How To Fix Scratches On Brazilian Cherry Floor

Scratches on a Brazilian cherry floor can be unsightly. As you stare at those imperfections, you can't help but think about the right way to get rid of them. We researched this concern for your convenience and here’s what we found.

Different solutions are available to repair scratches on a Brazilian cherry floor. Some methods to use are:

1. Apply a hardwood floor cleaner
2. Buff and recoat the surface
3. Apply a wood filler
4. Fill with melted wax

Keep in mind that some of these procedures require some degree of DIY expertise and skill. So continue reading as we discuss these processes in greater detail.

Do Brazilian Cherry Floors Scratch Easily?

Brazilian cherry doesn’t scratch easily. It’s also one of the toughest hardwoods, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas like a hallway, the kitchen, or the bedroom. This particular hardwood is also resistant to insect infestations and high temperatures.

How To Remove Scratches From Brazilian Cherry Floor?

In this section, you’ll learn the details for each solution to help you remove scratches from a Brazilian cherry floor:

Method #1: Apply A Hardwood Floor Cleaner

A good-quality hardwood floor cleaning solution might be sufficient if you’re only dealing with relatively light scratches on your Brazilian cherry floor. Lightly spray the product on the offending areas and spread it with a Swiffer mop.

Make sure not to apply more of the solution than recommended. Otherwise, you might harm the hardwood material, which can lead to additional complications. So make sure you’re following the cleaner’s instructions to avoid extra floor repair jobs.

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You can gain additional insight into this procedure by watching the video below:

Method #2: Buff And Recoat The Surface

For dark or medium-grade scratches, you might need to buff and recoat the Brazilian cherry floor to remove those gashes. Take note that you could purchase or rent some equipment that might not be common in your household. So prepare to spend some extra cash for this procedure.

What You’ll Need

• Buffer or rotary sanding machine
• 220-grit sanding screen
• Vacuum cleaner
• Swiffer mop
• Polyurethane floor finish
• T-bar applicator

Step-by-Step Buffing Guide

1. Install the 220-grit sanding screen into the buffer.
2. Use the buffer throughout the Brazilian cherry floor’s surface area to remove scuffs and scratches.
3. Vacuum the dust generated by the buffing.
4. Wipe the floor with a damp Swiffer mop, and allow the surface to dry before continuing.
5. Apply the polyurethane floor finish while following the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Spread the finish with the T-bar applicator.
7. Let the solution dry and cure before reintroducing furniture and traffic into the area.

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It's a good idea to close or turn off elements that might introduce dust and other particles to the jobsite. So deactivate fans and keep doors and windows closed while you're buffing and recoating your hardwood floor.

Watch the video below for a visual guide highlighting the steps mentioned above:

Method #3: Apply A Wood Filler

Take note that applying wood filler can help fix dents and deep scratches on hardwood floors, including those made from Brazilian cherry. But keep in mind that the solution might not be the same color as the flooring material. So you may still need to stain and/or paint the repaired area after this process.

What You’ll Need

• Cherry wood filler
• Disposable gloves
• Putty knife
• 180-grit sandpaper
• Microfiber cloth

Step-by-Step Wood Filler Application Guide

1. Wear disposable gloves.
2. Apply the recommended amount of wood filler on your finger.
3. Place the filler in the imperfection and spread it with your finger.
4. Scrape off the excess wood filler with a putty knife.
5. Let the putty dry and cure.
6. Use 180-grit sandpaper to sand the product lightly.
7. Wipe around the sanded area with a damp microfiber cloth.

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Don’t forget to watch this video for a visual representation of this procedure:

Method #4: Fill Scratches With Melted Wax

For this method to work, select a wax crayon with a color that resembles the tone and shade of the Brazilian cherry wood closely. Then, melt it with a blow dryer or heat gun.

Make sure that the melted wax drops to the scratched area. Once the melted wax dries, you can buff and flatten it with a clean cloth.

Aside from removing the scratches from your Brazilian cherry flooring, you can also hide the imperfections using a Ruggable area rug and other similar alternatives. Read our post on this floor covering and the other options so you can finalize your purchasing decision.

How To Restore Brazilian Cherry Floors?

Restoring a Brazilian cherry floor can also be a solution if you’re dealing with more than scratches. You can follow these steps to help you complete this restoration task:

What You’ll Need

• Vacuum cleaner
• Swiffer mop
• Emulsion wax
• Buffer

Step-by-Step Restoration Guide

Step #1: Prepare The Location

Move the furniture and other objects in the room to another location. Next, vacuum the Brazilian cherry floor to remove loose dirt. Then, wipe the surface with a damp Swiffer mop. Let the floor dry before continuing to the next step.

Step #2: Apply Floor Wax

In particular, apply a buffable emulsion wax to the Brazilian cherry wood flooring. This product will help seal the hardwood floor and avoid putting unwanted harm to the material during the buffing stage.

Step #3: Buff Out The Wax

Use the floor buffing tool to buff out the wax from the Brazilian cherry floor. Don’t forget to properly dispose of the leftovers or residues from this step.

Step #4: Screen The Floor

Attach a fine-grit sanding attachment to the floor-buffing tool. Then, use the machine to screen the surface. Don’t fret if you see your Brazilian cherry floor losing some color since you’ll restore the coat in the next step.

Step #5: Recoat

Pour your preferred polyurethane finish onto the flooring. Then, use a T-bar applicator to spread the solution across the floor’s surface area. You may apply more than one coat of the finish if necessary. But make sure to wait until the previous layer dries before applying the next coat.

Once the polyurethane solution dries and cures, return the appliances, furniture, and other items into the room.

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If this job seems like it’s too much for you to handle, you can count on industry professionals to take over the job for you. But you may need to prepare about $1,850 to pay for the expert services.

Also, watch the video below to gain additional insight into this floor restoration job:

How Expensive Is Brazilian Cherry?

The price for Brazilian cherry wood often ranges from $4.75 to $6.20 per square foot. In comparison, you could buy Southern yellow pine at about $4.40 per square foot. Take note that these costs may vary depending on the factors like the lumbers’ market values and the current state of the economy.

Don't forget that proper installation is vital to prevent issues from appearing on your Brazilian cherry floor. For instance, you need to ensure that the floorboard rests on the joist. Read our post on how to repair a misaligned floorboard if you encounter this concern.

Final Words

Eliminate scratches on Brazilian cherry flooring by using solutions like hardwood floor cleaners and wood fillers. Also, make sure to pay attention to the guidelines for each product used. That way, you can prevent further harm to your floor.