See the steps in restoring an old rocking chair that was to be thrown
away. Two applications of Rockler's milk paint, two applications of
wipe-on polyurethane. I had intended to sand off the finish in obvious
wear areas but didn't have the heart or experience to do that once it
was finished. It was a fun project that kept me busy at odd moments for
about two months.

http://home.att.net/~big-train/wood.html

Walter.