Walls and Ceilings - Seal Knotty Pine?

We have just put up tongue and groove pine panelling and are not sure how to seal it? Do we use varnish, oil varnish, varathane or shellac. We want to keep the natural light look of the new pine, thanks.

I would just use a good water based polyurethane, your choice of sheen. Put several coats on. It dries fast.

A quality water-based polyurethane would be best. The pine will naturally yellow as it ages and is exposed to light, but the water-based poly will not amber like oil-based poly, shellac, or varnish. Two coats of poly, sanding and tacking between, should give you a lifetime finish.

Sheen choice is a personal preference. Many tend not to like the high gloss finish or satin, but rather prefer the semi-gloss. It tends to be glossy enough to provide good reflection of light.

2 good posts, off I go to the store to purchase, thanks.