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Some of the most beautiful pieces of furniture can look old and worn out if they get scratched. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to repair scratches on furniture without having to spend a ton of money (or buy an all-new piece). Here are seven absolutely genius hacks that will have your furniture looking like new.
1. Use a Walnut for Quick Fixes
Walnuts contain natural oils that can help blend scratches into wooden surfaces. Simply rub a walnut over the scratch in a circular motion, allowing the natural oils to seep in. After a few minutes, buff the area with a soft cloth to blend it further. The walnut trick works best on light scratches and helps restore warmth to the wood. It’s a quick and inexpensive solution that requires no special tools. For deeper scratches, you can repeat this method as needed.
2. Try Coffee Grounds for Dark Wood
If your furniture has a dark finish, coffee grounds can be an excellent scratch filler. Mix used coffee grounds with a few drops of water to create a paste. Apply the mixture to the scratch with a cotton swab and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. Wipe away the excess with a damp cloth and buff with a dry cloth to blend the color. This hack works best for small, shallow scratches. It’s important to be careful with this though. If you apply too much coffee it can darken the area.
3. Cover Scratches with a Crayon
A matching-colored crayon can work wonders in concealing scratches on furniture. Choose a crayon that closely matches the wood tone and rub it into the scratch. Use your fingers to gently blend the wax into the wood grain. Buff the area with a soft cloth to remove excess wax and create a smooth finish.
4. Apply Olive Oil and Vinegar
A mixture of olive oil and vinegar can help repair minor scratches and restore shine. Combine equal parts of olive oil and white vinegar in a small bowl. Dab a soft cloth into the mixture and rub it over the scratch in a circular motion. Let it sit for a few minutes before buffing the area with a clean cloth. The vinegar helps clean the wood while the olive oil nourishes and blends the scratch.
5. Use a Wood Marker for Seamless Repair
Wood markers, also known as furniture touch-up markers, are a great way to conceal scratches effortlessly. Choose a marker that matches your furniture’s color and gently apply it to the scratch. Let it dry for a few minutes before wiping away any excess with a soft cloth. These markers provide an instant fix and blend well with most wood finishes.
6. Fill Deep Scratches with Wood Filler
For deeper scratches, wood filler is a reliable solution. Apply a small amount of wood filler to the scratch using a putty knife, smoothing it out to match the surface. Once dry, sand the area lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a seamless blend. Finish by staining or painting over the filler to match the surrounding wood.
7. Buff with Baking Soda and Toothpaste
A mixture of baking soda and non-gel toothpaste can help minimize scratches. Combine a small amount of both and apply it to the scratch with a soft cloth. Rub gently in a circular motion, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. This method works well for surface scratches and helps restore shine. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, while toothpaste smooths out the area.
Bring Your Furniture Back to Life
Seeing a scratch on your furniture can be upsetting, especially if it’s a piece you spent a lot of money on or a piece that holds value. There are plenty of ways to repair scratches that don’t cost a ton of money. As always, regular maintenance and quick touch-ups can make a huge difference in the overall look of your furniture as well. So, what are you waiting for? Try out some of these easy DIY fixes and let us know how they worked!
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.
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