How to Repair Scratches in Pre-finished Hardwood Floors

Scratches or small gouges in pre-finished hardwood floors can ruin the look of the whole floor, and allow moisture to get down into the wood, causing rot. It’s usually best not to try to refinish a pre-finished floor as part of the repair process because you probably won’t be able to match the existing finish.

  • Soak a cotton cloth in rubbing alcohol. Use it to clean and buff the scratched area of the surface.
  • Scoop up wax putty with a plastic putty knife. Spread it over the scratches, running the edge of the knife perpendicular to the scratches, so the putty is forced into them.
  • Run the flat edge of the putty knife over the scratches lengthwise, to flatten and smooth the putty. It should come off the surface of the floor but remain within the scratches.
  • Fold a dry cotton cloth into a square, lay it flat against the floor and buff the area, rubbing vigorously to take up any residual putty from the surface. Use only the flat span of the cloth, not the edges, so you don’t dig the putty out of the scratches. Let the putty set for a day.

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