I have a vintage walnut dining room set, circa 1930’s (Jacobean Revival). It has the original finish. (The top of the dining room table - only the very top surface, not the apron - has been refinished, but that has no issues with looking dry) I bought it, used, from the family of the original owner. I’ve had it about 10 years. Part of the reason I chose this set over others is that it does NOT need refinishing. There is no checking or other damage.
It looked dry in areas when I got it; much less so now. Areas with the most issues are the turned legs and some of the carved trim. Flat areas (veneer) have less of a problem, with the exception of some book-matched figured wood on the doors and drawer fronts. About once a year, since buying it, I’ve been rubbing it down with lemon oil, concentrating on the dry spots. I do it about 3 times, about 12 hours or a day apart. But still some areas start looking dry after a year.
I do not know what KIND of finish the original is. It has a soft, subtle luster. It’s obviously porous: you can see the oil soak in.
But I’ve been wondering if I should try something different. Those turnings and carvings are tedious to do, with crawling around on the floor especially. Maybe there is something that needs application less frequently.
On an Antiques forum where I asked this question, someone (an antiques dealer, who is usually pretty knowledgeable) recommended Minwax Antique Oil Finish. First a rub down with mineral spirits, then a sparing application of this finish. Sais it would likely be "one and done" if I used that.
I looked it up. Since that’s an oil finish that dries, I wonder if I can safely use that, considering I don’t know what the original finish IS.
I have another product on hand called “Feed and Wax” that I’ve never tried; but I am open to other suggestions. Thanks!