The color difference is slight when you compare an unfinished piece of rustic furniture to the same piece with a clear finish. The clear finish will still look natural, but the wood does gain more contrast and a low sheen. The clear finish will bring out more of the natural colors in the wood. Over time the clear finish will age and will darken slightly.
Each piece of log and barnwood furniture receives 3-4 coats of finish. The coats are sprayed on so that each coat is applied evenly and smoothly. The spraying also allows the finish to be blown into every nook and cranny of the log furniture, creating a consistent look and complete protection.
Below is a video we made so that you can see the differences between unfinished log furniture and the same piece with a clear finish. You can also watch as the log furniture is sprayed in the finishing booth.