I've been sanding down an Ikea Hemnes drawer unit and I'm really pleased with the subtle white wash look I'm getting on the pine wood. I want to keep this lovely finish as is without darkening or yellowing it. I'm thinking about how to protect the wood since I'm 30 weeks pregnant and want to keep this project as simple as possible. Originally, I considered buffing it with beeswax, but I'm worried that might change the color or not hold up well in the heat. So, do I actually need to apply a finish, or can I just keep sanding it and leave it bare? Will it hold up over time without any finishing product?
3 Answers
You totally can leave it unfinished if it's just for you at home and not exposed to outdoor elements. But keep in mind, without a finish, the wood will absorb water and stains easily, which can leave marks. The good thing is you can always sand it down again if that happens!
Just a heads up, that freshly sanded look won't last forever. I get what you're saying about wanting to keep it that way. If you're looking for something that won't darken the wood, you might want to try Osmo's Raw matte finish. It has some white pigment that helps prevent darkening. It’s pretty close to having no finish at all!
If you want to maintain that natural look, go for a water-based poly in a matte finish. It stays pretty clear and won't mess with that beautiful color you've achieved. But just remember, without any finish, the wood can easily get smudged and stained from everyday use. It's worth protecting it!
Thanks for the suggestion! I think I’ll look for Osmo since it seems to get good recommendations.