RHuddle56,
Looks like there is a lot of advice on what you should do; and, some of the advice actually answers your question. Chris55.1's advice is excellent - read previous posts and you will find all sorts of excellent suggestions.
It seems you are interested in seeing the natural oak wood grain and color. The following technique has worked well for me (on bedwood and boatwood). In situations when I wanted a little color, I have used transparent or opaque stain from the same manufacturer of whatever varnish is used.
1. Sand the wood carefully. As with any paint job ( meta/wood/sheetrock), careful surface preparation is the first important step.
2. Use marine spar polyurethane varnish (Minwax is one good brand that is readily available).
3. Dilute some varnish by 50% with mineral spirits and use this for two coats (following recoat drying directions for the amount of time between coats). Coat all surfaces - take care to coat ends and sides completely (they will aborb more varinsh for the first two coats). This absorbs well and provides a deep and excellent seal.
4. Between all coats, "sand" with sandpaper or other non-metal abrasive. Then, wipe clean with a tack cloth.
5. Apply 5 to 7 "finish" coats of undiluted varnish (all sides), sanding and tack-cleaning between coats.
Oh yeah. If you want a glossy finish (I usually don't), use a satin varnish for all but the last two coats (then use a glossy varnish). This seems to provide a nice patina.
Curmudgeon
