Consider what's important to you - durability, beauty, ease of maintenance, etc. Here then are the more common finishes available to the home owner, with what I perceive as their attributes and faults. Lacquer - Clear finish best suited for showing off wood grain. Available in a variety of sheens, from flat to high gloss. Easily applied with brush or aerosol.
Most retail brands require no substrate sealer.
Damaged finishes can usually be repaired without stripping. Varnish - A clear finish. Most minor damage can be repaired without stripping. Slow drying time allows dust motes to settle in finish. Tendency for beginners to 'over-brush' when applying the finish, resulting in brush marks in the dried finish.