Several factors add to the appeal of hardwood flooring. It is the most stylish and luxurious addition to any room. It adds versatility to a dining room, kitchen, bedroom, or living room. Hardwood floors are also neutral. This means that they have the ability to fit in with any design. They’re easy to maintain and tremendously durable as well.
It’s very important to know the difference between a scratch and a dent when looking for a solution. A dent is typically an impression on the wood surface. This can be caused when a heavy object, like a piano, is placed on it for a long period of time. However, a scratch is a minor imperfection on the surface which can be removed by buffing or polishing.
Wood putty is usually noticeable. The dent can be fixed with steam. The area must be sanded to remove the polyurethane coating. Place clean white and wet cotton pieces, which are about the size of the dent, into the gouge. Place your iron on its highest setting on top of the cotton for around 5 minutes. Check if the dent has disappeared or repeat the process till it does. Applying water and then steaming enables the wood fibres to first soak up the moisture in the cotton. It then expands to its original shape once heat is applied. The reason that this must be done multiple times is because the wood needs to soak up enough moisture to ‘fuel’ the expansion. After the dent has almost completely vanished, it’s best to let the floor dry before sanding and applying a protective coat.
Wood putty can be used to fill in gouges. The putty can be bought from any local hardware store. It’s available in a variety of colours matching different wood stains and types. It’s best to carry a scrap piece of the flooring to ensure it matches the existing colour. Using putty is really simple once you’ve found the proper colour and shade. You can pack it into the dent using your finger. The excess can be wiped away with a damp cloth. It can be left to sit overnight and sanded, stained and covered with a protective layer of polyurethane.
If the scratch is barely visible below the surface of the wood, it can be sanded out. The polyurethane coating can be sanded away and stain can be applied on the scratch as a cosmetic fix. A protective clear finish may be required to be applied after the sanding process. This helps it blend in with the rest of the flooring.
You can return your hardwood flooring to its original look by following these simple tips. Of course, precaution can always be taken. In case of excessive damage to the flooring, consult an expert.