How to Fix Scratches on Hardwood Floors

Whether it be due to moving furniture or from the pawing of your pet, scratches mar the looks of these surfaces. Maintenance of hardwood floors may get really expensive, if you resort to professional help. Even though, such maintenance may become inevitable at times, you may fix minor scratches on your own.

So, minor scratches on hardwood floors can be repaired without much difficulty. All you need is a basic understanding about the dos and don'ts with regard to these floors and the right methods for fixing scratches on them.

As avoiding scratches can be impossible, it is always better to learn techniques that can be used to conceal minor ones.

While, superficial ones can be easily fixed, deeper ones may require professional expertise. Repair of larger and deeper scratches that are usually referred to as gouges, is best done by professionals. In some cases of major scratches, replacing of the whole board may be required. So, always buy some extra material, for such future use.

You must also have some knowledge about the type of hardwood floor finish. While, the newly installed hardwood floors are mostly found to have an urethane finish that is less prone to scratches.

The earlier ones are found to have wax finish, which is usually thin and sustain scratches and gouges easily. While, scratches with wax finish can be repaired with wax, this should not be used on floors with urethane finish.

Once you analyze the scratch and reach a conclusion about the type of scratch, you may start with fixing them. The following are some tips that may help you in fixing scratches on hardwood floors.

In case of minor scratches on a hardwood floor with wax finish, you have to apply a small amount of wax over the area and rub it on the scratch with a soft cloth. Once done, buff the area (with fine grit sandpaper or steel wool), so as to bring that sheen.

But, make sure to use the sandpaper or steel wool along the direction of the wood grain. You may also use paste wax for hardwood floor repair, in case of scratches.

In case of superficial scratches with urethane finish, it is not advisable to use wax. You may use steel wool or a 240-grit sandpaper to rub the area lightly, along the wood grains. Wipe the area with a damp cloth and allow to dry for a couple of hours.

After that, dip a small paintbrush in the can of polyurethane. Remove the excess polyurethane on the brush by touching its tip on a paper towel. Now, apply a light coat over the scratch and allow it to dry, before sanding lightly and applying the second coat.

Sand the area till it gets smooth. Now, remove the debris and wipe with a damp cloth. Once the floor gets dry, apply a small amount of stain over the area, with a soft cloth. In case of polyurethane floors, you have to apply polyurethane finish, after sanding.

If your hardwood floor has a wax finish, all you have to do is to apply some wax and buff the area, so as to conceal the scratch. Make sure that the area is completely dry, before use. It will be better to use that area after two to three days.

This was only a brief overview about how to fix scratches on hardwood floors. If you are not clear about the right method, it is always better to contact the manufacturer of the material or seek professional help.

In some cases, the manufacturer may provide a repair kit, along with instructions and all you have to do is to use them properly, so as to fix scratches.