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Even the toughest floor surfaces have to deal with scratches now and then. Wood floors are often subjected to damage if the home has pets and children.
Even if your floor surface is man-made and covered in vinyl, the material can still get damaged. But luckily, you don’t have to replace your floor to fix the damaged area.
Instead, you can do hardwood floor repair to keep it looking great. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about wood floor scratch repair.
1. Sandpaper and Stain
When a scratch is deep enough to expose the wood grain beneath the wood’s finish, sandpaper can even out the floor’s surface. For lighter scratches, light-duty sandpaper, such as 150- to 220-grit will do.
If the scratch is deep and goes through the finish, a heavier grit, like 80 grit, is needed. After sanding, the floor is stained to protect the floor and restore color to the area. For deep scratches, use an oil- or water-based stain.
While oil-based stains dry quickly, they may contain harmful chemicals. Water-based stains are very thin and can penetrate deeply into the wood. Also, if you want to know how to make floors shine naturally without using chemicals, click here for helpful tips.
2. Pro Long-Term Fix
A pro long-term fix for wood floor scratch repair is to use a wood filler. This filler can be applied to scratches and dents, filling in uneven surfaces.
After being left to dry and harden, the filler can then be sanded down and stained to match the existing floor. The sanding also helps to smooth out the finish, ensuring an even look for the entire surface.
Overall, the pro long-term fix for wood floor scratch repair will help extend the life of your floor and keep it looking new for years to come.
3. Consider Alternative Options
When it comes to repairing hardwood floor scratches, there are numerous alternative options available. One of these is to fill the scratches with wax crayons or pencils of the same color as the floor.
Crayons are easy to apply, and it’s buffed to match the sheen of the original floor finish. Another option is to use a wood putty or wood filler in the hue of the wood grain. This option can help disguise scratches while also protecting them from further damage.
A final alternative is to sand down the scratched area and refinish it with a fresh coat of varnish or lacquer, depending on the desired sheen.
4. Don’t Forget the Finish
Resealing the floor can help prevent further scratching and damage. If you are repairing a pre-finished floor, you can apply a touch-up kit or an appropriate wax or oil finish.
For an unfinished floor, you can finish the floor with light sanding and a sealant to help restore its look and protect it from future damage. Make sure to choose the right one for your specific wood type and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that it’s applied properly.
Learn More About Wood Floor Scratch Repair Today
Wood floors can be a beautiful and durable addition to any home, but they do require some care and maintenance. With our simple wood floor scratch repair tips, you can have your floors look as good as new in no time.
Take the time to take care of your floors, and they will serve you well for years. Give it a try today!
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