There's that pesky scratch or chip in your hardwood floor; with all that foot traffic in your home, it was bound to happen at some time or another. Most people probably won't notice these small imperfections, but when they're on
your floor, it's likely to drive you crazy constantly.
Lest you think camouflaging that marred entire floor board with a rug or a piece of furniture is your only option, here are a few great tips to cover that scratch or chip so well you'll be able to display that floor board with pride, and none of your house guests will be the wiser.
First, assess the damage. If it's a small, shallow scratch, then here's what you can do:
Solution #1: Marker It
1. Pick up
wood stain markers from your local home improvement store. Be sure to get an assortment, because chances are that you won't find a match right away. Even if you're usually good at eyeballing it, it's helpful to have a few options.
2. Test the markers on an inconspicuous corner of the floor until you find a match.
3. Then, just fill in the scratch with the marker pigment and watch it disappear.
Solution #2: Oil It
1. This one comes from one of our favorite DIY divas,
Barbara K. She suggests an old contractor's trick: applying lip balm to light scratches to make them fade away.
2. Similarly, our friends over at
ShelterPop suggest rubbing a walnut or pecan across the surface of a superficial scratch; the oil from the nut will cover the scratch quickly and cleanly.
On the other hand, if the scratch is a little too deep for a surface treatment, try this quick fix:
Solution #3: Sand it
1. Take some light sandpaper (very fine grain) or steel wool and gently buff the scratch or chipped area. Rub in the direction of the wood's grain, but don't rub too hard.
2. Then, take a microfiber cloth and wipe the area thoroughly with
mineral spirits. Be sure to remove any dust or debris created from the sanding.
3. Now -- using some of the original stain from your floors -- use a cotton swab or a small paint brush and lightly brush over the area, making sure to fill the entire crevice. If you don't have the original stain, check your local home improvement store for a few
wood stains that are close matches. As you blend the stain, be very gentle; you want to make sure that the finish blends in with the rest of your floor.
4. Let the stain dry for at least an hour, and be sure to let everyone in your household know not to walk in that area. By following these directions, you should be on your way back to hardwood floor perfection!
SEE ALSO:
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In the Spotlight: Eco-Friendly Flooring
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Reader comments (Page 4 of 4)
what? You people need to have "professionals" to tell you this stuff?? This is common sense. Does the X generation not know anything without going to a celeb professional to do it for them?? What next?/ How to wipe???
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