Regards drover:
Deft is a lacquer. Lacquer has the properties of being fast to tack, offers a respray within a short time and if the finish is damaged it will agglomerate. In other words additional coats bond to the previous unlike polyurethane finishes which layer or lay on top of the previous coats. It will enhance depth rather than shift or colorize the grain. Minwax semigloss or satin might be considered.
Although somewhat tedious, taping off any checkering until the last coat will preserve the feature. Waxes and linseed oils darken over time and will need to be periodically refreshed. These also integrate to a previous coat making repairs without cratering possible.
Jasco stripper will work. Sand the existing finish before application in order to open the surface and allow the stripper to penetrate. Brush it on, allow time for it to work and scrape off dissolved finish. This will probably require repeated applications. When through with stripping, wash with water to neutralize any remaining chemical action. When dry tape off any checkering (optional but recommended) and sand in line with the grain with 220 sandpaper, then finer grit as you wish. Avoid steel wool, it will embed strands in the grain and present concerns in the future. Allow the first coat of your chosen finish to dry, sand lightly. Repeat until the desired surface appearance is obtained, then remove the tape from the checkering and apply a heavier final coat.
A light coat of tung oil or Minwax "Antique Oil Finish" can be sanded into the grain for a slurry type of grain filler, wipe with mineral spirits and sand between coats. These can be hand rubbed for a final finish and will impart a slight but not unattractive amber coloration to the stock. Tru Oil is a favorite. There are numerous approaches, give them consideration. Think of it as a labor of love and don't get in a hurry. Good luck.
