Be aware that the humidity in your area and the house will have a direct effect on the finish you use. Cold weather and high humidity will delay (for a long time) the curing of whatever you use. This is, of course, after you have done your stripping and sanding. Most varnishes or urathanes do not do well in less that 70 degree temperatures, and paint will even take three times as long to dry and cure. When you are done, and the piece is ready you will be so proud of the work you did and rightly so. Have fun with it and please, show a picture when you are done.