How to Repair Holes in Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors that suffer deep gouges or holes as a result of heavy, hard things being dropped on the surface are actually easier to repair than many other types of surfaces. This is because of the availability of wood putty, which is basically sawdust with adhesive. It can be used to fill any kind of break in the wood's surface, and then it can be sanded and finished like regular wood. Like wood, the putty should be sealed with gloss to prevent moisture penetration and other problems. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 200-grit sandpaper
- Wood putty (same shade as the floor)
- Paintbrush
- Polyurethane gloss
Instructions
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1
Fold a piece of 200-grit sandpaper in a square.
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2
Sand the inside of the hole with the sharp edge of the folded sandpaper. Get the whole inner surface buffed, clean and free of obstructions.
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3
Blow out the dust from the hole.
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4
Press wood putty into the hole with your thumb. Press it in tightly, adding enough so that it mounds up slightly over the top of the surface.
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5
Let the putty set according to the instructions on the wood putty can (generally, 24 hours or more).
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6
Sand the dried putty smooth and even with the floor using sandpaper. Make it completely flat so that it doesn't feel any different from the rest of the floor when you run your palm over it.
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7
Brush a layer of polyurethane gloss over the sanded putty, taking care not to let bubbles form in the gloss surface.
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8
Let the polyurethane gloss dry to the touch.
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9
Buff the surface of the polyurethane lightly with sandpaper, just enough to dull it, taking off the shine.
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10
Add a second layer of polyurethane gloss over the area in the same manner as the first, keeping the layer thin and free of bubbles.
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11
Apply a third coat of polyurethane gloss in the same manner if desired.
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12
Let the final coat cure for a day before using the floor.
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Tips & Warnings
Ventilate the room when using wood putty and polyurethane.
