On 9/10/2018 11:16 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Sunday, September 9, 2018 at 10:30:03 AM UTC-4, Leon wrote:
On 9/8/2018 9:33 AM, Ivan Vegvary wrote:
Cut a very detailed threshold out of 1x6 oak board. As it turns out the color of the board is perfect complement to either room.
Question: What protective coating could I apply to prevent the oak from turning darker over time? Don't want shiny, would like to stay as matte as possible.
Thank you, Ivan Vegvary



An oil based varnish will instantly add a warmer and darker glow to the
wood. A water based varnish will also darken a bit but will generally
not add color.

FWIW any finish will enhance a woods appearance, even plain wax. These
finishes enrichen the color vs. no finish at all. Often the
enhancement, bringing out the true color of the wood will appear as
darkening.

To test what a water based finish will look like simply wipe a wet/damp
rag over the sanded surface.

The same technique with mineral spirits will have a similar effect for
an oil finish.

Because all varnishes and their secret sauce formulas are different the
results will also be different to some varying degree.

Some woods darken and some lighten with exposure to UV light. If
sunlight does not hit the piece there may never be any change after
applying the finish. If exposed to sun light a finish with UV blockers
may aid in preventing a wood from darkening or becoming lighter over time.

Just remember that most any finish. regardless of make up, will
immediately change the appearance to some degree, that is what they are
designed to do.

What would a clear epoxy finish do? Something like West Systems 207 Clear
Hardener.


Having never used an epoxy for a finish I do not know. But like
anything else that covers the surface and brings out the woods color, it
will probably appear to slightly darken.