I'm currently using a regular polyurethane for my woodworking projects, but it ended up darkening one of my pieces more than I expected. I'm looking for a topcoat or finish that will keep the wood's original color intact. Any recommendations?
3 Answers
You might want to try using a water-based polyurethane. It's known for being one of the clearest options. Just keep in mind that different types of wood will react differently—birch can darken slightly, but pine is usually okay, while oak remains pretty clear. So, it can depend on what you’re working with!
If you’re looking for something that won’t change the wood much, water-based poly is your best bet. But be aware that it might still make a small difference. Another option is lacquer spray; that generally keeps the wood looking natural without much alteration. Just make sure to test it out first!
For a finish that really keeps the original look, you could go for products like Osmo Polyx Raw. It has a bit of white pigment that helps fight against yellowing, so it won't darken the wood nearly as much as traditional oil-based finishes. Always good to do a test panel first, though!
Exactly! A test panel can really save you from surprises later. That's what I did with my last project.