To help diminish unwanted yellow tones, you can opt for a water-based urethane finish instead of an oil-based finish. With this finish, most of the pale tones in the pine remain while the natural grain is enhanced. Water-base urethane dries quickly and is less toxic.
Pour a small pool of vinegar onto the wood, then spread it around with a cloth. On vertical surfaces, wipe with a cloth saturated with vinegar. Then wipe with a dry cloth and finish by rinsing with plain water.
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.
One is the oxidisation of the timber. This occurs when the pigments, tannins and other resins in timber are exposed to air and UV light. Over time this will cause yellowing in light timbers, while darker timbers usually develop rich brown or pink red tones and uncoated timbers will grey or silver.
A natural or raw hard wax oil is probably the most straightforward option, but you do need to test and make sure the area is sanded properly prior to application. These hard wax oils have a touch of white pigment to offset the natural yellowing of the oil in the pine wood grain.
The best non-yellowing clear coat is Minwax's Polycrylic. It's easy to use, dries within a few hours, can be applied multiple times within 24 hours, dries completely clear, and doesn't yellow over time. It comes in a variety of sheens, including satin, semi-gloss, and gloss.
If you want to avoid the yellow, use a water borne polyurethane (e.g. Bona Traffic HD). They are much lighter and more clear. Oil based polyurethanes will give you a yellowish coat, so your floors will have a yellow tint.
Keep the wood out of direct sunlight, and try to avoid placing it in areas of high light.
All hardwoods will undergo the natural aging process and change color overtime with exposure to UV light and oxygen. In general, while lighter woods tend to become a bit darker and richer, woods that begin dark will lighten up.
It is almost impossible to prevent pine from yellowing beyond its fresh-cut state. However, it is possible to minimize it. To help diminish unwanted yellow tones, you can opt for a water-based urethane finish instead of an oil-based finish.
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.
Water-based polyurethane is the most common type of finish used on hardwood floors. It is also the least likely to turn yellow over time. If you want to avoid yellowing, then use water-based. (Bona Traffic HD – is highly recommended) Water-based polyurethane is clear and lighter.
This method works for all your yellowing needs from linens to pants to old clothes. Mix equal parts of baking soda, peroxide, and Dawn in a small container. Apply the mixture to the stain and use a toothbrush to rub the mixture into the fabric.
The most gentle method to whiten whites that have turned yellow is to mix a solution of warm water and oxygen-based bleach powder. Follow the package recommendations as to how much powder to use per gallon of water. Mix enough of the oxygen bleach and water solution to cover the garments.
Fully clean the wood with biocidal cleaner and apply an undercoat wood preservative to protect against woodworm and rot. If you'd like to give your outdoor wood a new look, stain the wood to a vivid colour or subtle tint. Finishes seal the wood from moisture, rain and (with some finishes) UV radiation.
Now here's the secret to protecting and finishing raw wood while also protecting the raw wood look. Modern Masters Exterior Dead Flat Varnish. This is a water-based sealant that brushes on easily and never leaves streaks. Since it's water-based, it needs to be applied over raw wood or other water-based products.
If you want to apply a non yellowing wood finish to pine, you want to stick to a water-based sealant and NOT an oil based one! What is this? Polycrylic is always water based and a great place to start. Most finish brands have their own version.
Polyurethane is better for durability, but polycrylic is better for interior surfaces like cabinets, furniture, and trim.
While staining creates a rich, deep color that highlights natural wood grain, it does not provide long-term protection. Without a protective top coat, wood can be damaged easily due to contact with water, food, or sharp objects. A polyurethane top coat protects the wood from scratches, stains and water damage.
One of the most affordable and decent clear coat products is the Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish. This clear coat is a water-based formula that dries quickly and is fairly durable. The best top coat for stained wood furniture is General Finishes High Performance Top coat.
Polycrylic topcoats are my sealer of choice for most projects, as they don't tend to yellow as often as polyurethane. Clear furniture wax can also be used to seal natural wood projects. Furniture wax provides a soft, silky finish to a piece, which can be lovely.