Say goodbye to scratches in your hardwood

So, you’ve made the leap to the world of Screen Shot 2013-12-19 at 10.28.40 AMmake sure you take care of it so it will last for years to come.

Scratches are a common occurrence, but they don’t have to be permanent. Take matters into your own hands by following these steps to remove scratches.

First, survey the types of scratches. Are they superficial or deep? This will determine the type of care. Next, pour a bit of floor wax onto cheesecloth and rub it in until the scratch is no longer visible.

Then it’s time to buff until the area becomes shiny. For minor blemishes, use a touch-up or stain marker that matches the finish of your floor. Apply the marker along the direction of the wood grain. Finish with a cloth to buff and blend in the color of the marker to the wood finish.

Now it’s time for sanding. Use fine steel wool, and sand only the scratched area. Deeper scratches call for lightweight sandpaper. Sand along the grain of the wood to avoid further damage. The next step is to rub mineral oil spirits with a cheesecloth over the sanded portion of the wood floor to get it smooth and remove the dust.

Screen Shot 2013-12-19 at 10.27.31 AMOnce you oil the surface, you’ll need a plastic putty knife and premixed wood filler. Press the knife and filler into a deep scratch, filling the scratch completely. Add more filler as you see fit. Sand off any excess filler from around the scratch or over the top, and wipe off any dust.

Now you’re in the homestretch!  Apply a coat of finish that matches the floor’s original finish using a natural-bristle brush. Ta-da! Your floor looks as good as new! Now pat yourself on the back for getting the job done.