Updated : July 1, 2025
Published : June 20, 2025
Guides

There’s something quietly devastating about discovering a scratch on a table you love - especially if it's one you’ve invested in, one that anchors your room with purpose and beauty. Whether it’s a small surface scuff or something deeper (keys dropped in a hurry? rogue toy car? careless wine opener?), scratches have a way of catching the light - and your eye - far more than you’d like.

But here’s the good news: not all damage is permanent. And, in fact, most table scratches can be softened, disguised or even completely removed with a little know-how and the right approach. You don’t need a professional refinisher for most of these; just time, care, and a good understanding of what you're working with.

1. First, Understand the Finish

Before you reach for any products - commercial or homemade - pause. The finish on your table will dictate how you treat it.

Is it oiled wood, lacquered, or painted? Matte or glossy? Some finishes absorb products; others repel them entirely. For example, raw or oiled wood might respond well to natural oils, while high-gloss lacquer can be temperamental (and ironically, more prone to visible marks despite its shine).

If you’re unsure, try checking in with the manufacturer - or simply start with a small test area in an inconspicuous spot.

2. The Walnut Trick (Yes, Really)

This old-school tip works best for light surface scratches on untreated or lightly finished wood - and it’s one of the least invasive techniques.

Take a raw walnut (no salt, no roasting - plain and natural), crack it open, and rub the meat of the nut along the scratch in small circular motions. The natural oils from the nut seep into the wood and, in some cases, slightly darken the affected area - reducing contrast and making the scratch blend in.

It’s not magic - but it’s surprisingly effective for minor abrasions. And worst case? It does no harm.

3. Use a Wood Repair Marker or Wax Stick

If your table has a stained finish - say, walnut, oak, or wenge - a scratch can stand out simply because it disrupts the uniform colour. Enter the touch-up marker or wax filler stick.

These are available in a range of wood tones, often sold in multipacks, and they’re excellent for restoring visual cohesion. Simply colour in the scratch, wipe away the excess, and - if needed - buff gently with a soft cloth.

Wax sticks also fill small dents and grooves, offering a slight levelling effect as well as tonal correction. We recommend using these only once the surface is clean and dry, and ideally after a test on a similar material.

4. Try an Oil + Vinegar Mix for Shallow Scuffs

No, we’re not making salad dressing. But a 3:1 mixture of olive oil to white vinegar can be an incredibly gentle way to rehydrate tired wood and reduce the appearance of shallow scuffs.

Apply with a soft cloth in circular motions, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then buff dry. The vinegar cleans; the oil restores lustre. It won’t fill deep gouges, but it can take the edge off lighter damage - especially on solid wood with a natural finish.

This is one of those tricks we’ve seen used time and again, particularly on mid-century or antique pieces that need a touch of revival but not full sanding or refinishing.

5. Use a Scratch Concealer for Polished Surfaces

For high-gloss finishes - particularly lacquer or engineered wood with a polished veneer - a scratch concealer (sometimes marketed as “furniture polish with filler”) can be useful. These usually contain fine pigments and oils that settle into the scratch and blur the lines, literally.

They won’t remove the damage, but they reduce its visibility - especially under artificial light. A soft microfiber cloth and a little patience go a long way here. And always buff in the direction of the wood grain, not against it.

6. Know When to Lightly Sand - and When Not To

If the scratch is deep and you’re confident the table is solid wood (not veneer or composite), you may be able to sand the area very gently using fine grit sandpaper (try 220 or higher). But be warned: this should only be done if you’re prepared to re-oil or refinish the section afterwards.

This method isn’t appropriate for engineered wood or painted finishes - you’ll end up doing more harm than good. And always isolate the affected area rather than sanding large sections aimlessly.

That said, if you're dealing with a premium hardwood tabletop and you’re up for the task, this can be one of the most permanent solutions - restoring the grain beneath the damage and giving you a smooth, reconditioned surface.

7. Prevention Is Still the Best Cure

Of course, all this effort could be saved with a bit of forward planning. Felt pads on the base of vases, trivets for anything remotely hot, and table runners or cloths during high-traffic events (read: family dinners, game nights, children with crayons) can preserve your surface dramatically.

And if you’re currently deciding which table to invest in - consider the finish. Matte natural woods tend to age gracefully, where polished veneers can be more unforgiving.

Final Thoughts: Restore, Don’t Replace

The reality is - scratches happen. They’re part of life, and in many cases, they add a kind of quiet character. That said, not every mark needs to become a permanent feature.

With a little effort and the right method, your table can be restored - not just to “good enough,” but to something genuinely beautiful again. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s harmony. A table that feels loved, lived-in, and still distinctly yours.

That’s all from us at Furl today, but if you want to stick around for a bit, be our guest! Feel free to browse our latest offerings, or perhaps take a look at our comprehensive guide to dining room tables - especially useful if you’re after a surface that will stand up to everyday life without constant anxiety.

And if you’re looking for furniture solutions for small spaces, Furl is absolutely your go to. Do feel free to take a look at our perfect table options for compact rooms that prioritise durability, practicality, and refined design in equal measure.