Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500431
06/24/03

Wood Furniture - Scratches


Light scratches will often disappear when carefully
rubbed with furniture polish or paste wax. Deeper
scratches can be hidden by carefully rubbing with a piece
of oily nutmeat such as Brazil nut, black walnut, or
pecan. Be careful to rub the nutmeat directly into the
scratch so it will not darken the surrounding wood.

Color the scratch with brown coloring crayon or
liquid shoe dye (especially good on walnut).

Stain the scratch with iodine: Mahogany--use new
iodine; Brown or cherry mahogany--iodine that has turned
dark brown; Maple--dilute one part iodine with one part
denatured alcohol.

Commercial scratch removers or stick wax to match
the wood finish can also be used.

After the scratch has been hidden, polish or wax the
entire area. Deep scratches on some modern furniture
finishes which resist staining are almost impossible to
hide.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Georgia
Extension bulletin How to Care for Your Furnishings.

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This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08. Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact strausc@msu.edu .