How to Repair Scratches for Hardwood Floors

Repairing scratches on hardwood floors is easy to do and it will make your hardwood floor look like new. Depending on the scratches on the hardwood floor, generally, you can use repair kits but if there are large or deep scratches you may have to sand the floor.

In order to prevent scratches in the first place there are a couple of things you can do. Scratches usually come from moving furniture and it is a good option to have pads or caps on the furniture to prevent scratching. If moving a lot of furniture it may be a good option to hire a professional mover, as they will be careful not to scratch the floor. Pets sometimes scratch the floors with their claws and you can get either soft paw caps or you can even de-claw your pets if you would like.

There are many kits that are available in order to repairing hardwood floors. There are different colors available to match the color of your floor and they are easy to apply. Make sure that you follow the instructions on the kit and take safety precautions such as using gloves and goggles. Follow the application process and let it dry to see if the scratches have been removed. If the scratches are still visible you will need to sand the floors in order to remove them.

When sanding the floor give the floor a good cleaning before hand to remove any dirt from the floor. It is best to use a drum based sander rather than a disc sander that can cause more damage to the floor. You can purchase these sanders but a better option is to rent one from a hardware store. You can also sand the floor by hand but it takes much more labor. When sanding remove the old finish from the floor and clean it again before re-finishing. If you do not clean the floor after sanding their can be dust buildup which make it so that the finish does not look as good.

When you are done with the cleaning you are now ready to apply the finish. Follow the instructions on the finish you purchase. Generally it will take a few coats to make sure that the finish will be good and last a long time. Thoroughly apply the finish and make sure it is spread out evenly as if it is not it can cause some of the floor to be darker or lighter in areas. Remember to use safety precautions and use gloves and goggles. It is also a good idea to make sure the room is well ventilated.

Having a nice hardwood floor is a beautiful addition to any home. By following these precautions and scratch repair steps you can ensure that it will stay that way.

Author: Jason Green