varnish or wax ??

lynsiloo

I have just finished sanding my pine banister and supprisingly it has come up looking pretty good and feels nice and smooth :eek: . The problem I have now is finding something to apply to the wood to keep it looking and feeling this way.
I do not want to change the colour or feel of the wood. I have used clear varnish on other projects but the wood never looks or feels the same.
Can anyone recommend a decent finish that will not change the feel or look too much but will protect it. Any info would be appreciated.

Emmysmum_2

Well, waxing would do what you want, but would get filthy quite quickly. For things like handrails, a satin varnish would be best as it is much easier to keep clean.

love_lifer

wax is the best finish and smells good. and its easy to apply. but you would probably have to reapply at intervals if certain areas looked worn/dirty, not a big job i dont think. theres no faffing with white spirit either.swings and roundabouts really...

misgrace

I'm with emmysmum on this one, a nice satin oilbase finish will look the business, do at least 2-3 coats, you could even get away with matt clear, as long as you use oilbase varnish, and sand down lightly between coats.

eilz

A little off topic, but which is less shiny type of Vanish, its just every type of varnish I have tried from B&Q, Wickes etc.. seem to have a shine that I don't want (Varnish outdoor windows to get a Mahony finish, without so much shine)

Thanks in advance

adandem

I have seen matt varnish, you could always use this as topcoat if it doesn't come in the required colour.

denton6

Hi we used danish oil on our banister and skirting board ,my sister recommended it to us you just put it on with a non fluffy cloth and it really brings up the grain in the wood.I would definatly use it again and alot less mess than varnish to apply.

Alan50

I have removated a pine coffee table with 'Colron Danish oil' never used it before but I am delighted, can be applied with a cloth and takes a few days to dry off, but very, very good effect.

Alan

economiser

I'm in the satin varnish camp. Did my bannisters and staircase some 25 years ago and it looks better as the years go on. Use clear varnish, it darkens with age and develops a rich patina.

ariba10

Wax without a doubt.

Use a good wax and put it on using 0000 grade steel wool. Magic

misgrace

Emmysmum wrote: »

Well, waxing would do what you want, but would get filthy quite quickly. For things like handrails, a satin varnish would be best as it is much easier to keep clean.

I agree, plus it will start to look tatty and dull.

You can buy a matt finish varnish if you dont like satin or gloss, and I would suggest you use oilbase for a longer lasting finish and protection.

get some smooth wet&dry sandpaper and give it a light rub over, when dry, then varnish.