Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Mahogany armoire

I’m trying to save a 100+-year-old solid mahogany armoire, which was completely submerged in the muddy, salt floodwater of Hurricane Katrina. Fortunately this is original “flat pack” type furniture so was easy to take apart and none of the pieces warped. Shortly after the storm we disassembled and washed it in a soap and bleach solution and stored it until recently. I’ve just sanded the pieces down to bare wood and need advice on what to do now. Should I use a wood conditioner before staining? The wood is very dry; should I use an oil, wax or polyurethane finish? Do you have any hints or advice on anything else I should do? Thanks, any advice is greatly appreciated.

If you have it sanded down, and the wood is dry, it needs to be sealed quickly. I would use an oil poly in your choice of sheen. An older piece like that would likely have been satin, or even flat.

Thanks for the advice. Aside from the sentimental value, after sanding the wood has an absolutely beautiful color and grain so I've decided not to stain it. I'll do some research on oil poly and use that. Anyone have an favorite and/or easy brand they like? What about the interior pieces, interior of drawers? Use the oil poly like the exterior or use linseed or tung oil to replinish the wood?
MW

The only thing I would use in this situation is Kramer's Best Antique Improver. It's all natural and very easy to use. A little goes a long way too.

I have always had good results with Minwax products, but every surface should be coated, including end grain. Other finishes also work, but poly is easy, seals the wood and is impervious to most hazards. And oil finishes will give that wood a beautiful iridescense.

Just to emphasize what Bill said - put at least one coat of sealer/finish on EVERY surface - drawrs, inside, outside, including the bottom.

This helps insure the wood will not warp over time, as sealing makes it less susceptible to moisture.

Many thanks for all the advice. I've never done a project like this before so am glad to hear about oil poly and that its easy to use. I'm going to get started today . . . wish me luck!. MW