How to Fix Scratches in Particle Board Furniture

Unlike solid wood furniture, or even high quality veneer, particle board furniture cannot be refinished to address scratches and other imperfections. However, if you do have a scratch on a piece of particle board furniture, there are some steps you can take to conceal the mark.

If these steps do not conceal the mark, your best option is to paint the piece of particle board furniture. Keep in mind that if you decide to paint the particle board, you must use a bonding primer on the surface of the particle board before attempting to paint the piece of furniture.

Step 1: Start by using a furniture polish to clean the area completely. When working with particle board, it is particularly important to apply the furniture polish to a clean rag before attempting to apply it to the wood. This will prevent you from accidentally over saturating the surface, causing it to peel.

Step 2: Cover the scratch using a furniture marker pen. Use the pen to follow the scratch in a single line. Only cover the scratch. Let the area dry.

TIP: Furniture marker pens come in a variety of colors, so be sure to choose the one that matches the finish of your piece of furniture. You can also find wax based scratch pencils. If you decide to use this type of product, skip applying the wax in step 4.

Step 3: Apply another coat of ink over the scratch using the furniture marker pen. Keep applying coats until the scratch is properly concealed. Be sure to allow time in between each coat to allow the particle board to dry.

Step 4: Cover the scratch with a coat of wax. A wax pencil is the easiest method to use to apply a coat of wax over the scratch, but you can also use a plain white candle if you must. Simply run the wax over the scratch once.

Step 5: Buff the entire surface of the particle board furniture using furniture polish suitable for use on particle board furniture.