While we stand by the quality and durability of our flooring (and offer a 25 year warranty to back it up), even the most made-to-endure engineered timber floors can pick up a scratch or small dent from time to time. The good news? Many marks are easy to reduce or disguise – helping your floor stay beautiful and protected for years. Here’s a simple guide for tackling scratches of all sizes.
Shallow Scratches and Dents
Minor surface scratches? No need to panic. A few simple tricks can make them almost disappear.
- The Nut Trick: Grab an oily nut, like a Brazil nut, and rub it gently across the scratch. The natural oils and tiny pieces of nut flesh will help fill in shallow marks. Wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.
- Clear Polyurethane: Use an artist’s brush to apply a small amount of clear polyurethane over light scratches to blend them with the surrounding floor.
- Scratch Repair Pens: A car scratch repair pen or a furniture repair pen can be handy for very fine scratches or areas where the floor colour has been removed. Lightly colour the scratch, wipe away any excess, and let it dry.
- Wax: For a longer-term solution, wax can be used on minor to moderate scratches. Ensure the area is clean, then lightly sand to improve adhesion. Use the smallest amount of wax needed (less is more here) and swipe it over the scratch a few times, then buff with a soft cloth to remove any residue.
If you’re unsure which method is right for your floor, Forté’s support team can provide tailored advice – just email support@forte.co.nz with photos and details of the damage.
Deeper Scratches and Dents
Where a scratch has gone through the surface and into the wood layer itself, you'll need a more intensive approach.
- Wax and Seal: Melt a wax pen into the dent using a flat-headed soldering iron pen, then seal with polyurethane. Soldering pens and wax filler sticks (in a variety of colours) are available for purchase on our website.
- Professional Help Recommended: Deeper repairs can be tricky, so if you’re not feeling confident it’s best to call a professional floor installer to ensure a seamless fix.
Major Damage
There’s no way around it: If a plank has been significantly damaged, the only reliable solution is to replace the affected board. This should always be done by a professional to ensure the repair matches the surrounding floor perfectly.
Protecting Your Floors for the Future
The best way to reduce scratches is prevention:
- Avoid dragging heavy items across the floor.
- Keep floors clean of grit and debris that can scratch surfaces.
With a little care and the right repairs, your timber floor can stay stunning and scratch-free for years to come.