how to fix scrates on your leftover wood

Wooden floors create a lovely impression in your home plus they are hard-wearing and easier to clean than carpets. However, if you have wooden floors, it is inevitable that they will get scratched no matter how careful you are. Many scratches are caused by moving furniture such as chairs, or by pets or children playing. Depending on how deep the scratch is, it should be easy to conceal so your floor looks good for longer.

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Staining Small Scratches

If the scratch is shallow you can use a wood staining marker to fix it. Use a damp cloth to clean the area and then dampen the cloth with a wood stainer to rub into the affected area. It’s better to use a cloth rather than dab the marker directly on to the wood, as it can saturate the scratch. Look for a wood staining marker which is as close to your floor colour as possible.

Scour it Out

Minor scratches can usually be buffed with steel wool or sandpaper. You will need to sand or buff in line with the wood grain and just stick to the scratched area. If it is finished in polyurethane it will be difficult to sand, so try using a scouring pad dipped in mineral spirits. Don’t wax the floor it if has a polyurethane finish.

Laminate Floor Repairs

Small chips or scratches on laminate flooring can be repaired using filler products from a DIY shop. For more extensive damage, you may need to replace the plank.  If you do not have spare, you can look. You can then either remove all planks in the row until you reach the damaged one or cut it out using a circular saw.  If you have to replace the whole floor then a Swansea skip hire company found at sites including pendragonskiphire.co.uk/swansea-skip-hire/

Fixing Deeper Cuts

For deeper scratches or gouges, you will need to clean the affected area and allow it to dry. If the floor has a coating of polyurethane, you will need to remove this first. Then rub the scratched area with a scouring pad dampened with mineral spirits. Leave to dry before applying wood filler with your fingers, spreading it in all directions to remove air bubbles. Use a putty knife to smooth the surface and allow the filler to dry. You may need to gently sand it afterwards before applying varnish or sealer.