First, try to determine if the cabinet's finish is lacquer, shellac, varnish or sealer.
From the newsobserver.com
Varnish and shellac provide a protective coating without changing the color.
From the en.wikipedia.org
Older finishes tend to be varnish or shellac and can be damaged by water.
From the newsobserver.com
They soften existing shellac, lacquer or varnish and allow you to wipe off the old finish or move it around and reuse it.
From the washingtonpost.com
Much of the book, which dates from the 10th century AD, was rendered illegible in the late 19th century by misguided academics who used shellac to varnish it.
From the economist.com
Compared to simple oil or shellac varnishes, polyurethane varnish forms a harder, decidedly tougher and more waterproof film.
From the en.wikipedia.org
Shellac is a very widely used single component resin varnish that is alcohol soluble.
From the en.wikipedia.org
The surfaces of both are made shiny by the application, as a varnish or shellac, of what are probably different resins.