Final answer:
Surface restorers or soft wax are typically used to restore discolorations of the skin in funeral homes or mortuary science, helping to create a natural appearance for the deceased.
Step-by-step explanation:
Surface restorers or soft wax are typically used for the cosmetic restoration of the deceased in funeral homes and mortuary science. Specifically, these materials are applied in situations where there are discolorations on the skin. Discolorations can be caused by a variety of factors, including illnesses or the mortuary process itself, and cosmetics can be used to create a more natural and lifelike appearance for viewings during funerals.
In the context of other restoration applications outside of mortuary science, these materials could also potentially be used in art restoration or the repair of delicate surfaces, though in the question's likely context, it relates to the funeral industry. The other options presented, such as abrasions, incisions, and contusions, are types of physical damage where other forms of treatment or restoration would be more appropriate.