How to Fix Scratched Furniture

Scratches on furniture are inevitable — from keys, pets, moving, and daily life. But most scratches are surprisingly easy to fix, often in just a few minutes. From light surface scratches to deep gouges, here's how to repair scratched furniture and make it look like new.

What You'll Need

• Wood repair kit: REALINN Wood Furniture Repair Kit, 28-Piece (markers, fillers, wax)
• Wood filler: Gorilla All Purpose Wood Filler, 16 oz
• Sandpaper: Atosun 45PCS Sandpaper Set
• Tack cloth: Dura-Gold Pure Gold Tack Cloth, 12-Pack
• Topcoat: General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, Satin
• Foam brushes: Bates Foam Paint Brushes, 16-Pack

Assess the Scratch Depth First

The repair method depends on how deep the scratch is:

• Surface scratches: Only the finish (topcoat or wax) is damaged — the wood itself is untouched. These are the easiest to fix.
• Medium scratches: The scratch goes through the finish and into the stain layer, but not deep into the wood.
• Deep scratches/gouges: The scratch cuts into the wood itself, removing material.

Fix 1: Touch-Up Markers for Light to Medium Scratches

The REALINN Wood Furniture Repair Kit includes markers and wax crayons in multiple wood tones. Select the closest color match and apply the marker directly to the scratch, following the grain. Wipe away excess with a cloth. For a more precise color match, blend two markers. This fix takes under 5 minutes and is invisible on most scratches.

Fix 2: Wax Filler Sticks for Medium Scratches

The wax filler sticks in the repair kit fill scratches that are too deep for a marker alone. Rub the wax stick across the scratch to fill it, then use a plastic card to level the wax flush with the surface. Buff with a soft cloth. The wax blends with the surrounding finish and is nearly invisible.

Fix 3: Wood Filler for Deep Gouges

For deep scratches that have removed wood material, use Gorilla Wood Filler. Apply with a putty knife, slightly overfilling the gouge. Let dry completely (30–60 minutes), then sand flush with 120-grit, then 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe with a tack cloth and touch up the color with a repair marker. Seal with a thin coat of topcoat using a foam brush.

Fix 4: Natural Remedies for Very Light Scratches

For very light surface scratches on finished wood, these household items can help:

• Walnut: Rub a raw walnut meat along the scratch — the natural oils darken and fill light scratches beautifully.
• Olive oil + vinegar: Mix equal parts and rub into the scratch with a cloth. Works on light surface marks.
• Shoe polish: Matches many wood tones and fills light scratches effectively.

Fix 5: Full Refinish for Severe Scratching

If the surface has extensive scratching across a large area, spot repairs may not blend well. In this case, sand the entire surface back to bare wood and refinish completely — new stain and topcoat will give a uniform, beautiful result.

Pro Tips

• Always test repair markers on a hidden area first — color matching is easier with a test.
• Apply markers in the direction of the wood grain for the most natural look.
• For pet scratches on table legs, apply a clear furniture wax after repair — it makes future scratches easier to buff out.
• Prevention: use felt pads under all objects placed on furniture surfaces.