Hi, please don't use french polish:-as an antique restorer I can tell you that although it looks brilliant when done , it's very fragile. Varnish will sit on top of the surface and so can eventually peel, oil is the way to go. Be patient, use a finishing oil suitable for kitchens made by Liberon - there is a saying once a day fora week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year. Actually 6 applications should do a lovely job. Use an old linen tea towel to apply (no lint) wipe off all residue after 10 mins, wait until the next day to re apply. Oil sinks in and so can't peel. Be careful with the stain, as it's designed to be applied to bare wood it sinks right in so if you don't like it your stuffed. Good luck.