Hey everyone! I just moved into a rental and, of course, I'm dealing with an unfortunate mishap. A small rock got wedged in the bottom of my suitcase and scratched up the wooden floors in the main walkway. The damage is mostly to the varnish rather than the wood itself. I've tried doing a spot repair using light sandpaper and varnish, which helped a bit, but the scratch is still quite noticeable. I'm looking for some additional tips to better mask this line because I really don't want to risk losing my security deposit! Here's a link to [the scratch](https://imgur.com/a/K2GH0zk). Any ideas?
3 Answers
Honestly, that sounds like normal wear and tear in a rental. Unless it’s a huge gash, it shouldn’t be on you to fix it. Just make sure you document the scratch when you move out. Your landlord can't expect perfection from a tenant's arrival, right?
That sounds frustrating! Since it’s only the varnish that got scratched, you’ve got a couple of options. Some people have found that rubbing a walnut over the scratch can help mask it because the oil does wonders. Alternatively, you could try matching a clear nail polish to the finish and applying a super thin layer on the scratch. If you're feeling a bit more ambitious, using a wood repair marker that matches the floor color could blend it better, topped with a clear coat. Good luck with your floor and your bond!