Wood finish restoration, a question for wood workers?

[5.56Geo]

I screwed the pooch! I need help!

My father in law passed and while going through his possessions my wife found a small wood box she made for him back when she was in 8th grade and she brought it home. While I was cleaning it from all the years of smoke and cigarette tar the finish is now dull and somewhat ashy. It is made from cheap Pine or similar grade wood.

My question, what could I put on it to restore some of the wood luster now that it is clean? Thanks-George

 

[RustVendor]

Id probably use tung oil or linseed or similar, just be aware it will likely change the color of the wood but it sounds like what you want is just something simple to wipe on.

 

[Hamburger Monster]

Photos?

I usually gravitate to boiled linseed oil. Or sometimes the wipe on polyurethane

 

[RustyIron]

Tung or linseed oil will give you a good oil finish. You can add a bit of stain to it if you’re trying to restore color. Wipe it on, wipe it off, let it sit for a week or so to let the oil dry. You can’t rush it. After, you can apply some paste finishing wax.

 

[BubbaLa88]

I would say a spray lacquer, but considering it's age and history ,don't think the spray would stick.
Watco danish oil is what I would use. Its basically a thin varnish,should be available in most paint supply places.

 

[boltstop]

Have you sanded it to bare wood or just cleaned it so that whatever finish was on it still remains?