Keep the wood out of direct sunlight, and try to avoid placing it in areas of high light. (UV light tends to shift the color of certain woods.)
A wipe on and wipe off product is much easier to use than working with a brush or a spray gun. Color is another consideration when choosing a finish. Water-based finishes, which are acrylics, give the wood no color nor do they darken as they age. They work well on lighter woods such as maple, birch or pine.
Tung oil offers a number of advantages over linseed oil, including a food-safe, water-resistant finish that's not prone to mold and a beautiful matte amber color that doesn't darken over time.
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.
I've found a mixture of 50:50 vinegar to water does the job. When neutralizing oxalic acid, you can use household baking soda mixed with water. Lightly sand after bleaching and neutralizing the wood.
To achieve a natural looking finish, there are two keys: not changing the wood color and not changing the sheen of the wood. In other words, you want to maintain the wood color and find the flattest, most matte sealer possible.
A clear finish provides a protective coat for your wood that guards it against stains, water damage, and natural wear and tear. Applying a water-based clear coat to light-colored raw wood can stop the natural yellowing process of the wood, which helps to keep those cooler tones in-tact.
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.
Linseed Oil with Stain
Tried and True linseed oil is 100% natural. They offer lines with the stain and finish in one. It's only linseed oil and pigments so this is a very pure option. They come in five different stain colors that will tint the wood, though none of them are a dramatic color change.
The discoloration is caused by moisture, and it can sometimes be removed the same way white spots are removed. Buff the surface lightly and evenly with No. 0000 steel wool dipped in linseed oil. Work with the grain of the wood, rubbing evenly on the entire surface, until the white haze disappears.
One of the biggest challenges when painting furniture is tannin bleed through – where dark stains appear on the surface of your paint due to the wood's natural color seeping through. The best way to avoid this problem is to use a quality primer, designed specifically to stop tannin bleed through.
Seal the stains with an alkyd/oil primer or a coating designed to trap these tannins. Note that even with proper preparation and recommended products, tannin bleed can still occur, especially on new wood, with either latex or oil topcoats.
You can use commercially prepared lemon oil. You can also make a simple polish by mixing 1 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup white vinegar. Pour it on a soft cloth and work it into the wood, wiping with the grain. Buff till shiny.
The All-Around Best Clear Coat For Painted Wood Furniture: Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane, Satin. After testing seven different products, Varathane's Water-Based Polyurethane was the clear winner! This clear coat is great for interior products including furniture, cabinets, trim, or any other pieces of wood.
Can you use clear coat on wood? Yes, they are used very often, even to better enhance the natural warmth and colors of the wood essences. Should you put a clear coat over painted furniture? Yes, especially in case of restoration, but after a previous sanding.
Most clear finishes are applied with a brush, working in the direction of the grain of the wood. After it dries, sand lightly. Then remove all the sanding dust and apply a second coat. For added durability, a third coat can be applied.
I sanded my wood countertops well, then vacuumed and wiped them down with a damp cloth. I'm using water based wood dye so there's no issue with using a water dampened cloth to clean off all the sanding dust. You can purchase dyes in liquid or powder form.
Use Steel Wool to Lighten Stained Wood
Steel wool is a viable option to lighten wood without sanding. Start by dampening your 0000 steel wool in warm water. Run the steel wool along the grain of your wood to avoid scratching it.
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.