What finish for Ash chairs?

[Simon Bond]

I have a set of dining room chairs made of ash. They have some watermarks and other unidentified marks on them but generally, they just need a bit of tidying up and re-upholstering. I'm planning to give them a light sanding and then coat them with something. I was wondering what the best finish would be to seal? and protect them while retaining a lightish colour.
As a confession, I put some osmo door oil on one of the legs of one of them and the wood pretty much turned black.
Any suggestions are most appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Water based PU doesn't colour much.

 

[Simon Bond]

Water based PU doesn't colour much.

Is there anything you'd recommend?

 

[Myfordman]

Screwfix no nonsense floor varnish satin

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Is there anything you'd recommend?

I suspect any reputable brand is much of a muchness.

 

[Woodchips2]

I prefer wax polish on Ash so you retain the natural colour.
Regards Keith

 

[Simon Bond]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into them.
Would Danish oil work in this situation, as I have some in the garage? Though, I don't want to apply something that will rub off when the chairs are being used.

 

[Keith Cocker]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into them.
Would Danish oil work in this situation, as I have some in the garage? Though, I don't want to apply something that will rub off when the chairs are being used.

I would go for Osmo polyx.

 

[Simon Bond]

I would go for Osmo polyx.

When I used Osmo door oil on it the wood turned black so I'd be a bit nervous about using another Osmo product. Though, it did work well on the doors.

 

[Keith Cocker]

When I used Osmo door oil on it the wood turned black so I'd be a bit nervous about using another Osmo product.

If so I can understand your reluctance. I have used osmo polyx oil on ash and it has been fine. Hardly changed the colour of the wood at all.

 

[woodieallen]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into them.
Would Danish oil work in this situation, as I have some in the garage? Though, I don't want to apply something that will rub off when the chairs are being used.

No, no, no. I loath Danish oil. In fact, for ash you want to avoid anything oil based.