Varnished cabinets

[semery74]

Does anyone know what cubans use to varnish their cabinets. Is it a lacquer, a shellac, an oil such as tug oil, or a urethane? I think this should warrant some experimentation.

Test for Finish Type

1) Apply Linseed Oil to existing finish, if the oil absorbs then it has an oil finish, if it beads up then the continue to the next step

2) Apply Acetone to the finish, if it is a Polyurethane finish it will shed acetone like water. Lacquer will dissolve in less than a minute, shellacs will turn to a sticky/gell after a minute or two.

3) Apply Alcohol to the finish, if it is Shellac it will quickly dissolve.