How to Repair Wooden Tabletop Scratches

You can quickly repair scratches on wooden tabletops.

Scratches that mar a wooden tabletop are quick to repair even if they're deep gouges. Melted wax in a color that's close to your tabletop finish helps smooth out surface scratches and nicks that result from everyday exposure and use. A tinted wood putty can help fill in deep scratches. You'll find a hot patch knife and wax, plus a wide assortment of commercial tints, finishes and colors at most hardware or home improvement stores.

Things You'll Need

• Refinisher's hot patch wax knife
• Wax stick
• Spatula
• Clean rag
• Shellac
• Varnish
• Wood putty
• Putty stick
• Stain marker

Instructions

Wax Patch Method

1. Hold a hot patch knife and wax directly over the scratch. Choose a wax stick that most closely matches the color of your wood table. Allow the wax to drip gently onto the scratch until the wax forms a slightly rounded mound.

2. Press a spatula onto the melted wax to fill the scratch. Rub the area gently with a clean rag. Scrape the area level with the spatula.

3. Allow the area to dry completely. Brush on shellac to harden the area. If necessary, varnish the repaired patch if your table has a varnish finish.

Wood Putty Method

1. Choose a wood putty color that most closely matches your tabletop finish. Dust the area to be filled.

2. Apply wood putty with a small putty stick. For very small scratches, use your fingertip to apply the putty. Rub the putty into the scratch until it is smooth.

3. Wipe away excess putty with a clean, dry rag. Adjust the color if necessary with a commercial stain marker. Varnish the repaired patch if your table has a varnish finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a stain marker, putty and other color-matched repair supplies on hand for emergency repairs.

References

• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Cleaning, Repairing and Reconditioning Wood Furniture
• Minwax: Expert Wood Tips