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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    2

    Question Best finish that won't discolour a desk top

    Hi,

    I have just purchased a pre-made bench top from Bunnings. I think it is made out of rubber wood!?
    It is a very pale timber.

    My question is what would be the best finish to apply?
    It is to be used as a desk top (for kids homework).
    Most important is that it doesn't change the colour of the timber, in particular I don't want it to turn yellow.
    A more satin finish would be preferable.

    Thanks in advance for any help!

    Cheers,
    Darren.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Rockhampton QLD
    Age
    69
    Posts
    1,570

    Default

    Welcome to the forum Darren.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    723

    Default

    All finishes will add a bit of yellow/darken the timber, to some extent.

    The least yellowing I have found is clear car acrylic, but you really need a spray gun for this. You could try http://www.ubeaut.com.au/dewaxed.html

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    2

    Default

    Thanks old 1955, I have looked around plenty of times in the past and have finally got around to joining....

    Thank you for the tip Master Splinter! I do have access to a spray gun. The acrylic might be worth a try.... I didn't know it would adhere properly to wood.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    596

    Default Another suggestion

    Welcome to the forum (2)

    Last year I made a set of Hoop Pine bookshelves for my father. He also wanted the finish to stay clear. I found a water-clean-up Estapol product that guarantees to stay clear. It comes in a satin finish, and that is what I used. I found it very easy to apply and, six months later, it is still clear.

    However, I suspect the spray on acrylic would be a harder wearing finish if you can you get it in satin?

    Regards

    David

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Minbun, FNQ, Australia
    Age
    66
    Posts
    1

    Default

    +1 for the water based Estapol finish, if you have a look, you can find one that is UV resistant as well.
    Cliff.
    If you find a post of mine that is missing a pic that you'd like to see, let me know & I'll see if I can find a copy.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 1999
    Location
    Grovedale (Geelong) Victoria
    Age
    75
    Posts
    9,665

    Default

    G'day Darren -Wet the timber with a bit of metho or water and that will show the minimum colour change you will get with any finish. As has been said already, most finishes will yellow the timber to some degree. U-Beaut's Hard Shellac and White Shellac won't darken the timber any more than wetting it with water. White shellac is one of the few finishes that has the ability not to darken and put the yellowing into timber. (Don't be put off by the colour of the shellac in the photo's they are really bad representations.)

    You also need to bare in mind that most timbers will go darker with age due to oxidisation, bright light and general use.

    Your other option which will be a little easier for a first timer is to use Sanding Sealer as a base followed by Traditional Wax

    Hope this is of some help.

    Cheers - Neil
    U-Beaut Polishes
    KEEP A LID ON THE GARBAGE... Report spam, scams, and inappropriate posts, PMs and Blogs.
    Use the Report icon at the bottom of all Posts, PM's and Blog entries.


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    16

    Default

    Cabothane Clear Water Based is worth considering. It's a clear polyurethane and does not yellow like the solvent based polyurethanes.

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