In reply to elliot.baker:
OSMO hardwax oil is excellent stuff, we use it on our kitchen worktops. It literally turns into a solid flexible plastic. Put it on very thinly. Be warned that it's virtually impossible to clean your brushes properly afterwards, so use cheapies and throw them away.
You may be able to cure the stickiness though, google up french polishing as I'm sure I've read something about that on a french polishing website.