There are a dozen different ways you might finish (or refinish) wood furniture.
Knowing more about the different finishes available can help determine what will work best for your project.
Fine Woodworking has a great guide to the different finishes you could use.
Finishes come in several different categories including oils, shellacks, varnishes, waxes, and water-based finishes.
Selecting a Finish| Fine Woodworking