How to Fix Deep Scratches in Wood

Source: wikiHow

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff |19 References

If your wood furniture has a deep scratch or an unsightly gouge, repair it by filling it in. Wax filler sticks are the most inexpensive option and work best on narrow scratches. Wax filler putty is a better option for covering and blending wider gouges.

Another option to try is wax-based paint, which is a creative way to mask scratches in inconspicuous spots. After blending the filler material and sanding it down, you may even forget where the wood had a scratch.

1. 1 Rub a wax wood filler stick over the crack. These filler sticks are often sold in the shape of crayons, so essentially you get to color in the wood. Choose a color that most closely matches the wood’s shade. Continue rubbing the stick back and forth until the entire crack is filled in.^[1]
   • Some other options are stain markers and blending pencils. All of these products are often available at home improvement stores.^[2]
2. 2 Blend the filler in by rubbing it with your finger. Move your finger around the edges of the crack, being careful not to remove too much of the filler inside the scratch. Smooth out the filler along the crack’s edges. Get it as level with the surrounding wood as possible.^[3]
   • Don’t worry about spreading the filler material past the crack. It is easy to remove as long as it doesn’t have time to dry. Instead, make sure the scratch looks well-hidden.
3. 3 Wipe away the excess filler with a dry rag. Using a clean cloth, scrub around the edges of the scratch.
   Remove any filler material that spilled over the scratch or elsewhere on the wood. Wipe along the wood’s grain as much as possible to reduce the possibility of adding new scratches. Be careful not to disturb the material in the scratch.^[4]
   • An easy way to level the filler material and get all the excess is with a solid edge, like a credit card. Hold the card vertically against the wood, then drag it across the scratch. Use a rag to pick up the filler.
   • If the filler begins to dry before you clean it all up, dampen a rag with mineral spirits. Make sure the rag isn’t dripping, then scrub along the wood’s grain over the excess wax.
4. 4 Let the filler material dry for 30 minutes. Make sure no one comes along and smudges it. Once the filler sets, it will feel hard to the touch. Check the scratch again and add more filler if needed to improve it.^[5]

1. 1 Spread a pre-colored latex wood filler in the scratch. For deep scratches and gouges, choose a filler that is the same color as the wood you wish to repair. Pick up some of the filler with a putty knife, then spread it by brushing the knife along the inside part of the scratch. Continue adding more filler material until the scratch is filled. Hold the knife horizontally and move it across the crack to level out the filler.^[6]
   • To avoid scratching the wood, use a plastic knife instead of a metal one.
   • Latex wood filler is similar to traditional wood putty, but it holds shape in deep scratches more efficiently. Get some online or at a home improvement store.
   • Another option is to use a similarly-colored wood stain. Dip a rag or paint brush into the stain, then spread it along the inside of the scratch. Continue adding more until the scratch is filled. Scrape off and sand down the excess as usual.
2. 2 Scrape off the excess filler with a putty knife. Remove as much of the excess filler as you can before it dries. To do this, hold the putty knife at a 45-degree angle. While pressing it lightly against the wood, drag it across the scratch. Do this in a few different directions to smooth out the scratched area.^[7]
   • If you don’t have a plastic putty knife available, try using a solid, blunt edge like a credit card. Hold it vertically and drag the edge across the scratch.
3. 3
4. 4 Rub the filler with 180-grit sandpaper to blend it into the wood. Press the sandpaper very lightly against the crack. Be very careful to avoid scratching the wood further. Rub the sandpaper back and forth along the wood’s grain, enough to rough up the filled-in area and make it look more natural.^[9]
   • Use sandpaper rated 180-grit or higher for finishing. Using anything lower is…

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