Finish to pine skirting and architrave

[Douglas2]

I am refurbishing my house and have replaced door standards, skirting, architrave etc all with pine. What is the best finish for the wood - I don't want to apply anything that will stain it darker.

I have seen either varnish, wax, or oil can be applied but don't know which will look best when complete?

 

[squowse]

polyurethane water based varnish aka quick drying varnish is non yellowing. you will probably want matt finish.
oils are nice but do darken the wood to some extent.
osmo hardwax polyx oil is not too yellowing and gives a good hardwearing finish.