- Instant fix for scratched woodwork
If you notice several fresh, light scratches on a dark-wood wall unit and need to find a quick fix, just go to the kitchen, get a small cup or container and mix 1 teaspoon instant coffee in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or water. Apply the mixture with a cotton wool ball. (Don’t use this on valuable antiques or shellac finishes.)
- Cover scratches in leather
You can camouflage unsightly scratches in leather furniture using a permanent marker in a similar shade. Before you start, test the marker on an inconspicuous part of the chair or sofa to make sure that it’s a good match. Work slowly and carefully when tracing over the scratch. Medium or fine-point markers work best overall; extra-fine tips may deepen a scratch while thick markers often have a visible ‘edging’ around repairs.’
- Check out the market
These days — especially with the advent of the Internet — you can get a whole range of wood-care products, previously available only to professionals. And they’re all available in a range of wood shades. For repairing scratches (and filling small cracks and holes), try these:
- Burnishing cream (superficial scratches)
- Wax filler sticks (and shellac filler sticks)
- Retouch crayons
- Touch-up pens
- Homeopathic scratch care
Many light scratches on wood can be repaired without an expensive trip to a hardware shop. That’s because masking a scratch is simply a matter of covering it up or adequately lubricating the exposed wood fibres. What’s amazing is the number of items that you probably already have around your home that can get the job done. Regardless of which method you use, wax the surface when done.
- Conceal scratches with closely matched shoe polish, a melted crayon or a permanent marker.
- Use the meat of a Brazil nut, walnut or pecan. Rub the nut over the scratch several times, and then vigorously massage the oil into the scrape with your thumb.
- Can’t find the nutcracker? Rub in a little peanut butter or mayonnaise instead. Wipe it off with a damp rag after 30 minutes or so.
- If that’s too messy, try a little baby oil or mix 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Apply it with a soft cloth, and then buff it off after 30-45 minutes.
- Cover scratches with a generous amount of petroleum jelly. Let it soak in for 24 hours, then remove the excess with a soft cloth.
- Wax away hairline scratches
High-gloss lacquer finishes are prone to developing hairline scratches when dishes or other items are slid across their surface. You can often get rid of these light scratches with car wax, which contains a light abrasive. Test the wax first on a bottom edge or some other inconspicuous area first, to make sure the wax doesn’t discolour or damage the finish. Once you’re ready, apply the wax to a soft cloth and polish using a steady circular motion.