Wood working Help

[Reggoh]

My wife wanted a porch swing for Christmas. I bought her an unfinished Cypress wood swing. My question is what should I do to finish it? It will be on my back porch under the awning but will be exposed to the elements a bit due to wind.

I've heard and seen people do beautiful things with Cypress because of the grain of the wood and all the textures... I've just never used it before. Any help would be appreciated.

Stain? Sealer? Thompson's? Some combination?

Thanks!