The appearance of scratches on furniture is an integral part of the operation of any headset. To restore an attractive appearance, they use improvised and special means, which together give a good result. Each type of furniture has its own tricks, knowing which you can not only return an attractive look to your table or cabinet, but also save your family budget.
Why are scratches dangerous?
There are many reasons in everyday life that cause the formation of scratches. Deep and superficial, large and small, chips and dents, all of them negatively affect the condition of the furniture. And the point is not even a deterioration in appearance, but rather a reduction in the service life.
A scratch is damage to the surface layer, which quickly renders the furniture unusable. If we talk about inexpensive interior elements, the slightest damage to the protective layer provokes the release of harmful toxic substances into the air of the living space.
Moisture quickly penetrates into the recesses on the surface, lingers there and provokes a change in the strength and integrity of the furniture. Therefore, it is important to promptly remove all damage in order to preserve and increase the service life of the headset.
The best remedies for scratches on polished furniture
Many will say that polished furniture is a thing of the past. But lovers of vintage interiors often have to deal with scratches that arise from careless use. The risk group includes the surfaces of coffee tables, cabinet doors and chests of drawers.
The simplest but most effective ways to make a scratch less noticeable are:
Petrolatum
This product copes well with surface scratches, effectively smoothes the edges of the damage and makes it almost invisible. The product is applied directly to the surface, allowed to absorb well, and then rubbed with a soft cloth.
Grouting with furniture polish
The product is applied in a thick layer directly to the damaged area, allowed to stand for several minutes, then rubbed with a soft cloth. If the scratch is deep enough, you can polish its edges using tooth powder.
Paraffin candle
This option is ideal for wide and deep lesions. A small amount of wax is heated in a water bath, after which the liquid product is poured directly onto the scratch using a teaspoon. Allow to cool completely. Using a blade, carefully clean the surface and treat the top with polish or vegetable oil.
Nut butter
Ideal for masking damage on dark furniture. The dried nut core is ground into powder and then carefully poured into the scratch. Press down on top with a cotton pad and begin to clean with circular movements. After a few minutes, the scratch darkens significantly and becomes invisible.
Iodine
Take a few drops of iodine with a cotton swab and apply scratches to the surface, without going beyond its edges. If it is very thin, you can use a toothpick. The product is ideal for dark-colored furniture.
Olive oil
Apply a few drops of oil to a cotton swab, then apply it to the scratch and begin to rub it in with soft circular movements for several minutes. You can use regular polish on top.
If there are chips on polished furniture, it is recommended to contact a specialist. If the scratch is not repaired in a timely manner, it may well cause the top layer to peel off, which will be almost impossible to stop.
Expert opinion Dmitry Vasilievich Kokovin Furniture restorer Dealing with scratches on polished furniture is extremely difficult, so it is recommended to use protective napkins, tablecloths and rubberized backings that minimize the risk of damage.
Removing scratches from wooden furniture
One of the most durable materials is wood, but during use it can get scratches. If they are not removed, there is a risk of wood rotting, which reduces the service life of the furniture several times.
Simple and effective methods for eliminating damage to a wooden surface are:
stain
The product can be applied pointwise to the damage, and then completely cover the surface of the furniture. The variety of choices will allow you to choose the right shade.
Putty
Used on areas with deep scratches. It is applied pointwise to the damage and rubbed with a special soft spatula.
WaxTurpentineAlcohol
Mastic made of wax and turpentine. Heat 2 tablespoons of wax in a water bath, add 30 g of turpentine and 10 g of alcohol. Apply to the scratch in a circular motion. The excess is carefully cleaned off after the mass has hardened.
LemonSunflower oil
A piece of zest is moistened in oil and rubbed into the desired area with soft circular movements. Ideal for all types of furniture.
SawdustPVA glue
Small sawdust (fuel pellets can be used) are mixed in equal proportions with PVA glue, after which scratches are applied to the surface. Excess is carefully removed. After drying, the surface is sanded with sandpaper and, if necessary, varnished. In this way, you can repair not only deep scratches, but also serious chips at the corners.
If wooden furniture is very worn out, and scratches literally appear in relief, ordinary oil paint will come to the rescue. All irregularities are sanded, rubbed with a special wood putty, after which painting is carried out. This will protect the wood from damage and renew the interior.
Leather furniture and scratches: the best remedies
Scratches from pets and the use of sharp objects can cause serious damage. And while small and shallow cuts can still be dealt with, complete damage to the leather fabric dictates the need to apply a decorative patch or replace the entire section of furniture.
Banana peel Olive oil
Banana peels and olive oil help mask scratches on light-colored furniture. Apply a few drops of vegetable fat to the inside of the skin and treat the damage with soft circular movements. Leave until completely absorbed, then polish with a dry soft cloth.
Strong black tea and coffee will help scratches on a black and brown sofa. They are brewed in equal proportions, after which they are applied to the damaged areas with a thin brush. Excess moisture must be removed.
Markers have proven themselves well; they not only help to even out the color and make the scratch invisible, but also fill in its structure.
Folk remedies
- Vinegar and olive oil will mask minor scratches and imperfections. Mix the components in proportions of 1 to 3 and rub the resulting composition onto scratches on the door or furniture. Then wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth;
- Walnut quickly fills scratch grooves and leaves no marks. The treatment looks natural and natural. To do this, cut the nut in half, gently rub the half with light pressure on the damaged areas and wipe with a dry cloth to remove the oily residue. You can cover this area with a thin layer of wood varnish;
- Iodine will help restore dark wood. This is walnut, oak or mahogany. Take an old toothbrush or other small brush, soak it in a weak iodine solution and treat scratches on the countertop, cabinet, door or other wooden products;
- Mayonnaise eliminates cracks. Fill the grooves with the product, remove excess and leave for two to three days. Due to the protein, the tree swells and closes the cracks on its own. After this, remove the remaining mayonnaise and polish the surface;
- Mix cigarette ash or toothpaste with water until a thick mass is obtained. Rub the resulting mixture into the damaged area and leave until dry. Remove excess and polish the surface;
- Black tea also helps remove scratches. Pour 35 ml of boiling water over one tea bag. Leave the composition to brew and gain strength. Then apply tea leaves to the affected areas using a cotton pad and wait until dry;
- Homemade mastic made with your own hands. To prepare the mixture, take 40 grams of solid wax and melt it, or use ready-made liquid wax, but it also needs to be heated. Add 30 grams of turpentine and a teaspoon of alcohol to the solution, mix. The product is applied warm to the affected area and distributed over the surface, then rubbed with a napkin until shiny;
- Sandpaper will remove all damage from wooden surfaces. To do this, use fine-grained sandpaper, which is used for finishing sanding, with a number P 600 and higher. Moisten the sheet and work the surface along the wood fibers. Finally, walk around the defect to smooth out the marks and buff the piece with a cloth.
Universal products for all types of furniture
The following recipes have worked well:
Ground coffee Olive oil
The coffee is ground as finely as possible and mixed with olive oil until a soft paste is formed. Apply to the damage and leave for several hours. Using a soft cloth, polish the surface, removing any remaining product. Can be used to remove scratches on leather furniture.
Toothpaste
Ideal for scratches on white furniture. A small portion of the product is applied to the damage and, using a sponge, gently rubbed over the surface. Leave for several hours. Residues are removed with a damp cloth.
Oil based eyebrow pencil
You can choose any color to match the shade of the furniture. A pencil is carefully drawn over the scratch, which allows you to even out the color and texture.
Tea brewing
Natural black tea is brewed with boiling water, after which a cotton pad is generously moistened and applied to the scratch site. Allow to soak for several minutes, remove excess moisture with a napkin.
Cigarette ash
Carefully collect the ashes and add a few drops of water to obtain a soft plastic mass. Using a silicone spatula, apply ash to the scratch, gently rubbing it in.
Fish fat
The capsule is carefully opened and the oily liquid is applied to the scratch. Leave it for a day. Polish the top with a woolen rag. Not recommended for use on PVC furniture.
Expert opinion Dmitry Vasilievich Kokovin Furniture restorer Naturally, such products will not help completely get rid of scratches on furniture, but you can make the defect less noticeable without much effort.
Furniture wax
Another convenient tool. It works in the same way as pencils, and is also sold in hardware stores. The product is excellent for both varnished or laminated surfaces and regular untreated wood.
Furniture wax is available in two uses:
- Soft wax is very easy to use and does not require special skills. It can be applied with a clean cloth, spatula or regular knife. The applied mass is carefully rubbed in, after 15-20 minutes the excess is removed with the same rag or plastic scraper.
- Hard wax will require some experience. First, it will need to be melted to a soft mass, then applied to the damage and sanded. There is also super-hard wax, but it is used mainly in specialized workshops.
Special anti-scratch products
The following specially developed products effectively cope with the problem of scratches:
- Wax pencils for furniture . You can choose any shade that will not only mask the scratch, but also completely even out its surface. This tool is very simple to use; no special skills are required.
- Furniture touch . The product is similar to the previous one, but has a convenient thin brush, with which the product fits well on any surface.
- Wax . It has a soft and plastic shape, easy to apply to damaged areas. It sets quickly on a wooden surface.
- Furniture paint markers . They contain a dye that fills the depth of the scratch and makes it invisible.
For deep damage to furniture, the only option is to use a putty mixture. It helps to restore the integrity of the coating, and can also be painted and varnished.
Pencil "Archimedes"
.
It has many shades, which greatly simplifies the choice. The composition contains natural wax, which fills scratches and smoothes the surface of furniture. Before use, it is recommended to wipe the existing damage with a soft cloth to smooth the edges and remove roughness. Open the pencil and run it forcefully over the scratch. Excess should be removed with a soft cloth.
If this product is used in the restoration of wooden or lacquered furniture, then a special solution of stain or paint will need to be applied on top, which will create a protective layer for the wood.
Wood wax "White house"
.
It is produced in the form of a relatively soft and plastic mass, which is cut with a knife or blade and placed in the scratch. If the damage is shallow, then it is enough to rub the product over the surface several times, and remove the excess using a rag with polish.
Wax is ideal for repairing large chips. It can be varnished and painted, and also polished with special means.
Furniture touch "Master City"
.
The base contains an alcohol stain, which, when placed in a recess, quickly evens out the surface and color. Suitable for all types of wooden furniture. The selection of colors is carried out according to the catalog. It is important to study the instructions first, as some surfaces are pre-degreased.
Liquid leather “Colourlock”
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The product has a multi-component composition, which, when applied to leather furniture, helps smooth out even the deepest scratches. There are no difficulties in application, but there may be an unpleasant odor, so there should be good ventilation in the room.
Professional methods
To remove scratches and defects, you can use special products and sprays for wooden products. They make damage invisible and restore an attractive appearance to objects. A popular product is furniture touch-up, which can repair scratches on wooden furniture and lacquered surfaces. It is excellent for restoring wooden doors and floors.
Today you can easily select a furniture touch of the desired color or shade. Before use, shake the composition and apply to the damaged surface in two or three layers. Leave until completely dry and wipe the product with a damp polishing cloth to remove excess product.
General tips and tricks
Preventing scratches from occurring is much easier than dealing with them later. Deep damage further increases the risk of chips, which will render the furniture unusable.
What products do you use to remove scratches from furniture? Special helpers
Therefore, the following rules must be observed:
- Do not use sharp objects to clean heavily soiled furniture. For this purpose, soft abrasives are used that do not harm the surface.
- Check furniture for scratches and try to repair them as soon as they are found.
- If the damage is deep, it makes sense to turn to professionals who can preserve the integrity of the furniture and hide the defect as much as possible.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that not all remedies are effective the first time. Some require daily repetition. It is important to monitor and maintain your furniture, just like your own health. Incorrectly selected cleaning products, lack of protective mats and tablecloths can speed up the process of scratching.
Furniture polishing
The final stage is finishing with polishing paste. To do this you will need polishing paste. You can use furniture ones, but automobile ones are more often used. Any one that does not contain wax is suitable (for example, “Anticirapin”). Good results are given by those that contain at least a small percentage of Teflon. They also smooth out small scratches and irregularities.
Polishing furniture after applying varnish takes less time than all others. For this stage you will need natural felt - they use it to rub the paste over the surface. In order not to work manually, a felt circle cut to size is attached to the Velcro of a sander or angle grinder. Apply paste to the surface to be polished, turn on the sander at maximum speed and bring the furniture to the desired level of shine. With good preparation, it is possible to obtain a mirror surface.
