How To Hide Furniture Scratches

Scratches on your beloved wooden furniture can be frustrating, but don’t worry—there are simple and effective ways to conceal the imperfections. Whether you’re dealing with minor scuffs or more noticeable marks, you can hide furniture scratches quickly and easily to restore the beauty of your pieces.

In the video above, we show a clever temporary fix using nail polish and eyeliner to make scratches disappear in minutes. Below, we explore even more fixes using common household items and professional-grade methods for longer-lasting repairs. 

Quick Fixes for Minor Furniture Scratches

For small scratches, you can use items you likely already have at home. These quick fixes offer a fast, temporary solution for minor imperfections.

Using Household Items

The video shows a clever trick using eyeliner and nail polish to mask scratches. You can try this method by following these steps:

1. Pick a brown eyeliner that closely matches your wood color.
2. Gently fill in the scratch with the eyeliner.
3. Rub the color in with your finger to blend it.
4. Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to match the furniture’s finish.
5. Let the nail polish dry completely.

This method works best for surface-level scratches and provides a quick, temporary fix. It’s handy for last-minute touch-ups.

Other DIY Solutions

If you don’t have eyeliner on hand, try these alternatives:

• Coffee grounds mixed with water to form a paste
• Crayons or markers designed for wood touch-ups
• Shoe polish in a matching color
• Walnut meat rubbed directly on the scratch

These everyday items can help hide scratches and are also great for small, easy fixes.

Touch-Up Markers and Pens

Specially designed touch-up markers are another great solution for small-to-medium-sized scratches. Remember these steps:

1. Choose a marker that matches your wood color.
2. Test the marker on a hidden area first.
3. Apply the marker to the scratch, following the wood grain.
4. Wipe away any excess with a soft cloth.
5. Let it dry before applying a clear finish if needed.

These markers are available in a variety of wood colors, making it easy to find one that blends with your furniture.

Dealing With Deeper Furniture Scratches

For deeper scratches that go beyond the surface, you’ll need to use more intensive repair methods. These solutions offer longer-lasting results but require a little more effort.

Wood Fillers and Putties

Wood fillers are excellent for repairing deeper scratches or gouges:

1. Clean the scratched area thoroughly.
2. Apply wood filler with a putty knife, slightly overfilling the scratch.
3. Let the filler dry completely.
4. Sand the area smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.
5. Stain or paint the area to match the surrounding wood.

We recommend practicing on a small, hidden area first to help you get the hang of using wood fillers.

Sanding and Refinishing

For more serious damage, you may need to sand and refinish the surface of the wood. Here’s how:

1. Sand the entire surface to remove the scratch and any surrounding finish.
2. Clean the area to remove wood dust.
3. Apply a wood stain that matches the original color.
4. Once it’s dry, apply several coats of clear finish.
5. Buff the surface for a smooth, even finish.

Choosing the Right Products for Furniture Scratches

Selecting the appropriate repair products leads to the best results. Checking color and finish compatibility leads to a more seamless repair.

Matching Wood Colors

These steps can help you avoid discrepancies in color and texture:

• Bring a small wood sample or color swatch when shopping for repair products.
• Buy a wood repair kit with multiple shades for more flexibility.
• Always test the product on a hidden area before applying it to the scratch.

Preventing Furniture Scratches

Preventing scratches is easier than repairing them. Here are some ways to protect your furniture from future damage:

• Trim your pets’ nails regularly.
• Lift objects when moving them instead of dragging them.
• Use coasters under drinks and decorations.
• Place felt pads under furniture legs.
• Use tablecloths or placemats on dining tables.

Applying protective treatments can add an extra layer of security against scratches and other forms of damage:

• Use UV protectants for furniture exposed to direct sunlight.
• Use wood conditioners to maintain moisture and prevent drying.

When To Seek Professional Help for Furniture Scratches

Sometimes, it’s best to leave repairs to a professional. Here are a few cases where we recommend expert help:

• You have antique or valuable furniture
• There’s extensive damage covering large areas
• The scratches are on intricately designed or carved pieces
• When multiple repair attempts have been unsuccessful