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1. 
   ErnieConover | Nov 25, 2007 05:23pm | #1

   I would use an oil finish such as Minwax Antique Oil Finish (clear) or one coat of Antique oil followed by shellac. Either Option is good and depends on your preferences. I like to French polish (which is a shellac finish) but speed the traditional process up with the drying oil. The oil brings out the best in the finish.

   Here is my receipt for an oil finish. I use Minwax because my local hardware carries it, but there are many more good brands. Minwax Antique Oil Finishis is available in a variety of pigmentations, but I use clear. When I apply Antique Oil Finish I ware rubber gloves. It saves having to wash your hands with lacquer thinner to remove dried finish. A word of caution when working with this finish: It has a tremendous affinity for oxygen and dries quickly, hence is a good candidate for spontaneous combustion. Any rages that are used to apply the finish should be disposed of properly. Do not leave them in the shop.

   Wipe the oil on with a small rag and let it dry for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the temperature—the higher the temperature the quicker the drying time. When the oil is tacky sand it in with the same grit sandpaper you finished sanding dry with. Keep the sandpaper wet with mineral spirits. Apply another light coat of oil and wait until tacky. Use paper towel to wipe off the excess oil Wipe cross grain as much as possible.

   I apply additional coats of finish sanding each coat with progressively finer wet-dry sandpaper and once tacky wipe with clean paper towel. For a gallery level finish I machine sand to 180 grit, then apply the first coat of oil then hand sand with 180 grit to unify sanding scratch direction. I apply up to 4 coats of Antique Oil Finish sanding with 220,320 then 400 grit. I allow 24 hours drying time on the first coat and then overnight between coats.

   With best regards,
   Ernie Conover