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
Kokovin Dmitry Vasilievich
Furniture restorer
It is extremely difficult to deal with scratches on polished furniture, so it is recommended to use protective napkins, tablecloths and rubberized backings that minimize the risk of damage.
Video: How to repair (remove) chips on chipboard and furniture
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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.
Wax
Turpentine
Alcohol
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.
Lemon
Sunflower 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.
Sawdust
PVA 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.
Getting rid of damage
You can get rid of traces of mechanical damage on wooden surfaces using professional products and folk recipes. They must be chosen taking into account the color, texture and capabilities of the housewife. If the furniture is expensive, it is better not to save money. There is a risk of damaging the interior item and incurring additional costs.
Wax
Furniture wax can be soft or hard. The first is used to remove shallow defects, the second is used to restore parts with serious damage. An additional plus is the color range, which allows you to restore any wooden product.
Soft wax has a rich palette and is easy to use. Hard is more durable and durable.
The algorithm for working with any type is identical:
- Clean the wood.
- Heat the material.
- Apply to damage.
- Leave for 15-20 minutes to dry.
- Polish the surface.
Excess wax must be removed; it is better to use a plastic spatula for this.
Shoe polish
I don’t always use the product for its intended purpose. Housewives recommend using it to restore wooden surfaces. Shoe polish is convenient to apply with a sponge, but there is a drawback - it is difficult to choose the desired shade.
Mode of application:
- clean the wood;
- apply the product;
- let dry;
- Remove residues with a soft, lint-free cloth.
The method is effective, but temporary; after 2-3 wet cleanings, the scratch will be noticeable again.
Furniture touch
This is a ready-made restoration material that is easy to use. The appearance resembles a clerical touch; you can purchase any shade in specialized construction stores and supermarkets.
Mode of application:
- Apply the product in several layers to the damaged area using a brush until the defect is eliminated.
- Remove excess with a hard, but not sharp, object. The edge of a plastic card will do. Polish the surface with a soft cloth or felt.
To match the color, you can use a special marker or cover the area with varnish. It is better to use the product in a spray bottle. When using a furniture touch, it is necessary to take a break between manipulations for at least 15 minutes, otherwise the layers will not dry well.
Using a stroke to restore a wooden product - in the video:
stain
The universal liquid effectively removes microdamage on wood. The composition penetrates deeply into the structure of the material, colors it, but retains its texture. The stain is applied with a brush in several layers and effectively masks surface defects.
Polish
Wood furniture polishes easily mask shallow scratches, remove stains and add shine to the surface.
The funds may be based on:
- wax;
- oils;
- silicone
Oil – fills scratches and damage, the surface becomes smooth and shiny. An excellent product for removing scuffs and scratches on wooden surfaces.
Silicone is the leader among polishes. It has a more liquid composition and performs several functions:
- Fills voids caused by mechanical damage (scratches, chips).
- Cleans the surface from dirt.
- Protects the surface from moisture.
- Has antibacterial properties.
Wax – evenly covers the surface with a protective fatty film, which is an organic antistatic agent. As a result, shallow scratches become invisible.
Beeswax polish is not effective on all surfaces. Metal, plastic, glass, and natural stone should not be treated with this product.
Walnut
Walnut masks scratches thanks to the natural dye juglone. The organic compound is present in the juice of the peel and pulp.
Widely used:
- for dyeing fabrics, especially wool,
- as ink
- in the food industry and cosmetology.
Another plus is that juglone is toxic to insects and is an effective herbicide.
Walnut fruit will help to visually hide mechanical damage on wooden furniture. To do this you need:
- split the kernel into halves;
- treat the damaged area of one of the parts without using physical force;
- let the juice soak into the surface;
- remove oily shine with a soft cloth.
Don't expect instant results; the effect will become noticeable after drying. You can replace the walnut fruit with nut oil, which must be applied to a napkin and treated the surface.
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.
Professional or improvised means
To remove scratches, they offer household chemicals, which can be bought in specialized stores, and folk remedies, which you will certainly find in the kitchen.
Purchased products differ:
- Quite high cost;
- Reliability and efficiency;
- Questions when choosing the right shade.
Home remedies are characterized by:
- Low price, sometimes completely free;
- Non-toxic and safe for health;
- With a small amount of use, they will not always be able to help, especially if there are deep grooves.
If the furniture is an antique, then you cannot do without the help of a specially trained cabinetmaker. Otherwise, you can permanently damage the antique item. But modern furniture can be restored to its original appearance completely independently.
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
Kokovin Dmitry Vasilievich
Furniture restorer
Naturally, such remedies will not help to completely get rid of scratches on furniture, but you can make the defect less noticeable without much effort.
Features of working with glass surfaces
In order not to damage the fragile glass surface, you need to take into account a number of nuances during processing. The main rule is to be careful. It is also important to select suitable products that do not harm glass products to complete the work.
Paste GOI
Deep scratches on glass can be removed using GOI paste. If possible, glass should be removed from furniture for ease of processing. A small amount of paste is applied to the fabric and spread over the surface. Then rub the product in a circular motion into the damaged areas. Remains of GOI paste after treatment are removed with a damp cloth.
Nail polish
Minor scratches on the glass coating can be easily masked with nail polish. A prerequisite is the transparency of the varnish. The substance must be applied with a brush to the scratched areas and wait until the varnish fills the crack and dries. The remaining varnish is carefully wiped off the surface with a soft cloth.
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”
.
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.
Wood furniture repair
Wooden furniture in the apartment looks very elegant. Although wood is a durable material, it is impossible to avoid damage to this material. Unfortunately, after some time of use, scratches are visible on wooden furniture. Luckily, you can use home methods to remove scratches from furniture.
There are many simple ways to repair or paint over minor damage. To repair scratches on furniture, you can use ingredients that are always on hand in the kitchen. This:
- coffee grounds;
- tea;
- oil;
- lemon juice;
- iodine;
- petrolatum.
To cover a scratch on dark furniture, you need something that reduces the void and makes it less noticeable. Coffee grounds, for example, have these properties. You need to rub it into the crack with a cotton swab and wait until it dries. If the cavity still exists after this, the treatment should be repeated.
An express tea bag will work the same way. You need to tear it apart and pour in a small amount of water to form a paste, which should be pressed onto the damage with a cotton swab. Then you need to wipe off all the liquid on the surface of the furniture, otherwise a dark stain may appear. Excess should be removed immediately with a paper towel.
A mixture of lemon juice and oil is suitable for removing scratches from light-colored furniture. Scratches on light-colored furniture do not require darkening. Therefore, this mixture copes well with minor damage. To wipe, just mix one teaspoon of these components.
For deeper scratches, you can use Vaseline, which not only covers the scratch, but also fills it. The result is a completely smooth surface. Vaseline should be applied to the gap and left for 1 day. The damaged area is then wiped to remove excess agent.
As for iodine, it is a coloring agent. It is best used for damage to dark furniture. You need to act in stages so that the scratch does not become darker than the surface of the furniture. Iodine should be diluted with alcohol in the following ratio: 1:1.
Eyeliner or lipstick can also be useful. Every woman has these basic makeup tools at home. With their help you can disguise damage to furniture. The condition is the correct choice of cosmetic color. Both pencil and lipstick will fill in the gaps and make them less noticeable.
To paint over scratches on furniture, you can use oil paints, which come in a wide range of colors. In addition, they are more stable and durable. When using oil paint to update furniture, you should choose a shade that is a little darker. After applying the paint, you need to wait until it dries.
For this job, it is best to use a thin brush to avoid painting the surface of the furniture. If the paint does not get into the damaged area, then the excess product must be quickly removed with a suitable solvent. To remove scratches on lacquered furniture, an effective way is to use the following mixture:
- from 4 tablespoons of liquid wax;
- 3 tablespoons of turpentine;
- 2 tablespoons of alcohol.
Scratches on furniture can also be removed with colorless varnish diluted with alcohol. Minor damage to ebony furniture can be repaired with black shoe polish. In turn, brown cream removes scratches on mahogany furniture.
Professional waxes and retouching pencils
These products are available in construction chemical stores. They are generally designed to cover microdamages on furniture and floors. Furniture sealing waxes are available in hard or soft versions. They can be used according to preference, but hard wax is recommended for damaged floors.
In theory, both waxes and touch-up pens come in many colors. However, this is just a theory. Traditional stores usually only stock a few basic and most versatile colors. The desired product can be ordered online (directly from the manufacturer), but even here there are problems with correct color assessment.
Colors viewed on a computer monitor usually deviate from reality. So even though these are professional retouching products, sometimes it's better to use what you have on hand. The alternative, of course, is to have the damaged furniture professionally refurbished by a specialist, that is, sanding the top layer and covering the surface with new protective layers.
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 Handy
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.
Putty
Only putty can handle deep scratches. The principle of its operation is no different from the process of leveling walls:
- First, apply a fairly thick layer to the furrow;
- Then apply the finishing layer to the entire surrounding surface;
- Grinding.
If the color does not match, the sealed area is improved with stain or marker.
