In earlier parts of this series, we've provided a comprehensive list of essential tools for repairing various types of furniture, guided you through fixing broken pieces, repairing damaged drawers and removing stains and other discolouration.
Whether old or new, wooden furniture is prone to showing signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dings, and dents. Fortunately, most of these surface imperfections are relatively easy to fix, restoring your furniture to its original beauty and we will advise you how you can tackle these common issues in this blog.
Scratches
Quick Fixes for Small Scratches - For minor scratches, a quick and easy solution is to rub the meat of a walnut, pecan, or Brazil nut along the scratch. The natural oils in the nut meat will darken the scratch, making it blend in with the surrounding wood.
Shallow Scratches - If your furniture has numerous shallow scratches, we love using this Wood Balm, handmade by Anya at Huntersmoon Workshop. Not only does it restore the wood adding a delicate citrus scent, but it also blends the shallow scratches in refreshing the appearance overall.
Alternatively, for shallow scratches on a shellac or lacquer finish, you can use a process called reamalgamation. This technique restores the finish by softening it with the appropriate solvent, allowing the surface to heal itself. Use the appropriate solvent (ethanol for shellac, lacquer thinner for lacquer) to break down and reapply the finish. Clean the surface thoroughly with mineral spirits before starting and use a new natural-bristle brush.
Deeper Scratches - For one or two deep scratches, furniture-patching wax sticks are effective. These sticks come in various wood tones. Choose a colour that closely matches your furniture's finish. Run the wax stick along the scratch with firm pressure, filling it completely. Use a thin plastic card to remove any excess wax, let it dry, and then buff the area with a soft cloth.
If a scratch is very deep, you may need to apply an oil-based stain to the raw wood using an artist's brush. Let the stain sit for 15 minutes before wiping off the excess. Repeat as necessary until the scratch matches the surrounding area. Once dry, finish with hard paste wax and buff to a shine.
Dings
Repairing Small Chips - Dings are small chips in the finish usually caused by a sharp impact. To repair them, start by using a sharp craft knife to carefully remove any loose finish around the ding. Next, feather the edges of the ding with No. 0000 steel wool. Clean the area with a soft cloth moistened with mineral spirits, then allow it to dry completely. Using an artist's brush, apply a matching finish—varnish, shellac, lacquer, or enamel—over the ding. The spot will be glossy at first, but as it dries, it will blend in better. Once dry, lightly buff with No. 0000 steel wool, then wax and polish the entire surface.
If the flaw is bigger, you can purchase different colours of wood filler which may be the only option you have to repair the damage.
Dents
Fixing Shallow Dents - Small dents, especially in softwoods like pine, can often be raised with moisture. For unfinished wood, simply apply a few drops of water to the dent and let it sit for a day. This may be enough to raise the dent. If the dent persists, dampen a cloth, fold it into several layers, and place it over the dent. Press a warm iron onto the cloth, making sure not to let the iron touch the wood directly. The steam will help swell the wood, raising the dent. If needed, apply a commercial wood-swelling liquid to the area.
Repairing Deep Dents - For deeper dents that can’t be raised with water or heat, use a fine pin or needle to make small holes in the dent. These holes allow water to penetrate deeper into the wood. Once you've made the holes, treat the dent as you would a shallow one, applying water and heat as needed. After the wood has been raised, allow it to dry for about a week. Then, refinish the area, let it dry, lightly buff with No. 0000 steel wool, and wax and polish the surface.
By following these techniques, you can effectively repair most scratches, dings, and dents in your wooden furniture, helping to maintain its beauty and extend its lifespan.
Failing all the above suggestions, it may be necessary to fully strip, repair and refinish or paint the piece… if you would like more advice on this, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
