On Tue, 23 May 2006 21:44:36 +0100, Guy King
wrote:

The message
from Pete C contains these words:

On rough wooden surfaces they recommend 3 coats of Sikkens HLS, rather
than the HLS/Filter7 combination. HLS is very thin and penetrating -
quick and easy to apply.

Seconded. Worth having a look through the archives for some info:

Sounds bood but it reckons it's semi-gloss - which I didn't really want.

Depends on the surface, it only comes out semi-gloss on a smooth
planed surface. If the surface is a bit rough it should come out more
matt:

http://www.sikkens.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/74BF2C37-6765-4D16-9047-08798CDB0CDF/0/CetolHLS_36_19757.pdf

AFAIK it weathers to a matt finish anyway. Might be worth giving them
a call to see what they say.

I'm looking more for something like linseed oil - but wondered if there
were anything more effective that looks similar.

AIUI all oils do very little to block UV and so don't stop weathering,
especially if exposed to the sun. A post on rec.woodworking might get
some good info.

cheers,
Pete.