How to Apply Burn-In Balm to Repair a Wood Scratch

Dents and scratches in most wood furniture, even relatively deep dents and scratches, can be repaired using burn-in sticks, also known as shellac sticks.Repairs are made by melting shellac that has been colored to match the damaged wood into the dent or scratch, filling it to the same level as the surrounding wood.The question then becomes how do you keep the melted shellac from adhering to the undamaged wood surrounding the dent or scratch, creating an even bigger problem? The answer is, you use what is known as a burn-in balm.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Jar Of Burn-In Balm
• Rubbing Alcohol or Other Wood Cleaner
• A Clean Rag
• Cotton Swabs

How to Apply Burn-In Balm to Repair a Wood Scratch

1. Clean the area of the dent and at least an inch or so of the good wood surrounding the dent or scratch. Depending on the finish of the wood you may use simple rubbing alcohol or you may want to use a commercial wood cleaning product such as Murphy's Oil Soap or a similar product. The idea is to clean the surface of any oils or greases.

2. Rub a thin coating with your finger of the burn-in balm (which may be purchased at most hardware stores or online) to the wood surrounding the dent or scratch that you will be filling. Make sure you cover all of the good wood which you do not want the melted shellac to adhere to, and also make sure that you do not get any of the burn-in balm inside the scratch or dent that needs to be filled.If any burn-in balm gets into the scratch or dent it is imperative that you remove it, either using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or other wood cleaner or by cleaning the entire area thoroughly and starting the process over again.

3. Melt your shellac stick into the damaged area. The burn-in balm keeps any of the shellac stick from adhering to the undamaged portions of your furniture--any shellac stick material which inadvertently spills onto the undamaged portion of your furniture will simply wipe off cleanly.

4. Sand or level the area where you have added the shellac stick as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot find burn-in balm, petroleum jelly can also work.
• Do not get any of the burn-in balm inside the dent or scratch that needs to be filled or your shellac stick filler will not adhere to the dent or scratch.