Just about any water-based finish fits into this category. There are also water-white lacquers that work very well. One of my all-time favorite finishes is Sherwin Williams CAB-acrylic lacquer, which imparts little to no color to the wood.
Danish oil
It is often used on bare wood to provide a natural-looking, matte finish. This type of oil penetrates deeply into the wood grain, giving it a rich, lustrous appearance. Unlike wood finishes such as varnish or lacquer, Danish oil does not require sanding between coats and can be applied directly to bare wood.
Oak is best treated with either Raw Linseed Oil diluted with White Spirits, Finest Danish Oil or Pure Tung Oil which gives a paler shade.
If you are looking for the most natural finish possible, we recommend that you always use colourless products. Both wax and oil have practically transparent tones and these will best preserve the "original" colour of the solid pine.
Tung oil Uses
Because it doesn't darken and is resistant to mould, it is widely used on interior and outdoor furniture, wooden toys, cabinets and musical instruments such as guitars and more.
Polyurethane Wood Finish
It provides a clear, natural sheen that does not yellow with age. Ideal for protecting decorative finishes, it is not as durable as other finishes. Synthetic brushes are recommended for application. Oil-based polyurethane dries more slowly and has a stronger aroma than a water-based finish.
If you want to keep your oak structure looking new, using Osmo UV-Protection Oil will protect against colour change. Applying two coats of clear oil will penetrate and protect the wood and delay the natural greying process up to 12 x more.
By far the best finishes for high quality wood furniture are either Danish oil or beeswax. They bring out the stunning beauty of wooden furniture grains and leave wood satisfying to the touch.
The easiest option is to apply a clear, water-based finish such as Minwax's Polycrylic. Two brushed coats are enough for the table's base, but apply three to the top for added protection. For more of an in-the-wood look, brush or wipe on a coat of blond shellac, such as Zinsser's pre-mixed SealCoat.
Durability and Safety
For outdoor projects, tung oil offers better protection than raw linseed oil, even in its purest form.
Commonly used wood finishes include wax, shellac, drying oils (such a linseed oil or tung oil) lacquer or paint. Other finishes called "oil finish" or "Danish oil"are actually thin varnishes with a relatively large amount of oil and solvent.
A PURE Tung Oil finish will never crack, chip or peel because there is no real coating left on the surface. The oil will slowly wear away or be “burned off” by the sun. When the wood starts to look dry or water no longer beads up on the surface, clean the surface well and apply more tung oil to resaturate the surface.
Linseed Oils are a traditional option for nourishing and protecting wood, but which is the best one to use? Once dry both oils will provide a similar level of nourishment and protection to the wood and they will both slightly darken and enhance the woods natural grain.
Lay a brightly patterned runner across a wood dresser or table. Opt for bold bedding or wall art in a bedroom outfitted with wood furniture. Table lamps, vases, and planters in a rainbow of colors can also help cheer up dark wood furniture.
Last week we concluded that treatment of oak is not entirely necessary unless it is kiln dried. You can if you wish to protect it from mold, algae, fungal attack and UV damage, but for the most part you leave it as it arrives fresh sawn.
At a casual glance, unfinished oak lumber will generally be light brown, either with a slight reddish cast (usually red oak), or a subtle olive-colored cast (white oak).
Linseed oil is a traditional choice for nourishing and protecting wood. It comes in many forms and is obtained from the seed of the linseed-flax plant. Given its ease of use and cheap price, it is one of the most popular finishing oils in the world.
If that's what you're after, think about products like Osmo Polyx®-Oil Effect Raw or Fiddes Oak Lightening (Natural) that uses a small amount of white pigment to help retain its untreated look. If you want more of a limed appearance, try Osmo 3040 White or Fiddes White hard wax oil.
Beeswax furniture polish is great for any type of wood because it brings out the natural colour. Whether you are polishing mahogany, maple, walnut, cherry, or teak, keep in mind that over time, beeswax on wood will lead to a slight darkening over time.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: No, tung oil does not darken or yellow wood over time. However, if you apply too much tung oil, the surface will appear darker until the excess amount is removed. Certain hardwoods may look darker with tung oil, but this is only because the natural colors are being accentuated.
clear it will change the tone of your wood at least a little bit. but shellac doesn't darken over time like other finishes. so in the long run it may have minimal effect on your project's.