Place the damp cloth over the scratch, and place the heated iron over the cloth. The heat will draw the natural oils in the leather to the surface. This will make the scratch look better.
Rub a small amount of plant-based oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, into the scratch with a soft cloth. Be sure to remove the excess oil from the leather.
Rub a soft cloth into the shoe paste and then use it to buff the scratched area. Start with a small area and buff outward, blending the shoe polish with the rest of the leather. Use the cloth to remove any extra paste and allow to dry thoroughly.