For mine always lacquer, the original finish.

Alan

That's what I hear is the correct way of doing it.

I don't think it is necessary to stain, just sand and clear lacquer.

Pic of what it looks like - not done by me. Just one of my games.

I tend to follow previous advice and use lacquer thinner and then wax it.

SDC12393 (resized).jpg

>>Do you stain? I have never worked with lacquer. Must research. Does it apply similar to Tung oil?

You can spray from a can (Deft) or brush from a can. Very easy and forgiving. Dries very fast. But vapors are bad so do it outdoors and don't breath in the vapors.

On the rare occasion I sanded the trim I did use a Minwax Gunstock stain, then lacquer. But that was to try to blend in with other trim not sanded.
If all trim is sanded then you can just lacquer since that is what they did originally. The original wood trim when new was not stained, it was left natural. It darkened over time.

After the lacquer is dry I wax with Johnsons paste wax using a 0000 steel wool pad for the applicator. That really smooths things out and gives a richer sheen.

Currently I try to avoid sanding the wood trim if it is in half decent shape. I now use this technique:

Alan