How to Fix Shallow Scratches on Timber Floors

There’s no doubt there’ll be some wear on your beautiful hardwood timber floorboards after all the walking. Although not particularly deep, shallow scratches are usually differing in colour than the rest of your floorboards, making it stand out more than preferred. Shallow scratches from furniture movement or high heels don’t have to be permanent. All you need is a few tips and tricks to maintain the longevity of your hardwood floors. With just a walnut or a wood stain marker, you can restore your hardwood floor to its full glory.

Walnut Method
Although it may sound awfully odd, the natural oils of walnuts are particularly effective in removing shallow scratches on wood.

Step 1: Clean your floorboard
Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away the dirt and debris in and around the area of your scratch.

Step 2: Rub the walnut into the scratch
Begin rubbing the walnut on the scratch in circular motions across the length of the scratch from one end to the other.

Step 3: Rub the walnut across the length of the scratch
Continue to rub the walnut back and forth several times across the entire length of the scratch.

Step 4 Leave to soak
Leave the scratch for several minutes to let the natural oils from the nut seep into the wood and essentially heal the scratch.

Step 5: Polish area
Use a soft cloth to polish over the whole area.


Wood Stain Marker Method
If you find that the colour difference between the scratches and the rest of your floorboards is too obvious, you can try using a wood stain marker that matches the colour of your hardwood floors. These markers can be easily found in department stores, hardware stores, and paint stores in a variety of colours.

Step 1: Clean your floorboard
Gently wipe the scratched area of your floorboard with a soft dampened rag with water to remove any excess dirt and debris.

Step 2: Dampen a rag with wood stain marker
Use a wood stain marker that matches the colour of your hardwood floor to dampen a clean rag or paper towel. Fold the rag or towel into squares so you have a few layers of the material. Shake the stain marker before opening and dab the point of the marker into one corner of the cloth. Dab the marker about 10-15 times to effectively dampen the cloth.

Step 3: Rub stain into the scratch
Focusing on the scratched area, lightly press the rag onto the wood. Rub the wood stain into the scratch while following the grain of the wood. You can also choose to draw directly onto the scratch with the marker, but this may not look as natural.

With such simple steps and materials, there’s no need to worry about the scratches on your valued hardwood floorboards.

Categories
#timber
#flooring
#howto


%howtoi