Back to home
Restoration Protocol: Dent

Dent Repair Protocol

A dent is a compressed area. The best result comes from checking whether the fibers can recover before you decide to fill, sand, recolor, and seal.
Dent summary

Problem Summary

A small shallow dent or compression mark in a hardwood floor. The wood fibers may be compressed but not broken.

Step-by-step repair

Step 1 Clean and assess

Step 1: Clean and assess

Inspect the dent, check whether the fibers are compressed or broken, and clean the repair area.

Checkpoint: the dent should be shallow, clean, and still structurally sound.
Step 2 Raise the compressed fibers

Step 2: Raise the compressed fibers

Use a damp cloth and gentle heat only if the finish allows it. Recheck after the area dries.

Checkpoint: only a shallow low spot should remain after the fibers have had time to recover.
Step 3 Fill what does not lift

Step 3: Fill what does not lift

If the dent remains, use wood filler and let it cure fully before sanding.

Checkpoint: the fill should cure firm and stay slightly proud of the floor surface.
Step 4 Sand the repair smooth

Step 4: Sand the repair smooth

Sand only the repaired area until the patch is flush with the surrounding floor.

Checkpoint: the patch should feel level and even under side light.
Step 5 Match the floor color

Step 5: Match the floor color

Use the ArtisanLabFix color matching workflow to blend the filled area with the surrounding wood.

Checkpoint: the dry sample should blend naturally with the floor before sealing.
Step 6 Seal and protect

Step 6: Seal and protect

Apply a thin compatible clear finish that matches the existing sheen.

Checkpoint: the finish should cure evenly without tacky spots or sheen mismatch.

What you usually need

Want product recommendations and the ArtisanLabFix color matcher?

Go to color matching preview

If the board is cracked, soft, or the dent stays deep after gentle lifting, cosmetic repair may not be enough.