Finish for old trunk?

[offthemark]

After 5 years of begging I finally managed to talk my father out of the trunk pictured below. It belonged to my great-great-grandfather and is (we think) about 90-100 years old. To the best of our knowledge, the paint is original and has just worn off with time. It was caked in mud so we've started cleaning it with Murphy's oil soap and warm water. Gentle brushes only.

My question is what to use for a finish. I don't want to take the paint off as that is part of the charm. My father recommended just coating in paste wax but I'm concerned it won't hold up well. Plus, when it's wet, the grain REALLY pops out and makes it look nice. I don't want to use anything too heavy that will take away from the current look. Thoughts?

[gsmittle]

After 5 years of begging I finally managed to talk my father out of the trunk pictured below. It belonged to my great-great-grandfather and is (we think) about 90-100 years old. To the best of our knowledge, the paint is original and has just worn off with time. It was caked in mud so we've started cleaning it with Murphy's oil soap and warm water. Gentle brushes only.

My question is what to use for a finish. I don't want to take the paint off as that is part of the charm. My father recommended just coating in paste wax but I'm concerned it won't hold up well. Plus, when it's wet, the grain REALLY pops out and makes it look nice. I don't want to use anything too heavy that will take away from the current look. Thoughts?

How about shellac? Or do you want a water-resistant finish, like oil poly or something?

Disclaimer: I really have no idea what I'm talking about--finishing is still a mystery to me.

g.

[scmhogg]

Mark,

Perhaps you should consult with an antiques restorer. You don't have to watch too many episodes of the Antiques Roadshow to know that refinishing antiques can destroy their value, both monetary and historic.

I use Renaissance Wax, a microcrystaline wax used by a lot of museums.

Steve

[LCHIEN]

Mark,

Perhaps you should consult with an antiques restorer. You don't have to watch too many episodes of the Antiques Roadshow to know that refinishing antiques can destroy their value, both monetary and historic.

...
Steve

that's exactly what I was thinking