How to deal with scratches in wood?

[Koeketiene]

Can these be made to disappear?

As always, all help much appreciated.

 

[VicS]

They look fairly light.

I guess you dont want to sand the whole surface and re-varnish so worth trying a Scratch Cover.
A medium colour I would think.

Mr Sheen/Topps, Rustins You should find something to try in your local hardware shop.

Somwwhere we have a Topps felt tip pen

 

[OGITD]

Old trick.

Slice a walnut and rub it onto the scratch (not a gouge, chip or dent) and photos of results please.

 

[ghostlymoron]

You could use a wax stick (see PBO readers tips) but you would only get a single colour which would not match the grain. Matching grain requires careful use of various woodstains followed by polish.

 

[VO5]

I read somwhere that dents in wood can be removed by applying steam to the damage. I have used this method successfully to take out a bump on the saloon table.
I don't know if it will work on a scratch as I have never tried it.
The thing with a scratch is that a miniscule portion is taken out (gouged), so in principle, it is a different problem.
But I thought I would post the tip as it may be of use to a reader.

 

[KAM]

Suggest a very light sand, don't try to sand out scratch just to get a key, very important not to go through to the veneer as the colour may change, then about 3 coats ronseal varnish (not the water based stuff) leaving a feather edge. The trick is to match the gloss. I use one part satin one part matt for almost invisible touch ups but your finish may be different. Practice on an invisible part first. It's worthwhile developing the technique as you will probably need to do it again in the future.

 

[Searush]

Sanding makes a large damaged area which will look even worse when treated. Get some wax crayons out of the kids' toy box & use them with a little warmth. With care they should pretty well vanish after polishing.

 

[Koeketiene]

Slice a walnut and rub it onto the scratch (not a gouge, chip or dent) and photos of results please.

This almost looks too good to be true.
Definitely going to give this a go.

Should it fail, I'll try a scratch cover or wax stick.

Sanding is out - it's our saloon table.
The scratches are not very obvious or long (15cm - top left corner); mainly want them 'fixed' because I know they're there.

 

[ripvan1]

Looks like it might do the job

http://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/Soft_Wax_Wood_Filler.php

 

[tjbrace]

I' ve just had an oiled oak floor fitted at home and I fixed some light scratching with a washing up plastic scourer rubbing with the grain. Very pleased with the simple fix.

 

[rib]

an old tea bag has worked for me before,might need several goes but once done lasts well