advice on solid oak gate

[dunaird]

Am sanding a solid oak gate back to bare wood as carpenter had varnished when made and now its all peeling and wood is black!
What is best treatment if any for long lasting finish? Wax? Clear sealant / preservative or maybe nothing at all??
Any advice welcomed.
Thanks
Dunaird

 

[AronSearle]

Anything clear = not long lasting.

pigmented stains will give a good life, but will change the appearance.

If it is well designed, no finish is necessary.

 

[Norcon]

If the requirement is to keep the oak looking as natural as possible, whilst preventing blackening or silvering as much as possible, then...
1 coat of clear wood preservative
Followed by 2 coats of Osmo UV Protection oil 420 extra

Osmo 420 extra offers UV resistance and also contains biocide which is important for external timbers as it prevents the wood from becoming diseased with wet rot, dry rot and blue stone etc. The oil also repels water, thus preventing it from going black.