How to Repair Damaged Wood Finish
A Quick Overview
Wood finish occasionally receive damage, ranging from scratches and gouges to scuffs and water rings. Thankfully, these cosmetic flaw can often be fixed. The following walkthrough gives a clear and step-by-step instructions to address each type of damage individually.
Scratches and Scrapes
Scratches and scrapes are common forms of damage. Start by cleaning the area gently with a damp cloth. Allow the wood to completely dry.
- Use matching crayon-type fill stick or wood putty to fill the scratch. Choose a color parallel to your wood finish for best results.
- Next, gently remove excess filler using a plastic putty knife or your finger. Ensure the scraper has no sharp edges to avoid adding more scratches.
- Finally, when the filled areas are completely dry, apply a coat of paste wax over the surface and buff it with a cloth.
Gouges or Deep Cuts
Address the more formidable gouges and cuts with a wood filler. Wood filler is a substance that can fill up and repair the integrity of the wood surface.
- Start by using a utility knife to carefully remove any loose finish in and around the gouge. This prevents the filler from adhering to free floating debris.
- Now, apply the wood filler with a putty knife, making sure to fill the gouge entirely.
- Once the filler dries, sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.
- Finish off with applying a coat of sealant or wood finish that matches your furniture. This will help mask any obvious color differences from the filler.
Water Marks and Rings
Water rings, or watermark, are a common problem on wooden furniture. These circular marks occur when moisture gets trapped under the finish, usually from a wet glass or hot dish.
- Begin with by applying a thin layer of mayonnaise to the watermark. Let it sit for a few hours.
- Then, wipe away the mayonnaise and clean the area with a soft rag.
- If the watermark is still there, lightly sand the area with fine-grade sandpaper, and then apply a light coat of furniture wax. Buff the wax until the ring disappears.
General Cleaning and Preservation
A good habit to keep your wood finish in top condition is regular cleaning and preservation.
- Clean your wood surface with a damp cloth dipped in a solution of mild soap and warm water. Wipe the surface dry immediately after.
- Apply a quality furniture wax or polish to the wood surface. This helps lock in the moisture and prevents the wood from drying out.
- Lastly, avoid placing wooden furniture under direct sunlight or over a heating vent. These conditions can warp the wood and dry out the finish.