How to Repair Nicks on Prefinished Cherry Wood Flooring
American black cherry, or the more exotic Brazilian cherry, wood can be crafted into exquisite solid hardwood flooring. Cherry wood flooring adds dramatic interest, warmth and beauty to both casual and formal decor. It's simpler than you may think to repair nicks, scratches or cuts on your hardwood floors. If they aren't too deep, you can make them disappear with some simple wood crafting tips. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Extra fine grit sandpaper
- Steel wool
- Commercial cherry stain
- Wood filler
- Varnish or sealer
- Small brush or cotton swab
- Dry rag
Instructions
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Purchase cherry wood stain from your local building supply store. If possible, take a sample of your wood flooring material with you to carefully match color. Follow directions on the label for application. (If the nick or scratch is deep, ask the paint or building supply store for a cherry tinted wood filler. Apply following package directions. Allow the wood filler to totally dry before sanding.)
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Lightly sand nicks or scratches. You can also use 0000 grade steel wool. Always sand in the direction of the grain. Wipe the area with a damp rag to remove all dust. Allow to dry. Carefully apply a small amount of stain with a cotton swab or lint free cloth. Allow to dry completely.
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Refinish or seal the nick or scratch with a light application of polyurethane. A water soluble sealer makes for easy clean-up. Use a small brush and only cover the resurfaced area with new sealer.
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Block off or protect the air so that it is not walked on for at least 24 hours.
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Tips & Warnings
To quickly fix a small nick or tiny scratch, just dab the spot with concentrated cherry juice on a cotton swab or cotton ball. Allow it to dry, and the spot will hardly be noticeable.
Hardwood flooring is subject to scratching. Glue felt pads to the bottom of the legs of all furniture. Remove your shoes at the front door. Small rocks can wedge in the soles of shoes and scratch the floor. Do not drag heavy furniture or appliances across the floor. Always place them on a pad to slide or use a moving dolly.
