Top coat finish

[Chiloquinruss]

Here's my first of many questions, I love all the great pieces shown on this site.  What are you all using for the top coat.  Everything I have tried (which is limited so far) always seems to really darken the piece or yellow it!  Thanks.  Russ

[Scrappile]

The one I use that seems to leave the most natural wood color is Deft Clear Wood Finish.  Dries fast, recoat in 30 minutes.  Only problem I have with it is I hate the smell of it.  I'm not real sensitive to smells, but it does not agree with me.  It is getting harder to find where I live, fact Ace Hardware is the only place I can get it currently, that I know of.  Use to be at Lowe's and Home Depot.

Edited December 31, 2015 by Scrappile

[Scrappile]

The one I use that seems to leave the most natural wood color is Deft Clear Wood Finish.  It is getting harder to find where I live, fact Ace Hardware is the only place I can get it currently, that I know of.  Use to be at Lowe's and Home Depot.

[amazingkevin]

The one I use that seems to leave the most natural wood color is Deft Clear Wood Finish.  It is getting harder to find where I live, fact Ace Hardware is the only place I can get it currently, that I know of.  Use to be at Lowe's and Home Depot.

I haven't tried that one yet,reminds me of a product called Aquatrol which also got renamed but still made by "FLOOD" corp.A Really enhances thebeauty of the wood naturally

[Chiloquinruss]

Thanks for the quick replies.  Seems my local DoitBest Hardware carries the full Deft line.  I'll pick some up tomorrow.  After reading the full factory specs it seems that I will be able to use it for my sign business as well.  Cool!  Thanks again!  Russ

[Ron Johnson]

If you're enquiring a final finish for a project Russ I use a clear gloss polyurethane. I apply three individual light coats sanding in between each with a 600 grit. I let each coat dry eight hours. The last application I apply is a cabinet makers wax. Portraits I leave natural and toys a chemical free finish.

[Chiloquinruss]

Thanks Ron, on some toys I've done (not for resale) I have just been doing the old varnish bit, nothing fancy.  The problem I was having issues with, was where I wanted the colors of the substrate to remain as natural as possible but like I said above I either darkened it or it came out really yellowish!  Thanks again to the 'group' for the replies, I do appreciate it.  Russ

[Scrappile]

Just to be safe, buy one can and try  it first, to see it is doing what you want.

Edited December 31, 2015 by Scrappile

[trailfndr]

I use Minwax spray poly.  I prefer a satin finish, as I feel that a gloss takes away from the beauty of the wood.  I will use a semi-gloss if I feel its needed or it will enhance the finished piece.  I spray on 2-3 coats with a 20-30 minute time in between, then let dry for at least 4 hours.  Lightly sand ( I use an old sanding mop for this) and apply another light coat.  on rare occasions, I might need another coat if I see that coverage was missed when spraying, or a particular piece really soaked it in a lot.  On an eye, that I want extra glossy, I will apply a coat or two of clear nail polish.  Stuff is as glossy and wet looking as can be, and really makes the eye look natural.

Edited January 10, 2016 by trailfndr

[wjbclocks1]

I use and like Deft Satin clear coat.

[Jim Finn]

I have used Deft in the past and it works well.  I now use Rustolium clear finish.  I use gloss but it also comes in satin.  Cheaper than Deft and works as well in, my opinion.  I get this product in the spray paint section of Lowes or Walmart.

[Bill WIlson]

Oil and oil based finishes (polyurethanes and varnishes) will always impart an amber tint to the wood.  It's the nature of the oil itself and pretty much universal.  Some brands may be more or less prone to this, depending on what kind of oil they use in their finish, but there will always be some amount of darkening.  On many woods, especially darker ones, this is desirable, because it enhances the grain.  Perhaps not so much with light colored wood.

 

Some lacquers have a tendency to yellow over time and even clear shellac will have an amber tint to it.  I suggest trying a waterborne finish of some type.  Generally speaking, they go on clear and stay clear.  They don't pop the grain like an oil based finish or shellac would, but they do preserve the natural color of the wood better.

[Clayton717]

For my intarsia and some other bigger projects I use a mixture of poly,tung oil and mineral spirits. Equal parts of each. Have had no problem with yellowing.