How to Repair Finish on Oak Furniture
- 1). For scratches, apply a wax patching stick in a color that matches the piece of furniture into the scratch. Wipe away any excess that remains and let the wax dry. Buff paste wax into the area after the wax patching stick is dry to blend it in with the rest of the finish.
- 2). For gouges, apply a matching wood filler or putty to the gouge, filling it up completely. Let it dry according to the manufacturer's directions. Sand gently with a fine grit sandpaper in the direction of the wood grain until the dried wood filler is level with the undamaged area. Remove any dust or dirt from the sanded area then polish and wax the area to restore it to the same finish as the rest of the piece.
- 3). For water damage, rub a furniture oil into the water-damaged area to repair the finish. If this doesn't work; refinish the area by gently sanding the area in the direction of the grain and let it dry out for three or four days. Apply a thin coat of sanding sealer and let it dry. You will then apply a stain.
- 4). To apply the stain, use one that is oil-based in a shade lighter than the oak finish. Start with a small amount of stain on a rag, brush or cotton swab. If the color is too light, apply several coats. Rub excess stain with a dry rag. If too dark, moisten a rag in mineral spirits to lighten the wood. Apply the top coat of your choice and, after it dries, polish and wax the area.
