Thanks for the information. I think I will go with spar varnish.
This is a walnut stock, do I need to stain or will the varnish give it the classic look I am shooting for? Any color recommendations?
Try the varnish on a piece of scrap walnut and see if you like it. (You probably will.) If you want to stain it after that, bring it up again and we can address stains. My fingers are numb from typing!
