Work out how deep the scratch is
Run a fingernail across it. If your nail doesn't catch on the edge, it's a surface-level scratch in the polish layer. If it catches, the scratch has gone through to the bare wood underneath.
For light, surface-level scratches
Rub a small amount of matching wood polish or a walnut-based scratch filler stick along the scratch, following the direction of the grain, then buff with a soft cloth. This works well on lighter finishes and often makes minor marks disappear.
For deeper scratches
Deeper scratches usually need light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or higher) followed by spot-polishing to blend the repaired area with the surrounding finish. On carved or dark-stained pieces, this is easy to get wrong and leave a visible patch.
When to call a professional
If the scratch is on a visible surface, runs across carved detailing, or the piece has a dark or antique-style finish, it's worth having a polisher blend the repair rather than risking a mismatched patch.
Preventing scratches going forward
Use felt pads under decorative items and table lamps, lift rather than drag objects across surfaces, and keep sharp-edged items like keys or metal trays off polished wood surfaces.
