I am repairing a chair with a damaged cane seat for a friend as he somehow put his knee through it. I asked him if it was the result of a wild parlor game...he said it was not...my attempt at humor was lost on him.

My question is... the original seat was finished with a varnish. Does this shorten the life of the cane? I would think it would as it could not be dampened and 'renewed'. The cane was very brittle, the chair was made in the mid 70's.

I am just curious about this, however regardless, I will put a finish on the cane to bring it close to its original condition.

A related question...If I do this what would the recommended finish be?

Many thanks,

John