How To Get Rid Of Minor Scratches On Polyurethaned Floor

A minor scratch is one that has penetrated the surface of the wood underneath the protective coating.

How to get rid of minor scratches on polyurethaned floor.

Additionally once the protective finish has been broken by a scratch the wood underneath can be irreparably damaged by moisture or deepening of the scratch in the wood. Simply clean the scratch with a damp cloth dipped in hardwood floor cleaner. I would use a wipe on poly homemade 50 50 mineral spirits poly blend and apply at least 3 or 4 coats over a couple of days following directions on can for timing. For small scratches try a diy solution.

Polyurethane is one of the most commonly used wood sealers for hardwood floors because it is durable and almost impermeable. These can be used for minor scratches that have penetrated the surface of the wood. Never wax a polyurethane coated floor. Recover the area with polyurethane to provide a fresh finish.

Additional tips and advice. If you have a small single scratch that s only noticeable when you get close like a scratch caused by an excited pet and your floor has a relatively new finish try a diy home solution first mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and olive oil in a small cup and dab the mixture into the scratch. You commonly see these on floors or tabletops with heavy use. However this doesn t mean that it s not susceptible to the occasional scuff left from a shoe black soled dress shoes are the most notorious culprit of unsightly scuffs.

Repair minor scratches in the floor s protective coating with floor cleaner and protective finish. Wood fillers are available in a variety of colors. Refinish the board with varnish polyurethane or a similar product to match the rest of your floor. This will hide blend the existing scratches and give the new coat of poly something to physically bond to.

The blend of water or petroleum bases with synthetic resins plasticizers and other film forming ingredients harden over the wood to protect the wood but when the polyurethane is scratched it breaks the protective barrier. Do not use wax sticks on polyurethane floors or apply a wax coating of any kind. Don t use a foam roller or brush to apply the polyurethane you ll end up with air bubbles in the finish go with a lambswool applicator or natural bristle brush instead. Identifying and repairing minor scratches.

Buffing the wax will smooth the scratched area remove excess wax and restore shine to the floor. How to repair scratched wood. Follow these steps to repair a minor scratch.