How to Remove Light Scratches from Wooden Furniture & Musical Instruments with Howard Restor-A-Shine
Howard Restor-A-Shine is a fine polishing compound designed to restore high-gloss wood finishes and remove minor scratches, oxidation, haze, and dullness. It’s safe for lacquer, varnish, shellac, and polyurethane finishes—making it ideal for furniture, pianos, and guitars.
⚠️ Important Note for Guitars & Pianos: Always test in a hidden spot first, as some vintage or nitrocellulose finishes may react differently. Avoid over-polishing, as thin finishes can wear through.
What You’ll Need
- Howard Restor-A-Shine Polishing Compound
- A soft, clean cotton cloth or microfiber cloth
- A small applicator pad or foam sponge (optional)
- Mild soap and water (for initial cleaning)
- Furniture wax or polish (optional, for final protection)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Clean the Surface
- Wipe down the wood, piano, or guitar with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
- Remove dust, fingerprints, or surface dirt.
- Let the surface dry completely before applying Restor-A-Shine.
2. Apply Restor-A-Shine
- Put a small amount of Restor-A-Shine onto a soft cloth or foam pad.
- Work on a small section at a time (e.g., 15cm × 15cm area).
3. Polish in Circular Motions
- Rub the compound gently into the wood using light to medium pressure.
- Use small, overlapping circles to cover the area.
- For instruments, keep pressure light to avoid thinning the finish.
4. Buff the Area
- After about 30–60 seconds of polishing, wipe off the excess with a clean, dry cloth.
- Buff the surface until it shines.
- If scratches are still visible, repeat the process once or twice more.
5. Protect the Finish
- For added protection, apply a thin coat of Howard Feed-N-Wax or a high-quality furniture wax.
- On guitars and pianos, avoid oily polishes that may seep into the wood—stick to wax or leave it as-is.
Special Tips for Musical Instruments
- Pianos (Gloss Black/High-Polish): Restor-A-Shine is effective in removing haze and swirl marks that appear under bright light. Use a microfiber cloth to avoid lint.
- Guitars (Lacquer/Polyurethane Finishes): Avoid polishing near strings, pickups, or electronics. Mask off sensitive areas with painter’s tape if necessary. Always go light-handed—less is more.
- Avoid unfinished/raw wood—Restor-A-Shine is for finished surfaces only.
Results You Can Expect
- Light scratches and scuff marks blend away.
- Gloss finishes regain clarity and depth.
- Haze and swirl marks disappear, leaving a showroom-like shine.