On 2007-07-07 19:40:55 +0100, "George" said:

Stained with Coloron wood dye(the proper way to stain wood) however I dont
wish to varnish over it so will waxing the door over a few times protect it
from the weather elments?

TIA

An oil and wax would be better because it will penetrate the wood more
effectively. I personally think that it's a sacrilege to varnish a
good quality hardwood, especially with a gloss varnish - one might as
well have installed PVC. Ergo, I've done the stain, oil, wax
treatment on my oak entrance doors. Initial treatment is three
coats of oil and wax 24hrs apart. Apply with a brush and wipe off
excess after about 10 minutes. Don't flood the wood.

The only minor issue is that it does need attention at least every six
months - in an exposed position to sun or rain, possibly every 4.
The grime should be cleaned off using a cloth dampened in warm
detergent and water and wrung out. Then rinse. Don't be tempted to
use white spirit since that is a solvent for the oil and wax
preparations and will tend to cause the grime to soak into the wood.

Then you can give the door two coats of oil and wax. The whole
exercise can be completed for a door in half an hour, tops, so it's not
a huge burden.

This product is particularly good

http://www.oakdoors.co.uk/_hard_wax_oil_uk.php

I use it for interior oak joinery as well. It's relatively expensive
at around £45 for 5 litres last time I bought some, but it goes a very
long way. That quantity lasts me for 2 years for exterior doors,
interior doors, staircase and floors in two rooms.