When wiping dust from wooden furniture, it is difficult not to notice cracks, scratches, and abrasions. All these are integral companions of time, appearing in the process of using furniture. Even small errors on the surface are clearly visible. They spoil the perfect appearance of a varnished product and leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
Scratches and chips on wooden furniture or doors are a common problem encountered in almost every home.
If cracks in hidden areas can be ignored, then in visible ones they should be eliminated. After reading this article, you will learn how to remove scratches from furniture using simple improvised means.
You can treat the furniture with a mixture of vinegar and olive oil, using it as a polish, and then wipe it dry
How to remove scratches?
A special furniture marker can help disguise chips and scratches
No matter how careful the care is, scratches on furniture cannot be avoided during long-term use. Bedside tables, cabinets, sideboards are damaged by household items and are worn out. Such damage significantly spoils the appearance of the products, worsening the interior of the entire room.
Paraffin from regular candles is perfect for removing and masking defects in light-colored furniture.
It is difficult to avoid the appearance of chips. But there are real ways to help get rid of them in a matter of minutes. All these methods can be divided into two groups: professional and folk. In the table we will consider the pros and cons of each of them.
| Professional methods | Folk remedies |
| · have a high cost; | · safe, non-toxic; |
| · quite effective; | · practically do not require costs; |
| · cause difficulties in choosing the right shade. | · do not always cope with deep marks. |
For small white scratches on furniture pieces, you can use raw walnut
Filling with mayonnaise
This method of getting rid of scratches on interior items may seem strange, but it can also be very effective. The reason is that mayonnaise contains some proteins and fats that cause wood to swell. It is suitable for removing small and shallow damage.
Just apply mayonnaise to the scratch, and try to do it so that adjacent areas of the wood are not covered with it, and wait a few days. If the scratch is really not too deep, then during this time the wood will swell and, on its own, will remove the groove that “showed off” on its surface.
Wax
Wax pencils for removing scratches on furniture
This is a professional product. Special wax can be found in some furniture stores and hardware supermarkets.
Special wax for masking scratches on polished furniture, which is sold in stores and comes in different types.
Wax is universal. It can be used on any surface: laminated, wooden, varnish, etc.
The wax is applied to a soft wool or felt cloth and gently rubbed into the surface in a circular motion.
The wax is sold in two different variations:
- Soft. Easy to use. This wax just needs to be rubbed into the desired location. Severe damage requires a large amount of material. It is easier to apply wax to wooden furniture with large cracks with a knife or a construction spatula. You should wait about fifteen minutes before removing the excess.
Soft wax used to repair chips, scratches and cracks on wood and laminated surfaces - Solid. This is an expensive, effective remedy. It is not worth using it without certain skills. Hard wax needs to be melted, applied to the scratches in a thick layer, and the damaged area sanded.
Ultra-hard wax for the restoration of furniture surfaces that are in constant use
Apply melted wax to the damaged area in excess, cool, remove excess, sand the repair area
Folk recipe
For wooden objects, you can find a special restoration pencil in stores. It is easy to use, convenient, and cheap. The pencil successfully paints over the damaged area, the main thing is to choose the desired color. After you have applied the pencil, you need to wait until it dries and only then polish the area to be restored.
Scratches on furniture can be painted over, tinted, or disguised using simple products and household substances, as many housewives proudly claim.
Paraffin from candles
Paraffin from regular candles is perfect for removing and masking defects in light-colored furniture. To work with it, you will need to knead it, then carefully place it on the defect and rub it in with smooth circular movements until the scratch is completely masked. If you are working with a glossy, polished surface, then upon completion of the restoration of the surface, rub it with a soft cloth. If the surface is matte, then it is enough to remove any remaining paraffin from it.
Paraffin candles used to be in every home
Shoe polish
Many people wear leather shoes and use a special cream to protect them. This product is also suitable for repairing microcracks and scratches on furniture. The main thing is that he matches her tone. You need to apply the cream with a sponge to the problem area, and then gently rub in with a soft cloth. This household tinting polish will cover all defects.
Walnut
For small white scratches on pieces of furniture, you can use a walnut; to do this, rub the imperfection with its raw center. If it is already fried, such a toning effect is not observed. After a couple of hours, the scratch rubbed with walnut blends with the color of the entire tree.
Walnuts can be used for furniture restoration
Iodine
Chips and scratches on interior items made of wood in dark red and brown colors can be easily hidden using regular iodine. Since iodine itself is very concentrated, it must be diluted with water in a small container. Then, using a cotton pad or swab, apply the resulting solution to the problem area. By merging with the general background, iodine helps to hide the defect.
Brewing black tea
Black tea brewing has similar coloring qualities, but unlike iodine, it needs to be made as strong and concentrated as possible. Brew black tea in a small mug and let it sit for a couple of hours. Welding can be used to remove obvious problems with wood furniture. At the same time, applying it without getting dirty is even easier than iodine. However, when working with tea leaves, you will have to apply the tea leaves to the problem area several times.
Olive oil and vinegar
But what are homemade recipes without vinegar? Vinegar works in tandem with olive oil in the area of scratch removal. The mixture is prepared from 1 part vinegar and 3 parts olive oil. Rub the scratch with this solution, using it as a polish, thoroughly and for a long time, and then wipe it dry. After some time, the scratch disappears.
Treating furniture with a mixture of vinegar and olive oil
Mayonnaise
Some housewives use mayonnaise to remove scratches. To do this, apply a small amount of it to the damaged area and wait until it acts on the top layer of the furniture. Mayonnaise wets the surface, causing it to swell and heal the damage. Using this method, the main thing is not to overdo it with mayonnaise, so as not to get the furniture too wet.
A couple of tips to protect furniture from damage:
- Try not to manipulate sharp or hot objects when surrounded by wooden furniture, especially polished ones.
- During repair work and other mechanical processes, you can simply cover the furniture with film or paper.
- When rearranging, protect furniture from damage, choose the most optimal path for moving around the house, and watch the corners.
As you can see, there are a lot of possibilities to hide, remove or repair scratches on furniture. We would recommend first of all trying a wax pencil, and only then taking on folk recipes. The pencil is not very expensive, the only problem is choosing the color.
If you liked the above methods of furniture restoration, you can read expert articles on removing traces of brilliant green or tape from various surfaces.
Shoe polish
Wenge or black furniture will help retouch shoe polish
Some scratches on furniture can be removed with regular shoe polish. Shoe polish must be of high quality. It is better to choose a product from a well-known brand that has been tested by time. The most difficult thing in choosing is choosing the color. The color of the cream must fully match the color of the furniture product. It will not be possible to repair a large crack or chip using this method. It will be too noticeable. Shoe polish will only cope with barely noticeable scratches. To restore an area, you need to thoroughly clean the surface, carefully apply cream, leave for five minutes, and remove any residue. Such a restoration will perfectly hide minor scratches, but only temporarily. After a few wet cleanings, they will again become visible to the naked eye. Therefore, this procedure will have to be performed at certain intervals.
Apply a small amount of cream to the scratch and leave for 30 minutes, remove excess and rub the scratch with a woolen cloth.
12 ways to remove scratches from furniture using improvised means
Folk recipes that help paint over damage to untreated wooden or polished furniture are good for their accessibility and versatility. The necessary ingredients can be found in every home and will allow you to quickly hide the defect. The recipes are safe for people and pets and do not require room ventilation or the use of personal protective equipment during application.
Before repairing scratches on furniture made of wood and other materials using improvised components, test the recipe on an area hidden from view. Some combinations of products spoil the surface, leaving colored marks or a greasy film.
No. 1. Walnut
The buttery texture of walnut fills scratches and darkens as it oxidizes, making imperfections on brown wood furniture less noticeable. Take half a kernel or ready-made oil from the pharmacy. Rub the product into the damaged area until the scratch disappears.
Walnut
No. 2. Mayonnaise
If you are thinking about how to repair scratches on untreated wood furniture, try full-fat mayonnaise. The material swells when it comes into contact with the product, and defects are healed. In process of treatment:
- apply mayonnaise to the damage in a thick layer;
- let the product absorb;
- Repeat the procedure periodically for 3 days.
Allow at least 2 hours between applications. During this time, the oils contained in the mayonnaise will be absorbed into the surface.
Mayonnaise
No. 3. Lemon juice and oil
Before removing scratches on light-colored furniture, prepare a solution of lemon juice or vinegar, water and vegetable oil. The latter take refined sunflower, olive will give a brownish-greenish tint.
Mix equal parts oil and lemon juice, add 3 parts water. Dampen a lint-free cloth with the liquid and wipe the surface. Repeat the treatment until the defect disappears. The composition can be stored in the refrigerator and used as needed.
Please note: a mixture of 3 parts water, 1 part vinegar and 1 part vegetable oil will help with both scratches and dust. The product creates an invisible film on the surface of the furniture, which protects the furniture from particles in the air and keeps the item clean longer.
Lemon juice + oil
No. 4. Iodine or tea leaves
Tea leaves and iodine help as products that can remove scratches on furniture made of dark materials. The products will not fill the damage, but will temporarily paint over it. For processing:
- take a cotton swab;
- soak in iodine or strong tea leaves;
- wipe the defect;
- let the liquid dry.
If the scratches do not disappear the first time, repeat.
The products work better with varnished wooden furniture: mahogany, oak or walnut.
Brewing tea or iodine
No. 5. Machine oil
Working with machine oil is similar to the iodine treatment process. Dip a cotton swab into the oil and walk over the surface of the table or chest of drawers. After half an hour, remove the excess and sand the material with flannel.
No. 6. Coffee
To paint over defects on dark furniture, brew strong coffee. Apply the liquid to the surface several times, allowing the drink to dry each time. Once the scratch is gone, coat the material with clear nail polish if necessary and sand it down.
No. 7. Shoe polish
Before removing scratches from polished furniture, choose a shoe polish of a suitable shade. The product is universal - there are black, brown, and transparent products on the market that will help with light-colored surfaces. The processing process involves:
- surface cleaning. Remove dust; for better adhesion, wipe the table or chest of drawers with an alcohol-based disinfectant;
- apply the cream to the damage, rub in, wait 5-10 minutes;
- remove the residue, let the product dry further;
- Sand the material with a soft flannel or woolen cloth.
The cream wears off quickly, repeat the procedure periodically.
Shoe polish
No. 8. Cosmetic pencil
Choose a pencil of the appropriate shade. The lead should be hard and dry - you can use one that is not suitable for lips or eyelids due to its texture. Cover the defect with a pencil, dry it and sand it with a cloth.
Cosmetic pencil
No. 9. Colored crayons
Colored crayons work in a similar way. Choose a suitable shade, apply to the scratch and sand. Use a dry cloth, otherwise there will be streaks.
No. 10. Paraffin
Colorless paraffin is convenient for masking chips and cracks on light-colored products. Melt the material in the microwave until it becomes plastic or liquid. Repair the damage and let the paraffin harden. Remove excess with a plastic ruler to avoid scratching the surface, and polish with a soft cloth.
Wax
No. 11. Sandpaper
Buy fine-grain paper marked P600. Moisten with water or a mixture of water and lemon oil. Carefully sand the defective surface. If necessary, treat with wax paste and go over with a cloth for shine.
Sandpaper P600
No. 12. Do-it-yourself mastic for removing scratches
If there is nowhere to buy ready-made mastic, prepare the product yourself. Take:
- 40 g wax;
- 10 g alcohol;
- 30 g turpentine.
Melt the wax and combine with other ingredients into a homogeneous mass. Apply the compound to the damage, rub in and sand with flannel.
Brewing black tea
An infusion of ordinary black tea can also remove scratches on a polished wooden surface.
Another proven, handy method for restoring wooden furniture is tea leaves. It is only suitable for shallow, small damage. It will not be possible to mask a large crack using welding. For work, you should choose strong black tea without additives. The tea bag needs to be brewed with boiling water. The liquid must be infused for twenty minutes in order to acquire a rich color. Then it should be applied to a cotton pad, then to the furniture itself. This method is suitable for dark-colored structures. However, you can try to restore light-colored products by adjusting the color of the liquid when infused.
Brew a tea bag in 30 ml of boiling water, let it brew, moisten a cotton swab and wipe the scratch
"Hatch"
The simplest and most affordable means is a furniture touch
This product is professional. You can find it in stores selling modern fittings. “Stroke” is suitable for masking only small cracks. He can't handle the deep ones. This device is relatively inexpensive. It is intended for laminated, wooden surfaces. The most important thing when choosing a stroke is choosing the right shade. And this device is easy to use.
The stroke is designed for fairly quick repair of small cracks and scratches
Let's look at the process of using it step by step:
- surface preparation. The coating must be cleaned of dirt;
- applying the solution. The “touch” should be thoroughly shaken and applied to the surface. Several layers are needed;
- leveling the coating. Fifteen minutes after application, the surface should be wiped with a damp cloth.
Furniture felt-tip pen is sold in almost all major supermarkets for construction and renovation
Iodine or machine oil
Iodine is used to repair scratches on furniture made of dark wood.
The simplest pharmaceutical remedy – iodine – will help eliminate small scratches on furniture. It is suitable for products made of walnut, oak, and mahogany. When working with iodine, you must not forget to protect your hands. The drug is very colorful. You need to use ordinary medical gloves and a cotton swab. Dissolve a couple of drops of the drug in water, then apply it to the scratch with a stick. Using the same method, you can eliminate coating imperfections using machine oil.
How to remove scratches on wooden furniture using traditional methods
In addition to special products, there are improvised products that will also work. If you want to save on paint and varnish products or are accustomed to trusting popular experience, the following methods will suit you.
- Walnut. Its core has beneficial properties. Cut the nut in half and gently, without pressing, rub it over the surface of the damaged wood. Don't expect instant results - the fatty oil must be absorbed and dry. Only after this will the result be noticeable.
- Iodine. How to remove scratches from dark wood, such as walnut or oak? An iodine solution will help answer the question. Dip a cotton swab into it and rub the damaged area. Wait until the coloring layer of the substance is absorbed and wipe the treated area with a soft cloth or cotton pad.
- Oil and vinegar. Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of vinegar into a bowl, stir and wipe the table top with the resulting mixture. The result is noticeable immediately: the mixture instantly masks chips, and marks can be easily removed with a dry cloth.
- Toothpaste. Helps in masking deep damage, but should be used carefully. If the excess substance is not removed after application, the varnish coating may be damaged. The principle of use is the same: carefully coat the defects and wait for the result.
- Mayonnaise. Due to its high oil and protein content, it causes wood to swell. After coating the cracks, wait 2-3 days. The wood will expand and heal the “wounds” on its own. After this, the surface can be coated with professional paint and polished to a shine.
Whatever methods you use, do not forget that the work is done carefully. If the furniture is expensive or antique, it is better to seek help from professionals so as not to damage the product even more. We hope that the tips will help and extend the shelf life of your table.
Masking deep cracks
Wood stain can help, as it is the best way to remove scratches on furniture.
While minor damage can be easily removed using home methods, masking deep defects requires the use of only professional products. In particular, putties. Puttying will allow you to achieve a uniform, clean, even coating.
The putty is carried out in two stages - first the main chip is repaired, and after drying the finishing layer is applied, with a slight excess
Putty process
- Preparing the site. Using sandpaper and a knife, protect the coating. We remove dirt and degrease.
Using sanding paper, we clean the coating of the damaged area. - We apply the material.
Preference should be given to high quality putty. It should be a material intended only for wood. At this stage, we strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the preparation of building materials. Acrylic putty is more suitable for deep dents; if the color does not match, the spot can be touched up with a marker or felt-tip pen - We rub the surface. We use fine-grained skin.
The easiest way to apply putty is with a spatula, and excess should be removed with sandpaper - Let's paint. The color of the putty does not always match the shade of the furniture product. If the difference in color is obvious, we use stain. After it dries, coat the product with varnish.
Removing damage to furniture using putty
Special means
Furniture manufacturers, in addition to new models of their products, are also developing universal products that allow them to “hide” minor scratches and deeper damage.
Hatch
In almost any furniture store you can purchase a special touch that can be used to repair damage to wooden furniture. Anyone can use this professional product, because to use it you only need to shake the liquid in the can and spray it onto the damaged surface with a few confident strokes. For greater efficiency, it is advisable to apply not one, but several layers, and when the stroke dries, remove its remnants with a damp piece of cloth and polish the surface.
You can also remove scratches using wax. This product will help restore the beautiful appearance of both natural wood and products made from MDF and chipboard. First of all, you need to decide on the choice of the desired shade, then carefully wipe the surface of the damaged furniture to clean it from dust and other dirt. Using an edging knife, apply wax to the chip or rub the product into the damaged area to remove the defect. Excess wax is removed with a non-sharp object (an old bank card or something similar will do) and the used product is allowed to dry thoroughly. At the last stage, the problem area is polished with a piece of soft fabric with a fleecy structure.
