Preserving weathered wood

[Guest Gimlet]

If you're making a decorative piece out of heavily weathered or, say, beach-combed wood, and you want to retain the gnarliness, the ragged ends and appearance of decay, is there naturalistic a way of coating and stabilising the wood so it doesn't break down and shed bits?

 

I'm setting up a workshop soon and I've all sort of wood craft ideas, often inspired by the heavily weathered finds I pick up on the moors and old wind-blown trees. There's lots of things I'd like to make that will make a feature of decay and weathering, but the fabric of the old wood needs to be made durable so it can function as an ornamental piece. 

I know there are various resins I can use but I want to keep the wood looking as natural and tactile as possible. 

All suggestions welcome.

[sime42]

If you're making a decorative piece out of heavily weathered or, say, beach-combed wood, and you want to retain the gnarliness, the ragged ends and appearance of decay, is there naturalistic a way of coating and stabilising the wood so it doesn't break down and shed bits?
 
I'm setting up a workshop soon and I've all sort of wood craft ideas, often inspired by the heavily weathered finds I pick up on the moors and old wind-blown trees. There's lots of things I'd like to make that will make a feature of decay and weathering, but the fabric of the old wood needs to be made durable so it can function as an ornamental piece. 
I know there are various resins I can use but I want to keep the wood looking as natural and tactile as possible. 
All suggestions welcome.

High Performance Wet Rot Wood Hardener | Ronseal

WWW.RONSEAL.COM

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Our Wet Rot Wood Hardener strengthens rotten wood and prevents more damage. It creates a strong base and makes it easy for you to fill holes and tidy up.

This stuff works well, ("Does what it says on the tin". Boom!) Though I've not assessed it from an aesthetic perspective. Probably worth a try.

[devon TWiG]

I do not know of any finish applied to wood that keep it looking natural , esp oils / varnishes etc ...perhaps some clear satin/matt sprays , For driftwood and "bone " Oak I scrub them well with a stiff brush with a strong ( almost neat ) domestic bleach then rinse and dry  then lightly sand to remove sharp bits . This will depend if final location is indoors or outdoors . There is some really fabulous  characterful bits of wood to be found in many locations mostly free!!   Scorching can work depending on required look ...lots of potential with bits of wood ...