Published on October 21st, 2022
Last updated on February 6th, 2023
How To Fix Scratches on Furniture: 12 Solutions
Furniture is a vital attribute of our interior. Furniture can serve as aesthetic and functional items like a wardrobe, sofa, or chair. Over time, furniture can wear out; small children or pets also strive to ruin your wooden sofa or wardrobe somehow. In this case, you don’t really want to buy new furniture, but furniture with scratches does not look very fresh and does not complement the design of your home. What to do in this case? Everything is straightforward! You need to repair scratch furniture.
There are special markers, crayons, gels, and other professional devices for this. At the same time, you can also use home remedies like walnuts, vinegar, or even olive oil. Everyone will be able to find an individual solution to the problem.
In this article, we will show you how to get rid of light and deep scratches on furniture and how to do it correctly. Stay with us and gain the most practical knowledge about caring for your home and furniture.
Repairing Scratched Furniture
Whatever damage your furniture has, it still attracts attention and can be unpleasant to the touch. In addition, deep scratches on the corners of furniture can cause small pieces of furniture to chip off, which can be dangerous for your pets and young children.
Anyway, fixing scratched furniture is necessary. To do this, there are many approaches and means by which you can significantly improve the appearance of fixtures. However, no matter what type of scratches you have, you should always start with the same step – cleaning the wax coating.
The first step should be to clean the wax on your furniture. In many cases, it would be enough to fix minor scratches. Therefore, ensure you remove all excess polish from your home fixture, and if the scratches are still there, proceed with the steps described in the following blocks of our article.
Minor Scratches
So, if you are still reading our article after removing the wax, the scratches have not disappeared anywhere. In this block, we will tell you about minor scratches and what can help to fix them.
Light wood:
- Nut. Due to the similarity in color, peanuts, pecans, or walnuts are great for fixing furniture scratches. To do this, it is enough to rub the scratch with a walnut. Alternatively, you can also use walnut oil.
- Olive oil and vinegar. You need to mix the vinegar and olive oil in a proportion of ½. After mixing, apply the mixture to the damaged area. Continue applying the product as many times until you see that the scratch has disappeared.
Dark wood:
- Iodine or shoe polish – helps to repair cherry furniture scratch.
- Coffee grounds – helps with the problem with acacia.
- Wood ash with water is good for ebony.
Deep Scratches
For deep scratches, ordinary colored crayons, which any child can have, will help you. In this case, you must paint over the scratch with brown crayon until the scratch is filled. Unfortunately, this method will not work with all types of wood and colors, but it deserves attention.
Besides this, you can always buy special crayons for repairing scratched furniture on the internet shops.
Also, remember that before you apply special fillers, crayons, or other products to paint a scratch, you’d better test them on a hidden surface of your furniture, such as the back. This will help you avoid problems if you choose the wrong color.
Additional 6 Products That Can Help Repair the Furniture Scratch
If the above-mentioned furniture scratch removers aren’t quite right for you, here are 6 more effective remedies for dealing with furniture damage:
- Wood filler. This tool is excellent for dealing with scratches on wood. In addition, it can be used against both light and serious damage. The product does not crack or leak and merges well with your furniture’s original colors. You just need to find the right mortar color for scratched furniture and apply it to the scratch. To choose the right color, it is best to consult with the seller in the store.
- Scratch cover. This product is designed so that you can perfectly hide any scratches on your furniture. It doesn’t matter who caused them: your cat, dog, or child; the tool will cope with any type of damage. In addition, after applying the solution, your furniture will receive an additional protective layer to prevent possible future damage.
- Toothpaste. This versatile tool can be used in many ways. So, toothpaste perfectly cleans not only teeth but also shoes and is also able to fix scratches on the phone screen or furniture. However, in the case of furniture, you need to ensure that the toothpaste does not harm your furniture. Therefore, test it on an inconspicuous area and only use it against scratches.
- Clear nail polish. It can help maintain the beauty of your fingers and is an excellent tool for repairing the glass surfaces of your home fittings. So, just apply a small amount of nail polish to the glass, and the product will fill the cracks and become invisible in an hour. To make the glass smoother, dampen a rag with nail polish remover and rub it over the glass. This way, you will get rid of the part of the varnish that has not been absorbed into the crack.
- Cabinet and furniture restorer. This classic product works on a simple polymer-based principle. With it, you can restore the original look of your damaged furniture and add the shine it has lost. In addition, this product’s particular protective layer will give you the best protection from the sun, and the color of your furniture will remain as natural as when you bought it.
- Epoxy putty wood repair stick. This epoxy-based product will help you repair even the rotten parts of your furniture and eliminate deep scratch. To use it, you need to knead the putty and then apply it to the damaged surface. After 30 minutes you can enjoy your new furniture. Once it sets, you can sand, drill, or paint the grout.
How to Prevent Wood Furniture Scratches?
We all love our pets, but sometimes they can be a little hard on our furniture. Whether claws digging into the couch or teeth marks on the coffee table, fixing furniture scratches are a common problem for pet owners. But there are a few things you can do to protect your furniture and keep it looking like new:
- Use throw blankets and pillows. One simple way to prevent furniture scratches is to use throw blankets and pillows. This will create a barrier between your pet and the furniture and add a pop of color and style to your decor. Just make sure to choose pet-friendly fabrics that are easy to clean.
- Trim your pet’s nails regularly. Another way to prevent furniture scratches is to keep your pet’s nails trimmed. This will help reduce the damage they can do to your furniture. You can trim your pet’s nails or take them to a professional groomer. Just be sure to use sharp, high-quality clippers and go slowly, so you don’t hurt your pet.
- Use pet-friendly cleaners. When cleaning your furniture, ensure you’re using safe cleansers for pets and people. There are a lot of great cleaning products on the market that are designed specifically for households with pets. Do some research and find one that works well for you and your family.
Bottom Line
There you have it! 10 ways to repair furniture scratches. Luckily, one of these methods will work for your particular scratch. If not, there’s always the option of hiding the scratch with a piece of furniture or decor. And remember, the scratch repair is just one part of keeping your furniture looking its best. Regular dusting and vacuuming will go a long way toward keeping your furniture looking like new.
FAQ
How to fix a scratched wood table?
If you have a scratched wood table, there are a few things you can do to fix it:
1. Start with furniture polish or wax.
2. Afterward, you may need a wood filler to fill in the scratch completely.
3. Then use a touch-up pen or marker to camouflage the scratch.
How to fix scratches on furniture?
You can go to a furniture store for help or a local carpenter. However, in this case, you will have to spend money not only on materials but also pay for the work of the master.
How much does it cost to fix furniture scratches?
It will depend on the scratch’s severity and the furniture type. You may only need to use furniture polish or wax for minor scratches, which will likely cost less than $20. For more severe scratches, you may need to sand the scratch and apply a new layer of polish or wax, which could cost $50 or more.
Do I need to use protection means?
First, use furniture covers or pads on any areas that might come into contact with sharp objects. You can also try using door stoppers or other barriers to prevent furniture from moving too much. Finally, consider using furniture polish or wax on your furniture to create a protective barrier.
