Proper varnish/protector for pine fire surround?

[jml9988]

Hi all, hope this is in the right forum, I couldn't find anything more appropriate.

I've just got a new oak pine fireplace surround and it's bare wood, I want to protect it with something that doesn't change the colour or make it glossy, but is literally just as close to an invisible protective layer as possible.

My problem is I don't know if I need a specific heat-resistant one or whether heat-resistant products are really just for the bricks around the fireplace etc. I can't find any heat resistant varnish that's suitable for this type of situation.

So my question is a) do I need a specific product and if so can someone recommend one and b) if not, does anyone have any recommendations for good quality 'invisible' protective varnishes?

The fire is a gas fire, old fashioned jet-style black heavy cast iron.

Thank you in advance.

 

[motorbiking]

Is it pine or oak and how close it away from the hot surface / fire. Is it an open fire? A danish oil will go well on oak, but a light wax will go better on pine.

It wont make much difference to the risk of fire.