How to fix scratches in hardwood flooring

A hardwood flooring adds great beauty to any space and makes it look a lot more elegant and also adds to the level of comfort and coziness. Scratches can instantly take away all the beauty from the floor and leave it with a ruined look. That is why home owners get worried when scratches show up on their hardwood floor. However, you do not need to worry at all as here is a simple guide to help you remove the scratches from your hardwood flooring. Before you begin the task of removing scratches from the floor, it is important to understand the type of scratch as every category of scratch has to be dealt with a different fix.




Surface scratches:

Surface scratches are those in which only the top layer which is the protective coating is damaged and so these are the easiest to fix. If you are thinking how to fix scratches in hardwood floors especially the surface scratches then you just need to have a soft cloth, some water, a hardwood cleaner and a protective coating enamel. First step is to clean the damaged surface with a soft cloth and a hardwood cleaner. Then clean the surface with a clean wet cloth and let the area dry. Once the surface is completely dry apply a layer of protective coating. Let the surface dry for at least 12 hours.

Minor scratches:

Minor scratches can be defined as those which penetrate the layer of protective coating till the surface of wood only. To fix these you will need soft cloths, hardwood cleaner, water, sandpaper and wood wax. The first step is to clean the surface and ensure that not even a speck of dirt remains on the surface. Rub the surface gently with the sandpaper. This step has to be performed with utmost care and you must rub along the grains of wood. Use a wood wax stick to fill the scratch and blend it with the surrounding area. Select a color which is nearest to the color of your hardwood floor.

Deep scratches:

Removing deep scratches from hardwood flooring is a daunting task and if your are not very sure of how to fix scratches in hardwood floors then the best option will be to go for professional assistance. Repairing of deep scratches on hardwood floor requires stripping, repairing and refinishing the hardwood floor.

To avoid excessive damage to hardwood flooring it is advised to fix the scratches in the initial stage itself. The surface scratches are simple to fix and do not involve a lot of expenses. So, you must check your hardwood floor regularly for any signs of damage and as soon as you see some scratches you must fix them immediately so that they don’t become deep scratches. If there are too many scratches on the floor then the floor needs to be stripped, buffed and then coated. This is a tough job and it is best to leave this job on professionals who have the relevant experience and the required tools.

Author bio:

The Author is an expert in interior décor and has been working with hardwood flooring for many years. Over these years he has understood the various nuances of hardwood flooring and feels it is best to fix the damage in its initial stage. Author is also an avid blogger and has written many blogs on how to fix scratches in hardwood floors.