HOW TO REMOVE SCRATCH FROM ROSEWOOD PANEL

[John100156]

I have a small scratch on a lacquered rosewood veneered panel door on my Targa34 which I would like to rub down and polish-out if at all possible.

Can anyone recommend a method and type of polish?

I expect say 2000 grade sandpaper?

Images follow:

Close-up:

Many thanks

 

[ianat182]

You could try Topps scratch remover,its a small bottle and the liquid is in various hues,with a lemon aroma when used. Often used for refurbishing antiques and I find it works. Try some on an unseen corner first.
ian

 

[philip_stevens]

A French Polisher repairing a scratch I had in some furniture, used 4O (OOOO) wire wool and wax polish to hide the scratch. He used small circular motions with the wire wool.

I have done the same on the cabin table to hide some scratches in the varnish.

 

[johnalison]

Depending on the profile of the scratch, it may be worth using an iron on a damp cloth to lift the fibres which have been compressed, and then treat as suggested.

 

[davidfox]

Dont try removing the scratch by rubbing down with anything, you will only succeed in making it stand out more, It is in an unfortunate position being in the center of the panel as any thing you do with wire wool or fine paper will make it stand out like the bulldogs you know whats.
Try coloured furniture wax, it comes in a stick in every wood colour you can think of, its used to repair scratches on furniture, applied only to the scratch carefully you may be able to effect an acceptable repair, otherwise the whole panel will need stripping and recoating/spraying.
Luberon or Liberon is the name of the manufacturer, try Googleing.

 

[srp]

Touch up pens work quite well to get the colour - start with the lighter ones first.

To level the surface you could use some of this wax stick - it needs to be warmed up by rolling it between your fingers, and I usually press it into the crack or scratch with a marking knife or chisel, but you have to be very careful not to make more scratches - a stiff plastic spatula might be better. Several different colours available, and can be mixed if you're prepared to fiddle around with melting and mixing.

The existing finish is probably a catalysed lacquer of some sort - unlike French polish there's no chance of softening and re-working it, you'll just have to disguise it as best you can.
Not sure where you are but I get Liberon stuff from Axminster Power Tools (internet order) or Wenban-Smith (Lewes, Brighton, Worthing and Horsham).

 

[rjandhl]

You could try a brazil nut!
Cut the nut in half and rub the scratch with the exposed face of the nut. We have used it lots of time on light mahogany and our friends have used it on teak with success.
Then you can eat the nut afterwards as a bonus!

 

[StugeronSteve]

Try the Topps scratch polish, as suggested, or call in a french polisher. I wouldn't attempt anything too dramatic myself as it is likely to make matters worse.

 

[oldharry]

FAced with a similar problem, I was advised not to use any colourant or stain unless you are sure you can match it exactly. Use Beeswax, rub it carefully in to the scratch for an invisible repair. It worked.

 

[John100156]

Thanks to all for responses - will try less agressive sugestions and if all else fails, call-in a French Pollisher!

 

[tcm]

um, some of the ideas below are a bit one-way if they don't work eg using stain will not be removable. And once wax applied then that might inhibit use of stain etc.

The rosewood is wafer-thin on plywood and the varnish is sprayed. So it's not a huge deal to dismantle and get it resprayed.

To fix in situ I think I might inflict a similar scratch on hidden bit of same wood (eg underside of drawer edge) and then test the fix of your choice on that. I don't see why a rubbing-down option with fine rubbing compound wouldn't work - but regardless I would want to *know* it'll work rather than oops damn "try" it first time on something that obvious, right in the middle.

Other option is hide it with summink, a warning sticker, a badge, a fire blanket or another chromey handle frinstance.

Once fixed i suppose it might be an idea to find/fix a decent chromed full-width horizontal handle to prevent more scratches in future - that looks a busy area hence cause of scratch i spose.

 

[John100156]

Sensible advice - many thanks.