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.