How to Repair Lacquered Furniture

Damage to lacquered furniture can look unsightly as the lacquer coating can chip and show discolored material underneath. It is easy to repair damage to this type of furniture on your own.

Step 1 – Assess Damage

Examine the damage site of the furniture to determine the severity of the damage. Keep in mind that what may look like a scratch may actually just be a stain on the surface. Different issues must be dealt with in different ways. Lightly run your fingernail over the surface to determine whether there is any depression present in the wood.

Step 2 – Remove Stains

Though the finish on lacquered furniture is designed to protect the wood, this does not mean that it is resistant to stains. You may find that glasses can leave white ring marks and other substances result in discoloration. On the basis that rubbing the stain firmly with furniture polish did not work, dampen a cloth with a small amount of alcohol and gently rub at the stained surface while regularly checking the status of the stain.

If this fails, use an abrasive treatment and ready-made substances. You can also make your own by mixing a little cigarette ash with some oil until you form a paste. Rub the paste over the stain to go with the grain before wiping it away with a clean cloth. Finish off by waxing and polishing the repair site.      

Step 3 – Minor Scratches

To quickly hide minor scratches, crack open a pecan or walnut and break the nut in half before rubbing the broken surface against the scratch; this will help to blend the color of the scratch to that of the rest of the furniture. In the event that you have more time to repair scratches in lacquered furniture, apply a little hard furniture wax with some steel wool and lightly apply it in line with the grain. Finish off by using a soft cloth to buff the surface.

Step 4 – Deep Scratches and Dents

Deep scratches on lacquered furniture can be more problematic as they are more difficult to rectify. Obtain a furniture wax stick in the same color as the item you need to repair. This will need to be pressed firmly into the scratch or gouge until it is filled. Smooth the surface and remove the excess by lightly dragging a credit card over the repair site—do not use anything that can scratch the surface.

Leave the wax to dry completely in accordance with the instructions and apply stain afterwards, if necessary, being carefully to only apply it to the repaired area. Once this is dry, apply some hard furniture wax to buff it.