1. Stain pen or wood marker
If the scratch is still shallow, you can use a pen to mask floor areas that should remain marks-free. Engineered hardwood, vinyl plank and laminate floors are great candidates for this technique. Depending on the type of flooring, golden oak or dark walnut are the two most suitable products that will cover 90 percent of your floors.
2. Melted wax
You can apply a thick coat of clear hard wax available at any home improvement store for a deeper scratch on the floor. Make sure you fill in the scratch entirely with melted wax for the best results. Once the wax cools, peel off the excess gently with a knife. Then use a clean cloth or rug to buff the waxed area until the wax is completely smooth.
3. Wood filler
Gouges or dents in the floor require a different course of action. One option is to use wood filler to cover the marks. Match the color to the hardwood flooring unless you want a different hue to appear. Be sure to fill the scratch with generous filler to avoid air bubbles or rough edges until flush with the surrounding surfaces.
4. Walnut
Depending on your plan, you can also use walnut to blend the scratches with the flooring in lieu of wood filler and hard wax. Work the walnut into the surface with your fingers, allowing the wood to absorb the oil and adhere to the floor. Use a microfiber cloth to take away the excess. While the scratch may still be noticeable, it will blend a lot better than it did before.
5. Crayon
Minor scuffs are much easier to repair than gouges or floor dents. If you want to hide such blemishes without covering them entirely with a wood filler, try using stain-matching crayons instead. A few colors, shades lighter or darker than the hardwood floor, is usually sufficient. Rub the crayon over the scratch, then give the area time to absorb the mark.
6. Sandpaper
Admittedly, this is only a practical option for some situations. However, it's better than masking the damage with paint or wood filler. If you're planning to refinish the hardwood floor, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the area with extra care, paying attention to the direction of the grains in the flooring.
7. Varnish
An alternative to the stain pen or wax is varnish, which will help conceal scratches with a single, uniform finish. Ensure the stain is thoroughly covered in varnish and allow it to dry completely before applying a clear coat. The key is to use only a little cosmetic coat since you want the finish to feel and look as natural as possible.
8. Oil and vinegar
A homemade solution to fix faint scratches is as simple as mixing vegetable oil and vinegar. You can restore shallow white scratches to their original color using this solution. Apply the mixture to the scratch, then gently rub the surface with a soft cloth until the mixture penetrates the wood.
