Replies

1. 
   _mj_ | Jul 08, 2020 03:51pm | #1

   Leave them alone. Any finish you put on that soaks in will do the same. If you have to put something on it you might try a very light spray, almost a mist.. not enough to wet the wood but possibly able to build some kind of surface protection with a few such coats.

2. 
   lat_axe | Jul 09, 2020 03:34am | #2

   Wax - one very thin coat of clear wax.

   Consider leaving some of the muck & dust on the wood. One version of "patina" is the accumulated dust and muck incorporated in a wax finish renewed over several decades as the furniture is cleaned and polished every Sunday in case The Queen or posh Aunty Maisie visits. Perhaps the process could be accelerated by wax on your barn-boards?

   Lataxe

3. 
   bilyo | Jul 09, 2020 11:46pm | #3

   I assume you are looking for something for indoor use. Try using a water based poly rather than oil . It will provide the protection you want without leaving a "wet" look.

4. 
   revbob | Jul 10, 2020 07:56am | #4

   If you think it needs a finish to protect it from moisture, etc., then try using a "satin" version of your favorite clear finish. This will let the texture and patina come through without looking wet. Be sure to thoroughly mix the finish before applying since "satin" is the results of components added to the mix to give it the flat look.

5. 
   jf428220 | Jul 10, 2020 06:03pm | #5

   Thanks RevBob. That's exactly the look I was trying to achieve.

6. 
   revbob | Jul 10, 2020 08:36pm | #6

   I should have added that “Before you get carried away test a sample piece” to be sure that’s what you want.
   Good luck.