How to protect wood, but not stain it?

[croakey]

Probably a stupid question (its been a long day)

Our new garden has a fair bit of older wood (decking, raised planters, fences etc), i'd like to protect it but not colour it (it matches all the other fencing we can see, and it matches the age of the house)

I'm sure theres options out there to protect it but not colour it?

(Embarassingly i should know, i work for the UK's biggest DIY retailler)

[Odie]

linseed oil

[Mr GrimNasty]

Also
If you mean insect/rot protection google clear wood preserver.
If you mean a weather coating google clear varnish etc.

[-Pete-]

There are two types of protection, those which sit on the surface (paint, yacht varnish etc) or those which soak into the wood. The surface treatments won't really work in your case.

The latter are often oil-based, and may not have a colour additive but will darken the colour of the wood. There are also creosote subsititutes, which always contain colour.

So I'd say you need to use oil, DIY places sell teak oil (B&Q was good value last time I looked).

[croakey]

its more the insect/rot protection i want - i quite like the weathered look (dont want it shiny)

thanks boys

[Cloud 9]

Clear Cuprinal wood presever

[Mr GrimNasty]

Yes any solvent based clear wood preserver then - not hard to find.

[Murdoc]

Tung oil is very good for exterior wood.