Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Finishing New Furniture

I've just received a brand new, unfinished platform bed, made primarily of birch. The birch is uniform in colour. My original intent was to stain this bed black and blue. However, as the wood is entirely flawless, I've been getting a lot of negative feedback on this idea.

So, if I want to keep the natural look of the wood, can I just varnish it and be done with it? Or, should I sell it first with some wood oil, or wood conditioner?

I plan on using Fleco's Varathane Wood Diamond Varnish - satin finish as my final coat.

Any suggestions?

If you want to keep the natural appearance, simply finish the bed with a clear finish such as you have. Make the first coat a thinner coat, that is, thin the material 25% with mineral spirits. This will enable it to cover and seal the surface readily, not requiring much sanding before the first full coat. Apply two or more coats of varnish for a durable finish. Sand between coats 180 - 240 grit to knock down any nibs in the finish. Be sure to allow it to dry thoroughly between coats. Use a top quality brush for best results. Don't overbrush varnish. Don't apply it too thickly.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, that's what I'll do. I just didn't know if I had to put anything else on the wood to help bring out the grain more, such as tung oil, danish oil etc.

I'll just go along and thin some varnish tonight and get started.

Thanks again!!