A furniture scratch may be limited to the finish or extend into the wood itself. Surface marks can often be disguised with cleaning, wax, or a compatible touch-up product; a deep groove may need filling or finish repair and should not be sanded blindly.
Clean the area to see the true depth
Remove dust and grease with a method compatible with the finish. A white-looking line may be surface transfer; if a fingernail catches or bare light wood is visible below, the damage has gone through the protective layer.
Blend shallow marks with a matching touch-up
Wax, a furniture marker, or another touch-up product can reduce contrast in a fine scratch. Test color and sheen in a hidden area and apply a small amount, removing excess before adding more.
Deep grooves may need filling
If material is missing, a compatible filler or hard wax can level the area before color touch-up. Do not fill over loose splinters or moisture and avoid products that make future refinishing difficult.
Do not sand thin veneer or an unknown finish blindly
Many pieces use veneer or very thin finish layers that can be sanded through quickly. A large scratch, peeling finish, or valuable piece deserves finish and construction identification before sanding or stripping.
Sources
- American Cleaning Institute — Cleaning Tips — General household-cleaning practices and responsible product use.