Hardwood floors are, without a doubt, an easy way to beautify and increase the value of your home. But they are also prone to the inevitable scratch. If you have a good protecting solution on your floor, scratches and scuffs will still occur over time. Especially if you live in a high-traffic household with small children and pets running around on your hardwood flooring! Read on to find the solution to those hardwood floor scratches, figure out how to fix scratched hardwood, and remove those nasty scratches from hardwood!
How to Fix Scratched Hardwood Floors
Materials That You Will Need:
- Microfiber Cloth
- Hardwood floor cleaning agent
- Permanent Maker/Stain Marker
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Stain
- Paintbrush
1. Find Out How Bad The Scratch Is
The first step in removing scratches from hardwood is to assess the extent of the damage. Light scratches that only affect the surface finish can usually be repaired with minimal effort, while deeper scratches that penetrate the wood may require more extensive repairs. Identifying the depth and severity of the scratches will help you determine the most appropriate repair method.
- Determine the intensity of the scratch. Most usually damage the surface layer of the hardwood floor.
- If the scratch looks like it has been damaged deeper than the surface of the wood, it may require a replacement board repair.
2. Clean
Cleaning the affected area thoroughly is essential before you repair scratches on hardwood floors.
- Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dust, dirt, or debris.
- Using a microfiber cloth and some warm water or hardwood cleaning agent, clean the floor thoroughly and let it dry.
3. Conceal & Stain
Fill in the scratch with the marker by using a permanent marker that matches as closely to the colour of your hardwood flooring as possible.
- You can also use a stain marker from your local hardware store.
Dip a cotton ball or swab in a matching colour stain, swipe it with the filled-in scratch, then wipe it clean.
- You may also want to stain the surrounding area of your hardwood floor to be sure it blends in seamlessly with a paintbrush.
4. Repair Deep Scratches
For deeper hardwood floor scratches that penetrate the wood, you’ll need to use a wood filler for hardwood floors or putty that match your hardwood floor’s colour.
- Apply the wood filler to the scratch using a putty knife, filling the entire scratch and slightly overfilling it to allow for sanding.
- Allow the wood filler to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Sand the Repaired Area
Once the wood filler has dried, use fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) to gently sand the repaired area until it is smooth and level with the surrounding floor. Be careful not to sand too much, which can damage the surrounding wood. Wipe away any sanding dust with a damp cloth and allow the area to dry.
7. Apply a Protective Finish
After sanding and cleaning the repaired area, you must apply a protective finish to seal and protect the repair. Below are the steps on how to refinish hardwood floors:
- Choose a finish that matches the existing finish on your hardwood floor, such as polyurethane, varnish, or wax.
- Apply the finish according to the manufacturer’s instructions using a brush or applicator pad.
- Allow the finish to dry and cure according to the recommended time before walking on or placing furniture in the repaired area.
Repairing scratched hardwood floors is a manageable DIY project that can help restore your floors’ original appearance and prolong their lifespan. By assessing the damage, cleaning the area, repairing light or deep scratches, sanding, and applying a protective finish, you can effectively repair scratched hardwood floors and maintain their beauty for years. With some patience and the right tools, you can confidently tackle this project and enjoy the satisfaction of restoring your hardwood floors to their former glory.
How easy was that? Don’t let scratches or scuffs stop you from enjoying your hardwood flooring. Learning how to get scratches out of hardwood floors is a lot easier than most people think! HPT will gladly do this job for you if you’ve got a ton of minor imperfections but just need a little TLC!
Don’t let these imperfections diminish the elegance and warmth of your living space. Trust the experts at Home Painters Toronto to bring your hardwood floors back to life with our professional repair and refinishing services.
Hardwood Floor Installation and Staining | Home Painters Toronto
Our team of skilled and experienced craftsmen specializes in hardwood floor repair, ensuring that your floors are restored to their original beauty and protected for years. We take pride in our attention to detail, commitment to customer satisfaction, and use of high-quality materials and techniques.
More Interesting Blogs Related to
“How to Repair Scratched Hardwood Floors”
Don’t wait any longer to enjoy the stunning hardwood floors you deserve. Take the first step towards a beautiful, scratch-free home by contacting Home Painters Toronto today for a free, no-obligation quote. Call us NOW at 416-494-9095 or email Brian@www.homepainterstoronto.com to schedule your consultation and let us transform your hardwood floors into the stunning centrepiece of your home. And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below!
