Best Stain/Seal Options for Keeping Red Oak Light?
Asked by GiV3nN1ghts
Hey everyone! I'm currently finishing up a desk for my girlfriend and originally planned to use maple, but ended up choosing red oak since it was more affordable. She prefers a light color for the desk, and while the raw wood looks great, I've noticed that red oak tends to darken a lot with any finish. I'm considering using water-based polyurethane, as I want something durable. I don't have experience with tung or Danish oils and would like to avoid anything too pricey. I've heard about Rubio oil 2c, but it's quite expensive. Does anyone have suggestions for a good, budget-friendly way to keep the red oak looking light while ensuring durability? I'm eager to wrap this project up soon! Thanks!
Answers
Using water-based polyurethane is probably your best bet if you want to keep the oak as light as possible. It won’t add much color, plus it’s super durable. Just keep in mind that Rubio oil can add some amber tones, so be cautious with that if you want to preserve the natural look.
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GiV3nN1ghts: Appreciate the info!