2 Easy Fixes for Scratches on Wooden Picture Frame

This wooden photo frame cost £2 in a charity shop. The wood is beautiful and interesting but the frame had both fine scratches and a few medium gouges.

Whether the wood you want to restore is something you already have at home or a charity shop find, it can usually be restored to its former glory.

For the types of scratches that are surface-level, it’s an easy fix.

The most obvious thing about these scratches is that they are diagonal across the piece.

Step 1: Supplies to Restore Lightly Scratched Wood

For minor scratches on wood, the best option is a mixture of vinegar and oil. You can use household items; white vinegar and an oil such as vegetable oil or olive oil.

This works because it both cleans the surface of the wood and moisturises the wood to blend minor surface scratches into the surrounding wood finish. 

Step 2: Mix Vinegar and Oil

To use this easy method, combine the vinegar and oil in a small bowl and stir well. A little goes a long way. For something like this small photo frame, you only need a small amount.

Step 3: Apply Oil and Vinegar to Light Scratches

Then apply the mixture to the damaged area with a clean cloth. Using circular motions will help the mixture sink into all the details of the affected area.

It doesn’t take long to work, you can let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Finally, wipe away any excess with a dry cloth to avoid the wood feeling greasy.

You can also use this opportunity to add a new coat of oil to the entire piece which helps refresh the wood.

Using vinegar and oil is an easy solution and an effective way to fix superficial scratches on a wooden photo frame.

If the scratch is still visible, repeat the process until the wood is fully restored.

This method works well for light and medium scratches but may not be effective for deep gouges. If you think that it hasn’t made a significant difference, then you might have deeper damage that needs another process.

Instead of replacing scratched wooden decor, try this easy fix to refresh and preserve your pieces.

Wooden Frame with Medium-Depth Scratches

For the type of damage with medium-depth scratches on wood, sanding and using furniture pens can be a great solution. 

Step 1: Lightly Sand the Scratched Wood

Sanding smooths out rough or raised scratches and preps the surface to take the stain evenly. 

Use medium or fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the scratches gently. You only need light sanding to remove the original finish layer and smooth the rough edges. The best thing is to sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid creating new marks.

With a photo frame in this design, it’s easier to sand the entire surface where the scratches are. In this case, the whole piece of wood along the inner edge. This makes it easier to blend rather than sanding only the damaged area. 

Sanding minimises deeper scratches by evening out the wood surface. Although, it also reduces the visibility of the wood grain on the surface.

To help blend the sanded area in with the rest of the wood, you need to replicate the wood colour and grain pattern.

Step 2: Apply a Layer of Wood Stain

One of the nicest things about a wooden photo frame like this is the variation of the colours in the piece. You can’t paint it solid brown and expect it to blend in. So, you need to add a few layers to mimic the surrounding area.

To start, use a small amount of stain to darken the natural colour of the wood. I applied an oil-based dark stain with a small brush. This gives it a translucent layer which adds dimension to the final look.

Step 3: Recreate the Wood Grain with Stain Pens

As sanding reduces the visible grain on the surface of the wood, it’s helpful to build texture back in. You can easily do this with these stain pens from Varathane. By building up layers in small strokes, it creates the look of the grain.

I used two colours to achieve a similar look, Walnut and Maple. You can wipe the stain with a soft cloth or a finger to help disguise the pen strokes.

Fixed Scratched Wooden Photo Frame 

It’s so nice to be able to see otherwise minorly damaged items and see the potential in them. Whether that’s to buy something imperfect and improve it or save it from being thrown away. 

By following these simple techniques, you can easily refresh your wooden pieces. Whether it’s a scratched photo frame or a scuffed wood table, a little care can bring them back to life and keep them looking great in your home. 

With just a bit of effort, you can make the most of what you have and even turn charity shop bargains into beautiful, display-worthy decor.

When you don’t have stain pens, you can use something that you probably have at home. A wax crayon can work like a wax stick to fill in the scratches. Simply rub a crayon over the gaps until they fill up to the surface level. Then you can blend out the colour.

Do these methods work on deep scratches? You’ll first need to use wood filler to even out the scratches. Paintable or stainable wood filler will help to blend the colour into the surrounding area once it is dry.