Options for new finish on top of oil/wax?

[Will Mullendore]

I finished a walnut desk last year using oil/wax that gets daily use. The contact from my arms has worn the finish off in spots. It’s easy to reapply, but is there a suitable finish that will work right over the top of furniture butter or do I need to plane it down to bare wood and try something else?

[John TenEyck]

I think it can be done if you clean it really well, including wiping it several times with Naptha, sand it lightly with 325 or 400 grit, and then spray a coat or two of dewaxed shellac. That should give you a good base upon which you can apply nearly any film forming finish you want.

John

[Michael Burnside]

John has a good suggestion. I've not done this personally, but I've read that you can cover an oil-based finish with shellac as long as it is abraded for something the shellac can adhere to. Personally I'd re-apply the original finish as well, let it cure, and then apply the shellac.