched area and allow it to dry for at least 15 minutes. Once done, try buffing it again. Repeat this process as long as you fill in the scratch. It is important that putty levels with the surrounding wood surface.

    Option 6 –Crayons and Sharpies

• Another simple solution that you can try is Crayons and Sharpies, if you are tired of seeing scratches on your table and other wood household items. Grab some wax crayons as well as Sharpies.

• Coloring over the scratched area will hide it and restore the furniture to its former & pristine state. Make sure to choose the right color combinations. You want something that complements the underlying tone of your furniture as closely as possible.