Much of our house has cypress paneling and trim that has not been touched since the home was built. Some came back to life with a good cleaning but most is dull with layers of dirt that take an incredible amount of elbow grease to remove and some has bubbling of the original finish preventing any cleaning. The finish does soften with both acetone and lacquer remover so I don’t think it is varnish.

The first photo shows the dirt. The left side of the corner trim has been cleaned. The right side - not.

the second photos shows the type of paneling I am up against. Different layers, trenches and beveled trim. It also shows how dull it is and the bubbling of the previous finish. It is much worse in areas. Does anyone know what the white material in the crevices are? I am not so worried about the cracks - a sign of age.

I have tried a lot of approaches. To achieve any level of success requires much elbow grease and results in an uneven finish. Any suggestions on how to bring the life, some color and some glow, back to this wood will be appreciated.