varnish, oil or something else?

[shrekfeet]

I have spent many, many painstaking hours stripping and sanding the spindles and banister on my gallary staircase. I now want to ensure I use the best finish to bring out the grain in the timber. The hand-rail is mahogany and the spindles pine. The wood is in good condition. I was thinking there must be something that will give a better look and longer lasting finish than varnish and have been given some advice regards using Danish Oil. Can anyone offer any guidance?

[thedoctor]

See our project on timber floor finishes