varnish/wood protection without changing colour

[tomthumb]

Bought a lovely light coloured softwood cabinet. Its just natural wood without any stain, varnish, etc. I love the natural light colour but any clear varnish I tried as tests turn it a much dark duller colour. Is there anyway of protecting it without darkening I wonder? Thanks!

 

[Carpenter]

Next to impossible I'd say- any varnish or lacquer has some colour this and the fact that an applied coating has a refractive index; all coatings darken the appearance of wood to a greater or lesser degree.

 

[BillK]

Try clear Briwax. Carpenter is absolutely correct in that any coating will darken the appearance of wood but clear wax keeps this to a minimum

 

[tomthumb]

Thanks will try that!