How To: Fix Chipped Wood with a Stain Pen

Happy Monday! Sorry, I failed to post on Friday, I was not feeling too well on Thursday and Friday and took a well needed break from everyt...

Happy Monday! Sorry, I failed to post on Friday, I was not feeling too well on Thursday and Friday and took a well needed break from everything. 


Let's me state the facts....I LOVE Target's clearance aisles. I can literally live in them! Back in March I gave my not-so-very-big master room a makeover and I purchased some frames from Target for a set of watercolor paintings one of my good friends painted for me. I found two frames in the clearance home decor aisle and to my surprise, both frame were chipped, one more-so than the other.  

NOW...before I go any further, I know some of y'all may not agree with my tactics BUT this was not planned out....it was just pure luck. 

BACK TO THE STORY...I really like the frames and I placed the two frames in my cart and as I was shopping, I ran into one of the Target employees who was marking down the prices and I asked him why were these marked down because I could not find any other frames like it. He entered the product into his little digital store remote thingy and responded, "they are marked down because they are discontinued"....my eyes lit up and I was like, "REALLY?"...Side note: I used to work in retail, so I know some stuff, if you know what I mean. Anyways, I asked him, "what are your chances of discounting these some more because they were chipped?"...He said, "How much do you want off of it?"....I responded, "Can you do an additional 70%?" (I thought that percentage was kind of bold, but I wanted to see what he was going to say).....GUESS WHAT?....He did it! They were originally priced on clearance at approximately $20...if you do the math it equals an awesome price for such an easy fix. 

I know, I am bad! but if they were on clearance because they were discontinued and not because they were chipped, wouldn't you ask for a price reduction? My friends have told me I am crazy to do that especially since Target items are so well priced. But hey, I did not plan for it to go that way, I just asked. 

Today, I will be sharing how I fixed the chipped areas on my faux burl wood picture frames. 


This is not a sponsored post, but I thought I would share, since this is something that I have used for years on furniture pieces with minor (small) chipping and flaws---especially on craigslist to sell items. You can purchase one of these pens at any home improvement stores. The smell is kind of strong so I would not use this around kids and I would open any windows, if used inside the home. There are a handful of stain colors to choose from varying from light to dark. 


My apologies, before I started this tutorial I colored in the rest and I forgot to take a before shot from a distance. I have a bad habit about forgetting to take photos for tutorials and I normally dive head first into a project than think about everything while in the middle of it. 

The Steps are as pictured below---please forgive the difference in frame color, I had to shoot some of these photos using my left hand so the lighting angle is different.





Although, the color is not a perfect match, it really does not bother me because when hung on a wall, you cannot really tell there were any imperfections to begin with. Plus, this is faux burl and if you know real burl wood, they have dark and light spots in it already. 


Do you see it? Here is a hint, The blemish is located in the lower right hand corner above the miter joint. Love it!

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

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38 comments

  1. You're not crazy, just very brave. I wish I could do that, but I don't have the nerve. I'm surprised your friends don't ask you to go shopping with them! I certainly would! This post couldn't come at a better time. I was doing some serious spring cleaning last month and noticed how badly my dressers were scratched and dinged up. I will be looking for one of those pens.

    I loved your pictures. Very close up it looks like a cover up, but who ever gets that close to a picture frame or dresser. I couldn't see it in the last picture until you pointed it out. You did a great job! Thanks for the tips!

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    1. Thank you Kim and sorry it took me so long to respond. When it comes to my family we have to be frugal to survive. I should probably write a post to why I am so frugal....maybe later in the future. Thanks for stopping by.

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  2. Im actually really surprised they gave you the additional 70% off - I'm totally going to try that next time because I always see things like that!
    And your final product looks totally natural!

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    1. Yea, I was surprised at first...but hey, it was a win win situation. You should try it. Thanks for commenting and taking time to stop by!

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  3. I'm so impressed! Both with your gutsiness and your innovative use of the stain remover pen! So cool. Keep up the great work.

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  4. It kind of looks like a wooden version of marble and the speckled wood adds a touch of much needed character to the frame!

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    1. Yes, it does. I never really thought of it like that, but it does. I love burl!

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  5. I love the stain pens! I use one on our kitchen table because ours kids love to leave dents and dings in it. :) I also like to ask for additional discounts when I feel it's warranted, it never hurts to ask! I use to work retail so I know how it works sometimes too, we once got an awesome discount on a stroller just because it was the last one in the store and the box was damaged, even though everything in side was perfect!

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    1. I know how you feel! I have an acrylic black modern table...it looks good from a far, but has taken a slight beating because of our kids, so every once in a while...I will try to disguise or fix the small imperfections with black nail polish--it is shiny and has an enamel finish just like my table. When you have kids you have to save money what ever way you can. So happy you were able to get a discount on your stroller! Thanks Justine for always stopping by and dropping a comment!

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  6. Wow this looks amazing! I need to get a pen for my office desk stat! I love that picture fram and using that pen makes the chip look unnoticeable!

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  7. Great job in getting them marked down! I love Target, one of my favorite places to shop!

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  8. Well I'm impressed. I love the artwork inside, too!
    xo, Caitlin
    And Possibly Dinosaurs

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  9. Looks great! I have to agree with your love for the Target clearance. I'm a bit of a fanatic about it. Who can resist 70% off?!

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    1. Ha! You are so right Shann...who can resist Target? Love it! Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. This looks amazing! love your blog and the pics in this post :) I always like reading about DIY's and interior decor

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  11. I love using these things!! They are little miracle workers in a stick!

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    1. I know...aren't they miracle workers? Love it!

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  12. That is so cool! Does it work well on hardwood floors?

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    1. I think it may work on hardwood...I haven't tried it, but why not?

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  13. Love wood pens! When we moved into our house, the builder gave us a few for the touch ups that we noticed. We couldn't believe how well they worked!

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    1. I know, right? Love it! thanks for stopping by!

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  14. Looks brand new! congrats on the easy fix and budget friendly find! <3

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  15. Thanks for the reminder I have to do this on a few pieces of furniture! I bought stain pens but haven't used them yet! Great tool!

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  16. I have used a stain marker on my dining room table. It is nice to be able to fix them.

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  17. No one would ever notice that! And WAY TO GO with the bold suggestion of 70% off! The worst they can say is no, and generally people don't, I've found. Glad you're feeling better :)

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    1. That is exactly what I was thinking...It never hurts to ask. Thanks Brooke for stopping by.

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  18. Wow this is so easy! Great post, you are going to save many of us some big bucks! Thank you :)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Chantal and for your taking time out to comment. I really really appreciate it.

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  19. I use these too, though I use a different brand. Also, though it's not that well known, if you don't have one of those markers you can color it with a similar colored crayon or colored pencil and then use clear nail polish to make it shine like the rest and seal it. You'll never notice it :)

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    1. Yea, I heard on super dark wood that a black sharpie has the same effect. Good to know. Thanks for letting me know that.

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