Deep Dog Scratch Restoration

This solid oak door in Covington served as the enthusiastic greeting point for two Great Danes over four years, resulting in extensive claw damage that penetrated through the stain and deep into the wood fibers across the entire lower half of the door.

The scratches ranged from surface marks to gouges over 1/8 inch deep, with some areas showing splintering from repeated impact. The homeowner had tried various DIY repair attempts including wood markers and wax sticks, but the damage was too extensive and visible for simple touch-ups.

Our deep scratch restoration process required advanced techniques specifically developed for severe pet damage that goes beyond typical refinishing. The project began with comprehensive damage mapping to categorize each scratch by depth and determine the appropriate repair method for each area.

Deep gouges required professional-grade wood filler that bonds permanently with oak and can be shaped to match the surrounding wood grain perfectly. The restoration process included removing the door to our workshop where controlled conditions ensure proper curing of repair materials and precise color matching.

Each filled area was individually shaped and textured to blend seamlessly with the oak's natural grain patterns using specialized tools and techniques. Color matching required custom stain mixing to perfectly match the aged oak while accounting for the different absorption rates of filler versus natural wood.

The finishing system includes multiple coats of ultra-high-durability marine-grade spar urethane specifically chosen for its resistance to future pet damage while maintaining the natural wood appearance.