Matt finish for wenge?

[Water-Mark]

Hi. I'm looking to finish a wenge handle but I'm trying to avoid a shiny varnish look.
I'd also like to seal the grain and keep it the colour as light as possible.
I'm a complete novice so any suggestions welcome.
Thanks

 

[tobytools]

linseed oil, either boiled or raw. in not a fan of the vanish look either, never used wenge but i have a blank hiding around some where. african hard wood i believe, nice stuff
TT

 

[Phil Pascoe]

The dust from wenge is vile, vile, vile. I don't think you'll get away with not darkening it. I used Osmo Polyx on my kitchen worktops - that wasn't too glossy.

 

[Water-Mark]

Thanks guys, Shame I can't keep it lighter And yes it's not nice stuff if it's creating dust.

 

[marcus]

If your priority is to keep the colour as light as possible you could try an acrylic lacquer and knock back any shine with wire wool and wax once it has gone off. Goes without saying try it on an off-cut first!