Hey everyone! I'm working on several plywood projects at home and I've noticed that they all tend to darken over time due to sun exposure. We're currently installing plywood on our entry ceilings, and I'm eager to find a stain or finish that will help prevent this darkening issue. Does anyone have suggestions or tips on products that can protect plywood from UV light? Thanks a bunch!
2 Answers
Using a high-quality spar varnish with UV inhibitors can help delay the darkening effect caused by sunlight. Just keep in mind that over time, the sun will still have its way, so you might need to reapply periodically.
The reason plywood darkens is due to the resins and tannins in the stain reacting to UV light, which can cause that ambering effect. To minimize this, consider opting for a water-based product like Polycrylic, or go for a mixture like Osmo oil in raw form. It also depends on the type of plywood and how durable you need the finish to be. What kind of plywood are you working with?
We're using AA Marine grade plywood! Just looking for something to protect it since our other projects only had a clear varnish.