How to Fix Light Wood Abrasions
Light abrasions are often the result of materials rubbing on the finished surface of the wood. This is actually a collection of light scratches in the outermost finish layer, which is usually lacquer or polyurethane.
How to Fix Large Wood Abrasions
When working with larger abrasions, it might be necessary to blend the repair into the rest of the wood. These abrasions may be slightly deeper than a lighter abrasion, but not so deep that they dig into the wood.
How to Fix Scratches on Wood
Scratches in wood cut through the finish layer and gouge into the wood below. These scratches often result in the damaged area being slightly lighter in color.
Maintaining Wood Surfaces
On the shelves of supermarkets, hardware stores, and home-improvement centers you can find dozens of products that promise to clean, pick up dust, impart shine, add a nice aroma—or all of the above—to your furniture. The truth is that although none of them will do your finish any harm, none is absolutely necessary to keep furniture looking its best. Dusting with a dry cloth generates friction, which creates a slight static charge on the surface that in turn attracts more dust. Dusting/polishing sprays, such as Pledge, reduce the static and help the rag hold the dust, but a damp cloth does both these things just as well. Some sprays leave behind a thin film of oil that temporarily adds shine, but the oil acts like a magnet for whatever dust lands on it. For routine cleaning, diluted dishwashing soap or furniture cleaner such as Murphy Oil Soap is gentle and effective. Avoid strong alkaline- or ammonia-based detergents (like window cleaners); they can harm some finishes. And never use scrubbing cleansers, which contain abrasives that will dull almost any sheen.
Resources
To fix scratched-off varnish on furniture, Nathan used Mohawk Scratch-Off. To refinish the legs of Nathan’s office chair, he used Howard Restore-A-Finish in Walnut. To fill in the deep set scratch in wood, Nathan used Mohawk Fil-Stik All other tools used including 0000 steel wool, sanding sponges, and tack cloth can be found at local home centers.
Materials
Scratch remover Lacquer Mineral spirits Steel wool Wood stain Stain repair pens Stain repair crayons Plastic razor Rags Sandpaper Tack cloth Sanding sponge Wand-style lighter
