How to Repair Dents in Furniture

A Household iron can remove dents in wood

You like your furniture. You spent a lot of time and effort collecting just the right pieces to make your space your own. Then, inevitably, comes the day when your furniture suffers a terrible blow. Don't panic. All your hard work finding this specific piece does not have to go to waste. Fixing dented furniture is simple and can even be fun. You just need to know how to operate an iron. In addition, you may need a few common supplies from the hardware store.

Things You'll Need

• Iron
• Rag
• Painter's caulk
• Paint
• Artist's brush
• Colored wood putty
• 200 grit sandpaper
• Markers
• Acrylic paint
• Nail polish
• Clear acrylic spray
• Wood block
• Rubber mallet
• Knife
• Sander
• Rasp
• Sure form plane

Instructions

Ironing Out Dents

1. Remove small dents in wooden furniture that have not pierced the finish with a damp rag and a hot iron. Turn the iron on to its hottest setting, typically linen, and let it heat up.

2. Run water over a soft terry cloth rag or small towel. Leave the rag dripping wet and place it on the affected area.

3. Place the iron on top of the damp rag and let the moisture steam out for at least 60 seconds. The heat and steam will cause the wood to swell, bringing the dent to the surface and frequently removing it altogether.

Filling Dents in Painted Furniture

1. Use latex painter's caulk to fill dents and dings on painted surfaces that will not iron out. Squeeze a small amount of caulk into the dented area and smooth it over with a dampened finger.

2. Once the caulk has dried, use a small artist's brush to apply a coat of matching paint. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

3. Apply a coat of clear nail polish or spray-on clear acrylic gloss medium to restore the finish to the affected area. Test the polish on an inconspicuous place to be sure the gloss will match.

Repairing Dents in Stained Furniture

1. Repair dents in stained furniture by filling them with colored wood putty in a matching color.

2. Sand the repair area smooth with 200-grit sandpaper. Markers, acrylic paints or shoe polish can be used on top of the putty to help match the color more closely.

3. Restore the finish with a coat of clear nail polish or spray-on clear acrylic gloss medium.

Repairing Dents in Metal Furniture

1. Repair dents in metal furniture with a wood block and a rubber mallet. Carve a wood block to fit the profile of the damaged piece as closely as possible. Knives, sanders, and rasps can all be used to shape wood.

2. Set the block on the underside of the furniture pressed against the affected area.

3. Tap the block firmly with the rubber mallet, driving the block into the dent, bending the metal back out to the shape of the block.

4. Touch up any cracked or chipped paint with a matching color of nail polish.

References

• Wood Worker's Guild of America: Removing Dents From Wood With a Household Iron
• The Complete Book of Furniture Repair and Refinishing: Ralph Parsons Kinney