I am completing a rather rough, in terms of workmanship, simple project.  I have made a rack to store cross country skis on.  Many of you probably know what I mean.  Basically a horizontal board on edge with dowels placed in holes drilled five inches apart.  I am doing this as a donation to our local Nature Center.

I used a simple fir 2 x 4 from the local lumber yard, not a home superstore.  I sanded the wood down and stained it with a gel stain.  I was planning on using Watco Exterior finish on it, but then thought that the gel stain may have sealed the wood, and the Watco won’t penetrate.  Thoughts?  If you don’t think I should use the Watco, what would you recommend?  This will be outside, in the elements, in COLD, and will get dinged and bumped quite a bit.  Also, the pegs are ash, and they have not been stained.

Thanks!