Any idea where I should go from here?
 

This is the cabinet I got with my Necchi BU Supernova. Who knows what is looked like originally but it had been painted at some point in it's life sort of a guacamole gone bad color.

It was a bear to strip and I had to go at it again and again with assorted strippers and steel wool. Now that I have it naked it's really nice wood but more than one type or color. *I know nothing about wood.

What should I do next? Would it even take a stain evenly? I sorta like the two toned effect so it's ok if it doesn't. I was thinking Shellac. Is that what would have been used in that time frame? (It's a Necchi desk--probably mid to late 50's)

You did a great job ! I think shellac is a good idea !

My favorite stain color is dark walnut. I've used it on different woods over the years and it always comes out great.

Cari

I like the varied colors and grains in that wood. Were it mine I think I'd shellac it with amber shellac. Then wax it good and use it.

When I do shellac I use a lint free cloth to wipe it on rather than a paint brush. I get a much evener finish that way.

Joe

Joe I like the different woods too, so I think I will be happy with the amber shellac. The inside of the cabinet has scratches consistent with plenty of use. The outside has a birthmark that I am not sure if I can get rid of or not. No amount of steel wool and stripper would remove it.

there are various drying and drawing agents for wood that MAY get rid of your "birthmark" ...you could also try a hot iron over a piece of soft cloth.... if it is an oil spot soaked in that will draw some of it out. ( I have built and repaired some rifle stocks and deal with WELL oiled woods on occasion) if you dont mind sanding and staining a toothbrush and some alcohol might also remove some of the oil, but will result in a white-ish dry area that will have to be carefully recolored with stain ( the alcohol is slight drying agent and will remove oil but the rest of your wood has natural oils ... so it will "bleach" a little)
up to you if you are going for "NEW" or character.. I do not think the mark is that bad

Also a trick for dents and dings ( are's where the wood was compressed but not chipped out ) is a wet rag and a hot iron... you can force steam into a dent and swell the wood back out.

I am ok with "character" but would lighten the mark if I could. I'll give the iron and cloth a try and see if that helps.

WOW, I like all those drawers, lucky you. I like the idea of two different colors.

I like those woods. Are you planning to reuse the drawer pulls or get new hardware?

Zozee, I haven't decided fully. On one hand I like the coolness and the weight of the heavy metal handles, on the other they are a glossed gold color that has worn badly. I'm not sure if I should try and strip them or just paint over them. They would look nice in a warm tone to accent the cabinet. I wonder if i can just spray with Rustoleum?