ᐅ How can I remove surface scratches from a Malm nightstand?

blapau schrieb:
Olive oil can become rancid over time and cause the surface to become sticky.

That is correct. For high-quality furniture or long-lasting solutions, it is advisable to use professional products. Another option is to use repair kits containing fine waxes and color-matched fillers. These are applied when oil and polish are no longer sufficient. However, you need to be very careful to ensure the color matches exactly.

In any case: Always allow sufficient drying time after treatment and avoid using wet cloths immediately afterward to prevent discoloration or damage.

Thanks to everyone for the tips so far! To put it into context: the scratches are really just minor and don’t penetrate deeply into the wood – so no broken veneer or unnecessary indentations. What I haven’t quite understood yet is the order of application: Is it enough to clean first and then apply, for example, furniture polish or oil? Or should you start with repair wax and then polish afterwards? I want to proceed as gently as possible with minimal trial and error.

Hello rulohau, I can offer a step-by-step suggestion based on my experience with veneered wood that works well:

1. Clean the surface using a mild, non-abrasive cleaner, such as a slightly damp microfiber cloth (not wet).

2. Let it dry.

3. If the scratches are very superficial, first try furniture wax or a wax-based polish, as these can visually fill in the scratches.

4. If the scratches are still visible after polishing, carefully apply a special repair wax or a color-matched touch-up pen.

5. After a short drying time, gently buff everything with a soft cloth following the direction of the grain.

This avoids unnecessary over-treatment and protects the veneer.

For light scratches: a regular furniture wax or a simple application of walnut oil. Apply after cleaning and then polish. Rarely is more needed.

One more addition to the previous recommendations: If the piece of furniture only has minor scratches, you can also use a color-matched wax repair stick. These products are available from manufacturers specializing in wood furniture repair. Simply apply it to the scratches and then polish with a cloth. This is a safe method that does not carry the risk of damaging the veneer. The key is to use only a small amount of product and to choose the color carefully.

In summary: gentle cleaning, furniture polish or wax, and a color-matching repair pen if needed. Do not use strong abrasives or damp treatment, as this can damage the veneer.