How do I remove fine scratches from dark wood furniture?

Angela
by Angela

Hooker dresser is showing some fine scratches, I really do not want to refinish.

  10 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Jan 08, 2019

    Just get a bottle of Old English dark tone and wipe on. That's all you need to do. Usually sold in cleaning products section.

  • Crystal Holliday Crystal Holliday on Jan 08, 2019

    I was just doing research on natural furniture cleaner. Olive oil and vinegar appear to be a a great way to clean wood furniture naturally and even (depending on the stain and finish) help with scratches. Definitely test in a small spot before applying on the entire piece. Best wishes on your project!

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 08, 2019

    For light wood: Rubbing the meat of a nut along the scratch will work as the oil from the nut darkens the wood and makes the scratch disappear. Walnut and pecan both work to hide wood scratches. Once you’ve rubbed the nut along the scratch several times, run your fingertip along it so the heat of your skin can help the nut’s oil sink into the wood.


    For dark wood: Use the same process described above but with coffee grounds.


    For mahogany or cherry wood: Use iodine and a cotton swab.


    For ebony-finished wood: Combine fireplace ash with a little water to make a paste and rub this with your finger into the scratch.

  • Try Old English products. I stay away from things like olive oil as where I live, it has a tendency to go rancid over time, then you have bigger problems, so consider your climate before using that remedy.

  • Howard feed and wax works great. So does hemp oil. I've used both on scratched up furniture and it restores it and hides the scratches.

  • DMD DMD on Jan 09, 2019

    They have colored furniture scratch crayons at the hardware store.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Jan 09, 2019

    I'd use Old English Furniture Polish for Dark Wood. Works well on my old and antique pieces. Old English is my first "go to" product for good furniture.

  • 34354174 34354174 on Jan 09, 2019

    If they are light scratches, then it is just on the finish. You can use a very fine makeup brush (or any brush that has a fine edge and is sturdy). Put a little clear polyurethane on the brush and fill JUST the scratches. Use very little.

    A builder told me to do this to my hardwood floors and it works!!!

    I have never tried it on furniture, but I do believe it would do the same.

    If you are uncomfortable with that idea, a clear wax to fill the scratches would work as well. Lightly buff.

    Scratch covers can sometime darken the scratch and make it more prominent. I can never find a colored crayon in the same color.

  • NCbulldoglover NCbulldoglover on Jan 09, 2019

    I second, third and fourth the Old English Furniture polish. I have used it for years and fine scratches will disappear. My son teethed on one of my nightstands 40 years ago and I still have that piece thanks to Old English.

  • Pri32511710 Pri32511710 on Jan 09, 2019

    Rub the scratches with a nut, like walnut or pecan!

    • Valerie Burge Valerie Burge on Jan 09, 2019

      I was just going to say that! I saw it on myth busters...and rubbing it with a walnut actually worked!!