Regardless of the type of finish, Wood Elixir will clean, seal and strengthen the finish. In terms of toughness, the three types of finishes can be rated as 1) Varnish 2) lacquer 3) shellac. If the chairs still have the original finish and are more than 80 years old they are almost certainly Shellac finish with a 1% chance they could be Varnish. If they are 40 to 80 years old , they are likely Lacquer. If they are less than 40 years old, they could be anything but most likely a synthetic varnish such as polyurethane.
--Previous Message-- : I have 4 dining room chairs with leather : cushions. My grandfather made them but I : don't know what he finished them with?? I : want to clean them up would the wood : elixer help or do I need to know what he : used?? :