Like other wall surface materials, board paneling can become damaged by everyday wear and tear in a house.

Boards can become gouged, scratched, dented, and cracked.

Minor scratches and gouges can be hidden or covered up, but you may want to replace panels that are more seriously damaged with new panels that match the existing paneling.

Sheet paneling with wood veneer can also become scratched and gouged.

Though it is difficult to conceal repairs to veneer or simulated materials, minor scratches and gouges in both sheet and solid-wood paneling can be concealed with a putty stick of matching color.

When using a putty stick, fill the scratch, then wipe away any putty on the surface of the paneling with a clean cloth.

For severe scratches on quality paneling, consult a furniture repair expert--he or she can conceal scratches with a putty stick, furniture polish, or an "almond stick"--a compressed fabric stick impregnated with almond oil.