Repair of dents and scratches in wooden furniture.
Most minor damage to painted, varnished, or waxed wooden furniture can be easily repaired. If you feel a little nervous, it is best to test your resuscitation techniques on a part of the furniture that is not in public view. Here are a variety of techniques to try.
Scuffs and scratches
Small marks and small scratches will often disappear with the application of a new coat of furniture polish. A good quality nail polish will contain a mixture of beeswax, carnauba wax, oils, and gum turpentine. Apply the wax with a very fine steel wool in all circular actions and then buff with a soft cloth in the direction of this wood grain.
Light-colored scratches on furniture with darker stains can be disguised by applying a little black coffee or rubbing in some shoe polish of the same color. Intensify the color with multiple applications rather than trying to nail it the first time.
Scratch Fix pens are helpful. They come in five common wood colors and look like a regular felt tip marker, but they actually contain wood stain. Just pick the right shade and color on the scratches, cleaning up any excess immediately.
Another great solution for slightly more severe bumps and gouges is beeswax putty rods. They are available in a variety of shades to suit most wood colors, either individually or as a set to add to your repair kit. To use one, heat a spatula by dipping it in boiling water and then use the heated blade to scrape off a small section of the stick and clean the damage. As the wax hardens again, scrape off any excess with the edge of a plastic scraper, then dab a bit of furniture polish over the repair.
Dents and depressions in wood
Small dents and depressions can be joined if the wood fibers have not been torn. Make a series of small holes in the dent, put a drop of water in the indentation and let it soak, cover it with a cloth and apply heat with an iron. Moisture will swell the wood in the dent, filling it in be careful as this excess heat can affect some wood finishes.
Large dents and dents in the wood
Depending on the type of finish and texture of your wood, it is possible to fill deep dents with a mixture of two-part polyester filler (construction bog), mixed with stain or rust to match the surrounding wood. Be sure to test the color on a less noticeable patch first!
Dirt build-up on wood
When old furniture looks dull or dirty, an application of orange oil will not only remove years of accumulated dirt, it will nourish the wood and leave the piece looking and smelling fresh.
All kinds of marks and scratches can be removed with an antique. cleaning mixture such as Rotheraines Reviver, which cleans the surface and restores the previous finish in one step. Or you can make your own: one part vinegar, one part methylated alcohol, one part gum turpentine, and a pinch of boiled linseed oil. This concoction is flammable, so keep it in a safe place. Shake before and during use. The mixture of mild acid and solvents dissolves damaged layers of old finishes and rejuvenates surfaces ready for a new layer of polish.