Hardwood floors are the much coveted material of the flooring world. They are durable, stylish, luxurious… and have a price tag to match. This type of flooring is a labor of love, and responsible owners should regularly maintain it correctly in order to ensure its longevity. Unfortunately, no matter how much care and attention you give your flooring accidents can happen – but fear not! A scrape in your hardwood is actually not too difficult to repair, and your beautiful flooring will be as good as new in no time. Take a look at the following methods:
Use a Marker
This option is great for small scratches, and is an easy, inexpensive way to touch up your floor. The first thing you need to do is visit your local hardware store and see what options they have in way of color – be sure to take a picture to compare. It’s important to test the marker on an inconspicuous area first (like the corner of the room or underneath an item of furniture) Next you should wipe the area with a soft, damp, clean cloth to remove any debris, then all you need to do run the marker down the scrape a couple of times to ensure it’s fully disguised. It may look a little lighter than the wood, but don’t worry. To finish saturate the marker stain with a cloth soaked in a little mineral spirits, going with the grain of the wood. This will help the marker penetrate the scrape.
Protective Coating
Another option for minor scratches is to use varnish, sealant, or another type of protective coating. Again, you should ensure the area is clean by wiping it with a cloth (you don’t want to seal any dirt inside the scratch) then wait for it to dry. Finally apply the protective coating and leave to overnight.
Wood Filler
Finally if you have deeper scrapes wood filler is the way to go. Find a suitable product that best fits your flooring, then prepare the area by wiping with a soft, clean, cloth. Fill in the crevice generously using the wood filler – don’t worry if there’s excess filler when you’ve finished. Allow the filler to dry according to the manufactures instructions (usually around 24 hours) Finally use a putty knife to smooth and blend the filler into its surroundings, finishing with a sealant.
