Finishing a Beech Laundry Basket

[wizer]

following on from my sanding thread in the General forum. I need some advice on how to finish my project. The wood is a mixture of Pink and White beech and I really like the way it looks at the moment. Also i'd like to keep the finish to be quite matt.


So, what product is best to use and how do I apply it?

 

[wizer]

I have just read the How-To on this site about finishing with wax. Is this ok for what I want? what other options have I got?

I also read the shallac article and it seems that stains the wood which is not what I want.

 

[jasonB]

Most oils & waxes will darken the wood to some degree. If you want to keep it looking as light as possible then a waterbased varnish or lacquer would be better.

Jason