Finish is destined to fail, mother nature is going to spend every moment trying to reclaim your furniture. Wood is meant to rot and return to earth, all we can do is prolong that. The thing is, with proper care a finish can last for hundreds of years (there are examples of shellac finished pieces that are original from the medieval ages)

A piece of furniture can be around as long as someone is able and willing to take care of it, or it is preserved in some way. The oldest piece of furniture known is a inlaid table from the tomb of King Midas, it dates to 696 BC. It was most likely finished in a dissolved copal resin (essentially varnish).

In practical every day use the oldest piece I know if is a bed in England that dates to the 16th century it is still in use and has been used by 15 generations. Depending on the use, environmental factors, the quality of work in the original finish, and the piece itself you can expect a good lifetime most out of any finish you apply.

When you're first starting wiping varnish is a great finish to master, it is easy and durable, buy a can of straight varnish and some thinner, mix small batches in a few ratios to figure out what you like. Shellac is also an excellent finish to work with, especially if you are forced to do your work indoors, in a confined space.

It can be a little more finicky than other finishes, but it is incredibly easy to correct. If you are able to spray: pre-catalyzed lacquer is excellent, it is easy to be successful with, very durable, easy to repair if you have a problem and inexpensive.

Keep it simple! Find one finish you think you will like and learn it as best you can. There is enough stuff in this realm to make anyones head spin. As you progress you can add more “stuff” to your arsenal, but mastery any one of the recommended finishes above will put your finished product above that of 95% of the woodworkers out there.

Left: Inlaid table from the tomb of King Midas 696 B.C. Middle: 17th century “buffet” It is actually made of oak but the original finish has darkened to near black with time. Right: A “poster” bed, 16th Century AD