How to Fix a Minor Scratch in a Wood Finish

Everyday scratches happen to every fine wood piece. Furniture makers recommend touch-up pens and fill sticks for light scratches from normal use, and with a little patience the repair can all but disappear. The method below is for scratches in the finish. Damage that reaches bare wood is a different job.

What you will need

A touch-up marker close to the finish color, a wax fill stick for anything deeper than a hairline, a soft cloth and a plastic card.

1. Clean the spot

Dust the area with a soft cloth, moving with the grain, and let it dry.

2. Choose a shade slightly lighter than the finish

A light repair can be deepened in thin layers. A stripe that came out too dark is much harder to take back.

3. Test it on a hidden spot

Try the marker on the underside or back edge first and let it dry, so you see the true color before touching the top.

4. Draw with the grain, in thin strokes

Follow the direction of the grain and let each layer dry before adding the next, building the color up gradually.

5. Fill anything deeper

For a scratch with depth, work a wax fill stick into it, level the wax flush with the edge of a plastic card, then buff with a soft cloth.

When to call a finisher

A scratch through the finish to bare wood on a fine piece, a deep gouge, or wear across a large surface needs a professional finisher, not a marker.

Who wrote this

Trade Receiving’s president, Gil Urenda, completed Mohawk Finishing Products’ Wood Touch-Up and Repair Workshop.