How would you fix this wood?

[sheknows31]

It wasn't me that painted it before we bought the house. It's definite scratches and I have no idea how to fix it and what colour the varnish or stain is?
I can imagine il need to sand it down to get rid of the scratches and smooth it out but not sure what to do after that. Money is tight so I'd rather try and do it myself rather than getting some1 in, if possible

What's the wood part of? Doorway, cupboard, floor? My advice would depend on what it is.

It's the stairs, so it's the bottom post. The rest of the banister is fine. The top post at the top of the stair is in the same condition as the bottom one I've showed in the pic

Previous owner obviously had a cat

Palm sander and a tin of Briwax will sort it.

What colour of briwax would you go for?

Antique pine is the most likely original colour.