How can I seal an old wooden ladder without changing the appearance

Hanging a piece of an old wooden ladder in my bathroom don't really want to paint it but feel it needs some type of sealer so I won't get splinters every time I go near it Yet I don't want it to be shiny Any suggestions?

  4 answers
  • Deborah Luchak Nester Deborah Luchak Nester on Jul 10, 2018

    I have used a Clear polyurethane “paint “ on things before and it retains its appearance ..

  • I would give it a light sanding - to prevent splinters and the seal it with polyurethane. They make matt finish.

  • Janice Janice on Jul 10, 2018

    Hi Cheryl, sounds as though you need to just a bit of sanding so you won't snag your towels/things when you use it. You can buy clear spray to seal it without changing the appearance of the ladder....it's available in different finishes such as matte, glossy, or high gloss. Your project sounds interesting!

    • Cheryl Cunningham Hulick Cheryl Cunningham Hulick on Jul 11, 2018

      Thanks I am really not a diy person but saw this ladder idea and want to try I will do some sanding first Tried a semigloss on a sample but still shinier than I would like I will look for something with a matte finish and hopefully that will work One person suggested General Finishes Flat Out

  • Matte sealer would work. I like General Finishes Flat Out. And yes, I agree to sand those splinters.