How to Repair Dog Scratches on Hardwood Floors If your dog has caused scratches or nicks in the finish of your hardwood flooring these can usually be repaired. For those of you interested in tackling scratches, this is a very detailed scratching removal guide so you know everything about the problem.
Cleaning the Area
Before performing any repairs, make sure the surface is clean. Wipe the area using a hard wood cleaner and soft rag. This will get rid of any debris or grit that may cause the repair not to stick properly. The good preparation of the surface guarantees that other materials we use will stick well and that they will create easy-to-clean toppings.
Assessing the Scratch Depth
Determining whether a scratch is deep or shallow will help determine the necessary method for repairing the damage as well:
Shallow Scratches: These can normally be repaired with wood markers or blending pencils that are the same color of the floor. Easy-to-create DIY mixtures like the ones above that are nothing more than equal parts olive oil and vinegar can make minor imperfections less evident.
Deep Scratches — Apply wood filler to the surface for deep scratches that break through the finish. Use a putty knife to apply it, allow it to cure according to the instructions on the label, sand it down for an even surface and then stain.dog scratches (ad)
Repair Techniques
Using Wood Fillers
Wood fillers are best for heavy scratches. Pick a filler that is the closest to the color of your floor. Wipe it off then let it dry completely before sanding the area down so that there are no visible traces of it. Sand the wood first and then stain it with a similar colored stain so it blends with the rest of the door.
DIY Natural Solutions
On the natural side, a paste with baking soda and warm water is about as good a scrub for minor scratches as you can get. Rub it over the keyboard with a microfiber cloth and then wipe off.
Finishing Touches
A protective finish must be applied after the repairs have been made. Note: The filled area may lose its countrappearance without a little bit of polyurethane or clear coat like shellac on top to regain the sheen, depending on what type you have now (oil-based or water based) });
Preventive Measures
For the future, keep your pets’ nails trim and use rugs or mud mats along high-traffic zones to reduce any wear from occurring. You can also put felt pads between the legs of your furniture and hardwood floors to prevent scratching from normal furniture movement.
By following these steps, you can accomplish this as quickly and efficiently as possible so your dog scratches won’t lead to an unattractive floor.
