How do I keep the weathered look when I apply finish?

[Mark Gibney]

I want to put finish on this piece of wood when I'm done shaping it.

Thing is, I want to keep some of the weathered parts looking like they do, and far as I know most finishes I use will turn the gray to a warmer tone.

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Is there a finish that will keep the driftwood look of the gray?

thank you, Mark

[Wayne Lomman]

Use a water-borne clear. It won't yellow the job like hydrocarbon base finishes. Cheers

[Mark Gibney]

Thanks Wayne.

[Jamie Buxton]

Use a low-gloss finish -- satin or matte. Higher-gloss finishes make the surface shinier than it is now.

[Jamie Buxton]

Or maybe you just put finish on the surfaces you've sanded. Leave the weathered surface unfinished. The usual argument for finish is to protect the wood. The weathered surface doesn't really need protection. It can only get a little more weathered.