That was my thinking, but this is probably an antique. Here you go

Impressive design and look. I wonder if there is not a sticker/stamp on the underside identifying the maker. Like a Made in _______(whichever far Eastern country that exports furniture like that). Another clue is the gussets(pieces that strengthen corners and the skirt) are often unfinished on pieces like those.

Oh, it is not unusual for the grain of a wood like oak to be prominent after finishing with most finishes. I cannot see for sure if the top is laminated, but will hazard the guess it is.

There are ways to determine what a finish is or is not. Alcohol dissolves shellac, lacquer thinner dissolves lacquer, but paint thinner does not dissolve varnish nor polyurethane.

No matter which finish is on the table, what you are doing is good. Waxing with a spray wax loads silicon on the surface, making refinishing a real chore if necessary. If I had to refinish that table, I would first clean the surface with 0000 plastic sponge(3M makes several). Plastic rather than steel wool since steel wool sheds minute particles. Then apply a coat of blonde shellac(sticks to almost anything), lightly sand and then varnish with a non-poly varnish. Someone more experienced in refinishing may have a better alternative.

Looks like a polyurethane finish on there.

Not sure why you would want to put shellac on top of that, and then a non poly varnish on top of that unless you hate the look of the existing finish. Although I do agree a non poly varnish would look better. But the effort to reward ratio isn't good enough for this undertaking in my opinion.

If you're happy with the finish, all it needs in addition to keeping it clean is a periodic furniture polish. Something with no silicone in it. I also would not apply straight tung oil either.

Perhaps something like this:

http://www.dalyswoodfinishes.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=29

Thank you. I think it was imported from Canada about a hundred years ago and lovingly redone...

To clarify,

• keep it clean
• no silicone
• no wax
• oil it about once a year.

Thanks!

First, I did not recommend shellac and varnish NOW. I said if I refinished the piece, those are the products I would use.

Applying an oil finish over a hard finish like poly does nothing but create a mess. Oil finishes are designed to soak into wood---finishes prevent that.

Non silicon wax is a better idea(Paste wax for furniture).