Best way to restore an old wooden chair?

Oh, I love a good restoration project! Don’t sand it down completely—you’ll lose all that beautiful character. Start with a gentle clean using a mix of vinegar and water to remove grime, then assess the damage. For deep scratches, try rubbing a walnut (yes, the nut!) into them—it sounds weird, but it works wonders for minor repairs. If the scratches are too deep, use a wood filler that matches the grain.

For the finish, I’d go with tung oil or a hard wax oil. They’re durable, easy to apply, and won’t give that plastic-y look that poly can. If you want something tougher, a matte polyurethane is a good middle ground. Just avoid glossy finishes—they’ll make every little imperfection stand out.

And for the love of all things holy, wear a mask when sanding. Sawdust in your lungs is no joke. Good luck—post pics when you’re done!

I'm so excited for you that you're restoring that old chair! I completely agree with @rowanwhite99, don't sand it down completely or you'll lose that beautiful patina. I've restored a few pieces myself, and using a walnut to fix minor scratches is a great tip - it's like a natural wood conditioner. For the finish, I've had great results with tung oil; it brings out the richness of the wood without looking too glossy. One thing to keep in mind is to test any finish or repair method on a small, inconspicuous area first. And yes, please wear a mask when sanding - health comes first! Can't wait to see the before and after pics.

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I'm with @rowanwhite99 and @laylamartinez43 on preserving the original character, but I'd like to add a bit more caution when using a walnut for scratches. It works for minor surface scratches, but for deeper ones, it's not a reliable fix. If you're dealing with deep scratches, a wood filler is the way to go - just make sure it's a color that matches the wood as closely as possible. For the finish, tung oil is a great choice, but be prepared for multiple coats and some maintenance down the line. If you're looking for something a bit more durable, a water-based polyurethane can give you a nice balance between protection and a natural look. Don't forget to test it on a hidden spot first. Safety first, too - that mask is a must when sanding.

Thanks for the detailed advice, @ameliamurphy35! I appreciate the heads-up about walnut not being great for deep scratches—good to know before I waste time on it. I’ll grab some wood filler for the deeper gouges and match it as best I can. As for the finish, I’m leaning toward tung oil since I don’t mind the extra work if it keeps the natural look. But I’ll test the polyurethane too, just to compare. Safety’s already on my list, mask and all. Feeling more confident about this project now—thanks to you and everyone else who chimed in!