How To Fix Scratches On Laminate Wood Table [Easy Process]

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No wonder scratches on wood furniture look very bad and make the table look very ugly. But changing wooden furniture just because of the scratches is not a wise decision to make. Then, the question is, is it possible to remove these scratches from wood furniture?

How To Fix Scratches On Laminate Wood Table

If so, then how to fix scratches on laminate wood table? Wood scratches can be fixed through some methods and if you complete the process properly you can remove the scratches from the laminate surface.

Fix Scratches On Laminate Wood Table

You can definitely fix the scratches on the laminate table at home by yourself. There are proper guidelines and methods that you need to follow to fix the scratches on the table and smoothen the surface like a new table. You can take the help of professionals as well.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding the different methods of fixing scratches on a laminate wood table such as using wax pencils, using a polishing compound, sanding, filling, etc.
  • Choosing the right method according to the scratches is the most important thing.
  • Follow the proper guidelines such as clearing the table, filling, refinishing, etc for the appropriate method and avoid common mistakes during the entire process for the best result.

No need to rush to start the process. Because you have just solved a single piece of an entire puzzle by reading this long. To solve the entire puzzle you need to learn about the process completely. So without wasting a single moment, let’s dive into it.

What Are The Different Types Of Scratches On Laminate Wood Tables?

There are different methods available to fix different types of scratches on a laminate wood table and you need to choose the appropriate method. The methods are:

Surface Scratches

The scratches that only affect the laminate surface are known as surface scratches. These are very light scratches and the reasons behind the scratches are regular usage such as sliding objects, cleaning the table with harsh chemicals, etc.

Shallow Scratches

These scratches are kind of deeper than the surface scratches but don’t damage the table that much. The reason behind this is that pets crawl or use the table roughly.

Deeper Scratches

These are really deep scratches and severe and the reasons behind these kinds of scratches are dragging heavy objects across the table or sharp objects dragging across the table surface roughly. The underlying material of the laminate can be exposed because of the deeper scratches.

Gouges

Gouges are the kind of scratches that are very deep and narrow and fixing them is more challenging than any other scratches. They are caused by sharp objects.

Burn Marks

Burn marks actually occur because of placing hot things directly on the wood surface instead of placing them on placements.

It is true that there are different methods available to fix the scratches on the laminate wood table but it is important to choose the right method to fix the table.

How To Identify The Severity Of A Scratch On A Laminate Wood Table?

You can identify the severity of a scratch on a laminate wood table following these:

How To Identify The Severity Of A Scratch On A Laminate Wood Table

Visual Inspection

Inspect the laminate surface along with the entire table very attentively. Pay special attention when inspecting. Make sure the room or place has good lighting conditions so that you can easily find the scratches with bare eyes.

Run Your Finger Over The Scratches

Run your fingers over the laminate surface and try to understand the depth of the scratches. Light scratches are actually smooth to the touch. But deeper scratches can catch your finger easily as the texture is rough.

Color Contrast

Remember one thing when you are inspecting the table to find out the scratches, shallow or surface scratches appear lighter in color but the deeper or gouged scratches reveal the underlying material of the laminate surface and the color is different.

Width And Length

Try to understand the width and length of the scratches. Because shallow scratches are narrow and short and deep scratches or gouges are longer and wider.

Identifying the severity of the scratches is important to help ‘you’ choose the right method of fixing the scratches on the laminate wood table.

What Are The Different Ways To Fix Scratches On Laminate Wood Tables?

How to fix scratches on laminate wood? There are different methods to fix the scratches on the laminate wood table and you have to choose the right one to fix the scratches properly without any issues. Such as:

Wax Pencil Or Putty Stick

You can use wax pencils or putty sticks for minor scratches like shallow or surface scratches. Use the wax pencil or putty sticks of the appropriate color. Keep rubbing wax pencils or putty sticks until the gaps fill and then wipe off the excess using a soft cloth or lint-free cloth.

Polishing Compound

You can use a polishing compound to fix the light surface scratches. Apply the polishing compound on the problematic area and buff it using a soft cloth.

Sanding The Surface

You can try sanding to fix deeper scratches or gouges. Gently sand the damaged area using fine-grit sandpaper with sanding blocks. This method is appropriate for fixing dead spots on an air hockey table.

Filling And Refinishing

You can fix the damages or severe scratches through filling and refinishing. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Then remove the old finish from the table using sandpaper or steel wool. Sand it lightly as it is not raw wood. Again clean the surface with a clean cotton cloth to remove the mess. Then use a wood filler to fill the scratches or gaps of the laminate surface.

Do not forget to remove the excess wood filler using a plastic putty knife with special attention. You can stain the wood. Then apply a light layer of appropriate wood finish and let it dry.

Walnut

You must be thinking about how to fix scratches on wood table with walnut. You can do it. Just gently rub the walnut over the scratches (remember this method can be applied only when fixing any kind of light scratches or minor surface scratches) and it can help you fill the scratch and then remove the excess using a soft cloth.

Professional Repair

If you are not sufficiently skilled or confident or do not have enough courage to complete the task by yourself at home, you can hire a professional and fix the table professionally and perfectly.

Choose the right method according to the type of scratches and apply it to fix the laminate table. How do you fix a scratch on a veneer table top? Well, you can try almost the same methods according to the issues.

What Tools And Materials Need To Repair Laminate Wood Table Scratches?

During this process, you need to use many tools and materials, and knowing about them is really important to complete the process in a proper way. These tools and materials are:

  • Wax pencils and putty sticks to fix the minor scratches.
  • Polishing compound to fix the light scratches.
  • Fine-grit sandpaper to sand the surface of the wooden furniture.
  • Wood filler to fill the scratches or gaps of the laminate surface.
  • A putty knife such as a plastic putty knife to remove excess wood filler from the filled area. You can use this to fix the water-damaged veneer table top.
  • Wood finish of the appropriate color to refinish the table.
  • Clean cloth, soft cloth, damp cloth, and clean cotton cloth for cleaning purposes during the process.
  • Paintbrush to apply the finish on the table.
  • Paper, newspaper, or paper towel to place on the floor of the work area to avoid any kind of mess.
  • Safety gear like goggles, gloves, and masks to protect yourself from any kind of danger during the process. Use safety gear during the fixing process of the wobbly folding table as well.

Gather these tools and materials and learn about them properly before you start the process so that you don’t have to face any problems during the process.

How To Fix Scratches On Laminate Wood Table: Step-By-Step Guidelines For Everyone

How to fix scratches on laminate wood table? There are different methods for different types of scratches and you need to fix the scratches according to their type. You can fix the scratches on the laminate wood table like this:

How To Fix Scratches On Laminate Wood Table

Clean The Table

The first thing that you need to do before you start the process of fixing laminate wood scratches is to clean the table properly to remove dust and debris from the surface. Use mild soap and warm water with the help of a soft cloth to clean the table. Make sure it is a clean cloth. And then let the table dry before you move forward.

For Shallow Scratches

When you are fixing the shallow scratches use wax pencils or putty sticks to fix the damage. Rub the wax pencil or putty stick on the scratched area to fill the scratch. Make sure the color of the wax pencil or putty stick matches the table. Then with the help of a soft cloth blend it in circular motions to remove the excess from the table.

For Light Surface Scratches

You have to apply a polishing compound method to fix the light surface scratches. Apply a minimum amount of polishing compound on the scratched area with a soft cloth. Then gently rub it in circular motions and keep rubbing until the scratches disappear. Don’t forget to wipe off the excess from the table.

For Deeper Scratches Or Gouges

How do you fix deep scratches on a laminate table? For deep scratches or gouges, you need to try sanding. Sand the damaged area using fine-grit sandpaper. Don’t be aggressive when doing this. Sand the area until it comes to the level of the surrounding area. Sanding is necessary to fix a rocking table as well. After you are done, clean the table using a soft cloth and remove the dust, dirt, or debris.

Fill And Refinish The Severe Damage

When the scratches are severe you should definitely go for a fill and refinishing method. If needed, remove the old finish using steel wool or sandpaper. Use a wood filler with a putty knife to fill the scratches. Let the wood filler dry properly. Remove the excess wood filler using a putty knife and then start sanding the filled area to level it properly. Clean the surface using a soft cloth.

Then it is time to apply a wood finish to the table. Make sure the finish matches the deeper scratches. Apply a light layer of finish using a paintbrush and let it dry before you apply another layer of it to avoid sticky conditions. You can use a finish to make the table shiny when fixing a cupped tabletop.

You can simply fix the scratches on your laminate wood table following these guidelines properly. If you are thinking about, ‘How to fix scratches on laminate wood table cabinets?’ you can try the exact process for the cabinets as well.

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Common Mistakes To Avoid When Fixing Scratches On Laminate Wood Tables?

During the process of fixing scratches on laminate wood tables, there are some common mistakes made by people that should be avoided. Such as:

  • Applying the wrong method to fix the scratched laminate wood table is the biggest mistake to make. Use the appropriate method to fix the issue.
  • Aggressively sanding the laminate surface can damage the wood. Try to be gentle when sanding the surface.
  • Do not forget to clean the table before you start the process.
  • Do not skip sanding when fixing deeper scratches or gouges as it can bring an uneven laminate surface.
  • Leaving the wood filler and finishing wet and not letting it dry is not a good thing to do. Let the wood filler and finish dry as it can cause an uneven finish.

You can follow the tips to avoid making mistakes during the process and complete the task smoothly.

How To Prevent Scratches On Laminate Wood Tables?

It is better to avoid the things that are causing scratches on the table. But how to do that? Some tips to prevent scratches on laminate wood tables:

How To Prevent Scratches On Laminate Wood Tables
  • Always use coasters and placemats on the table to protect the table from the scratches by the daily usage objects.
  • Do not place any sharp or heavy objects on the surface directly.
  • Clean the table regularly using a soft cloth or clean cotton cloth to remove dust or dirt. Do not use a damp cloth as it can cause warping.
  • Do not use any kind of abrasive cleaning tools that can leave scratches on the surface.
  • Try to use cover or table cloths to protect the table from scratches caused by daily usage.

Try to follow these tips to avoid any future or frequent damages and protect your precious laminate wood table.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Temporary Solutions For Minor Scratches?

You can definitely use white vinegar and baking soda as a temporary solution for minor scratches.

Can I Smooth And Blend Deep Scratches?

You can use sanding, filling, or staining to smoothen and blend the scratches.

What Happens If Wood Laminate Gets Wet?

If wood laminate gets wet it can warp or get damaged easily.

How Long Does It Take For Water To Damage Laminate?

If the water is left on the laminate for a long time then it can damage the laminate easily.

Can I Waterproof Laminate Wood?

You can use a waterproof sealant after applying the finish to your laminate to make it waterproof.

Conclusion

Reading this long you may get the solution to your problem, ‘How to fix scratches on laminate wood table?’. There are many things to make you confused but attentively try to understand the scratch types and which method you should choose to fix the scratches on laminate wood and follow the guidelines properly. If you do these all you can easily fix the scratches on your laminate wood table by yourself at home. Otherwise, you can take the help of a professional to fix the issue.

To learn more about restoring a table, stay with- Restore Journey.

Richard Journey

Written by

Richard Journey

Meet Richard Journey, the Antique Furniture Maestro. With a Fine Arts degree in Furniture Restoration and Conservation, he’s a guardian of historical craftsmanship. His accolades include the Golden Chisel Award, and he’s your guide to discovering and restoring antique treasures.

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