I'm working on some shelves using Brazilian cherry wood that my wife loves. We're hoping to enhance the natural color to really stand out in our study. With kids and pets around, I'm looking for a solid protective finish. Would using a clear, satin, oil-based polyurethane be the best choice?
3 Answers
For a tough finish that can stand up to kids and pets, consider a professional-grade option like 2k polyurethane. It’s super durable, similar to automotive clear coats. If you're open to it, using something like Renner 688 with some dewaxed bleached shellac for grain filling would work wonders. Just make sure you're looking for a clear finish to really highlight that gorgeous wood.
Definitely practice your finishing technique on some scrap pieces first. It's essential to prep and sand them just like you will with the actual shelves. Creating finish samples helps a lot to avoid surprises later.
Satin polyurethane is a solid option, especially for bringing out the wood's natural beauty while providing decent protection.