wanted.

Wanted DIY: Hide Scratches in Hardwood Flooring

I am clumsy. Very clumsy. In fact, I usually find myself bumping into walls, dropping dishes, and knocking over furniture – then I repeat to myself, “this is why I cannot have nice things.” Luckily, there are usually ways to fix whatever it is I have damaged (except in the case of those dropped dishes).



So, last week when moving a piano into my tiny home (a fiasco in itself I might add) I was not shocked to see that I had put a scratch in my hardwood floor. To be fair, my floors are in need of refinishing. This is not the first scratch my floor has seen, nor will it be the last. Alas, I did not want the scratch haunting me every time I glanced in its direction.



Enter the Minwax Stain Pen (purchased for $5.87 at Home Depot). I lightly sanded the scratch with very fine sandpaper, cleaned the area with a damp cloth, and then applied the pen as directed. I then wiped up the excess stain with a slightly damp cloth. I wasn’t totally pleased with the color of the stain (it was much darker than I was led to believe by the packaging), but it did the trick!





I had guests over this evening and they couldn’t even find the scratch. And if all else fails, just plop a chair right over it.



PS – It is probably best not to mention this incident to my landlords. OK? Thanks.

(images: Megean)