?pitch Pine Bay Window Surround

[ilovebrie]

We are coming to the end of removing multiple layers of paint from an old (+100 years) beautifully moulded bay window surround and what were once working shutters but are now not in use.
It seems such a shame to use paint again, and I would be glad of any advice on how to maximise the appearance to make a feature of the bay, the shutter surround and the skirting.
My guess is that the wood is pitch pine, but then I'm no expert.
Thanks very much.

[The Builder]

Quite likely to be pitch pine. So-called because the tree oozes pitch that was used to waterproof boats etc.

Stain would alter the colour, so I guess you wouldn't want that. The two ways that I like are...

Beeswax, or even furniture wax. Used on stripped pine doors. Applied with a soft cloth, fine wire wool. The wool helps smooth the raised grain in the timber.

Oil - any kind of "Finishing Oil", "Danish Oil", or "Teak Oil". Apply sparingly with a cloth. Rub in well, and build up with more coats if you like. Don't apply with a brush. Oil dries slowly. A brush puts too much on. The top surface dries, but leaves a thickness underneath that makes a sticky mess.

Experiment on a small area first with oil. Remember that wax will cover oil, but not the other way around.

[The Builder]

^^^^ should be "soft cloth OR fine wire wool"

[Mosaic]

...and both waxes and oils smell beautiful in a proper way, not sickly room-scenter way.

[ilovebrie]

Beeswax it is!
Thanks a lot.