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wax only
The most straightforward finish is a coat of wax, clear or tinted, straight onto the timber.  Depending on the wax used, this can either be a soft wax, hand applied, that gives a pleasing satin sheen to the timber, or a hard wax , applied by spindle polisher, that gives a deeper, glossier shine.

stain and wax
After sanding the timber is stained with one or more coats of woodstain, allowing to dry fully between coats, until the desired depth of tone is achieved.  When this is dry, wax is applied to reach the required finish, although the hard wax applied by spindle polisher tends to lift some of the stain. Liming wax, white or tinted, is applied the same way.

paint and wax
This follows the same procedure as stain and wax, although paint can be applied to add texture to a finish and unless applied in a thin coat will obscure much of the grain pattern. It is possible to paint over a stain, then rub it back to reveal an undertone.  This can be waxed or limed over.

faux gesso
A procedure we have developed as an extension to the painted finish is to use emulsion paint that is thickened with whiting (an inert chalk filler) that is applied in several layers. This is then sanded back and water polished to give a plaster like surface that can be painted, waxed or varnished over.