Floors take a serious beating. Furniture scrapes, pet claws, everyday foot traffic – all of it leaves a mark. Some scratches can blend in over time, while others stick out and make the whole floor look bad. Most scratches can be fixed without replacing planks or calling in a professional. How to fix scratches on floors? It’s just a matter of knowing what works and what doesn’t, especially for different kinds of materials.
Assessing the Damage
Not all scratches are the same. Some barely graze the surface, while others cut deep into the material. Before diving in, figure out what you’re dealing with. If the scratch is light – only affecting the finish – you can fix it quickly. Deeper scratches that go into the material itself take more effort but are still manageable.
Surface Scratches vs. Deep Damage
There’s a big difference between a scratch that affects only the finish and one that cuts into the material itself. A surface scratch disrupts the protective layer but doesn’t harm the actual flooring. These are easier to repair and usually disappear with polishing or blending methods. A deeper scratch exposes the raw material beneath, requiring fillers, sanding, or refinishing. Identifying the depth of the damage is the first step.
How to Tell if a Scratch is Surface-Level or Deep
A simple way to check the depth of a scratch is by running your fingernail across it. If your nail glides over it without catching, it’s a surface scratch affecting only the finish. If your nail catches, the scratch has gone deeper into the material. Another method is to look at the colour of the scratch. iIf it’s lighter than the surrounding floor, that means the protective layer has been broken, and the raw material is exposed, meaning a deeper fix is needed.
Quick Fixes for Light Scratches
For surface-level scratches, the finish is what’s damaged, not the material. This means the repair is more about blending it back in than filling it.
- Walnut or Crayon Method – Rubbing a raw walnut over a scratch sounds strange, but it works. The natural oils help darken the scratch, making it less noticeable. A matching-coloured crayon can do the same trick, just rub it in and buff out the excess.
- Blending Markers – Hardware stores sell stain markers for quick touch-ups. Find a colour that matches your floor, fill in the scratch, and wipe off any extra with a cloth.
- Olive Oil and Vinegar – Mix equal parts and dab it onto the scratch with a soft cloth. This doesn’t “fix” the scratch, but it can help disguise it, especially on darker floors.
- Floor Polish – A high-quality floor polish can help minimise small surface scratches. Apply a small amount to a microfibre cloth and buff the area.
How to Fix Scratches on Different Floor Types
Each flooring type needs a different approach. What works on wood may not work on laminate or vinyl.
Hardwood
- Wood Filler – If the scratch on your hardwood flooring is deep, a wood filler that matches your floor colour is the best bet. Apply it with a putty knife, let it dry, and lightly sand it smooth. Once that’s done, use a stain or finish to match the rest of the floor.
- Sanding and Refinishing – For multiple deep scratches, sanding down the area and refinishing might be the only way to get a seamless look. Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the scratch, then reapply a matching stain and sealant.
- Wax Sticks – These work similarly to wood filler but are easier to apply for minor damage. Rub the wax stick over the scratch, then buff the area until it blends in.
Laminate
- Laminate Repair Kits – These kits come with putty and colour-matching solutions to fill scratches. Apply the putty, let it dry, and buff it smooth.
- Coconut Oil or Baby Oil – For superficial scratches, rubbing a small amount of oil can make the damage less visible.
- Clear Nail Polish – A thin layer of clear polish can seal small scratches and prevent them from spreading.
Vinyl
- Heat Method – Vinyl has some flexibility. Using a hairdryer on a low setting and gently rubbing the scratch with a soft cloth can sometimes minimise it.
- Vinyl Patch Kits – These come with coloured putty or adhesives designed to blend with your flooring.
- Mineral Oil and Baking Soda – Mixing these into a paste and buffing the scratch can reduce its appearance.
How to Fix Scratches on Floors: When to Call a Pro
Most scratches are easy to fix, but sometimes the damage is too much to DIY. If scratches cover a large area or the material itself is gouged deeply, it is time to bring in a professional. We can sand, refinish, or replace sections if needed.
Scratches happen. It’s part of having a floor that gets used all the time. How to fix scratches on floors isn’t complicated, and with the right approach, most can be repaired without a trace. The key is knowing what type of scratch you’re dealing with and using the right method to handle it.
