Getting rid of scratches in wood furniture, floors and cabinets is labor-intensive, but you can easily camouflage them with various scratch-covering products.

Unsightly scratches on wooden furniture, floors and cabinets are inevitable. Removing a scratch in wood entails sanding and refinishing the entire surface, which can be a daunting and unrealistic task.

Luckily, there are several products designed to help camouflage scratches.

• Old English Scratch Cover comes in both a light and dark formula. Choose one that best matches the wood surface. Pour a little of the liquid onto a soft cloth and wipe the scratched surface. The oil will soak into the exposed wood, giving the entire surface a fresh look.

Do not use Old English Scratch Cover on floors, because it remains slick for an extended period of time.

• Tibet Almond Sticks are hard to find, but easy to use. The oil-soaked cotton stick can be rubbed over nicks and scratches to camouflage imperfections. Allow the oils to soak in before using a soft cloth to buff away the remaining residue.

• Wood-colored markers are a great way to recolor scratch marks. These markers come in a variety of shades. Use the marker to color in nicks and scratches, and wipe the surrounding area with a damp cloth to remove excess color after the scratch has been mitigated. Use multiple markers for an almost perfect match.

• Wood-tone wax pencils and crayons are great for filling in deeper cracks and crevices. Like the markers, wax fillers come in a wide variety of colors that can be blended together to match the surrounding wood. Wax pencils work well for surfaces that do not get a lot of wear and tear on a regular basis.

• Colored putty is an easy way to fill divots, cracks and other imperfections. A favorite among wood refinishers, putty can be used on floors, furniture and almost any other wood surface.

Unlike wax, however, putty will harden and could eventually work its way up and out of deep crevices. A top coat of clear finish can go a long way to keep the putty in place.

• Colored oil finishes, such as Howard Restor-A-Finish, work extremely well on older wood surfaces. The oil soaks into scratches and worn spots, giving the wood a uniform new look. In a ventilated area, soak a soft cloth with the colored oil and rub the oil into the wooden surface. Wipe away any excess and allow the finish to dry.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.