Finish for pine walls

[TroyC]

I'm finishing my pine room. The boards are planed and I plan to trim with cherry. I want to keep and showcase the natural wood grain. I'm thinking a natural stain with varnish or polyurethane. I'd prefer a satin or semigloss. It is a hunt camp and rustic looking is fine.
Any suggestions?

[firefighter ontheside]

Minwax polycrylic is a nice fast drying waterbased product.  Choose the sheen you desire and go to town.  It won't change the color much.  

[WDH]

Oil based varnish or oil will yellow the pine, but you might want that look. 

[bluthum]

Oil base will not only darken the pine but will darken more with time. Water base will change less over time, at least the sap wood.  I have a pine paneled wall with cherry window trim that I finished with water based satin poly [water based sealer under] about 20 years ago.  There is more contrast between the two woods than would have been with oil based varnish by now. The heartwood has darkened quite a bit and I like it. If I was doing it over I'd do it the about the same way.

[Bruno of NH]

My house has all wood paneling. White pine 6" v match and 6" edge and center bead.
I used cabots spar varnish because it darkens the knots and grain up.

[Don P]

Waterlox satin here, I like the mellow ambering from oils. I've had good luck with polycrylic for clients who like the brighter look.