How To Repair Nicks And Deep Scratches In Wood Trim

By  Hunker Team

Things Needed

  • Damp rag

  • Wood filler putty

  • Putty knife

  • Fine 220 grit sandpaper

  • Matching paint or stain

Tip

For a single deep scratch, press some wood putty into it with your finger and wipe the area to remove the excess. When dry, use a stain pen that matches your wood color for a quick and easy fix.

Ornate wood panelJupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

When your wood trim has deep nicks or scratches there is a way to repair them. There is nothing really complex here and anyone with some DIY experience will be able to tackle this job and be successful. All of the items you will need are readily available at virtually any hardware store, and many items can be found in a tool box or a work shop.

Step 1

Clean the area with a damp rag. Remove all the surface dirt and debris but don't saturate with a lot of water. Allow the area too dry.

Step 2

Fill the nicks and scratches with wood filler putty. Apply the putty evenly with the putty knife. Make sure you fill the nicks and scratches evenly. Scrape the area clean and even with the putty knife. Then let the putty dry.

Step 3

Sand the repaired area with 220 grit sandpaper once the putty has dried. Sand it smooth and even like the scratches never existed. Once you have finished sanding, wipe the area with a damp rag to remove sanding dust.

Step 4

Stain or paint the area to match the original color.

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