Furniture Finisher how-to

How to Touch Up a Scratch in a Finish

Touch-ups hide damage.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Touch-ups hide damage. In short: clean; fill; color, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Clean the area.

  2. Fill if deep.

  3. Color with markers or powders.

  4. Seal.

  5. Blend sheen.

  6. Inspect.

Safety reminders for furniture finishers

  • Wear respirators
  • Use spray booths
  • Dispose of oily rags safely
  • Ventilate

Stain · Toner · Glaze · Sealer · Lacquer · Conversion varnish: see the full furniture finisher glossary.

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