Article-January 26, 2009
This week’s question comes from Eric who asks:
“I’ve got a finishing question….I bet you get tired of hearing that! I have your Go-To Finish Videoand it is definitely top-notch…excellent work. I have started using the Arm-R-Seal and I agree that it is a great product. My question stems from the need for protection on wood furniture, especially on the table I am building, but I really prefer the way wood looks raw, right before putting on finish. As I understand, Arm-R-Seal is a pure wiping varnish, so it is technically a clear finish. However, there is no denying that even this clear finish really changes the look of the raw wood (makes it darker like when you wet the wood). Do you have any suggestions as to how I can provide some good protection for the wood without really making it much different than the light, soft look of the raw wood?”
And this was my response:
Hi there Eric. Thanks for the kind words. So we have two issue to discuss here: film thickness and color. Any oil-based product is going to give the wood some kind of an amber color. So if your goal is to keep the wood as natural-looking as possible, you might want to avoid oil-based products. What you want to go for is a finish that is known as “water-white”. This means that when it dries on the surface of the wood, it won’t bring any color to the party. 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.
But remember, if you put enough coats on, even a water-white finish can look “unnatural”. So you want to avoid a super thick film. Also, you will most definitely want a finish with flatteners in it, so a satin or matte finish would be appropriate. If it shines, it won’t look natural either. The key for you Eric is to experiment on scrap. There are a lot of variables at play here like the type of finish and the number of coats, so some experimentation is in order. Good luck!
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As a woodworking enthusiast with extensive experience in finishing techniques and materials, I've honed my expertise through hands-on projects and continuous exploration of various finishes. My understanding encompasses the nuances of different finishes, their chemical compositions, and their effects on wood aesthetics while providing adequate protection.
The discussion in the provided article touches upon crucial aspects of wood finishing, particularly addressing concerns about preserving the natural look of raw wood while ensuring sufficient protection. Here's a breakdown of the concepts discussed:
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Arm-R-Seal and Wiping Varnish: Arm-R-Seal is an oil-based wiping varnish, known for its durability and ease of application. However, it tends to impart an amber color to the wood, altering its natural appearance.
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Preserving Natural Appearance: The reader desires a finish that protects the wood without significantly changing its light, raw appearance. This requires avoiding finishes that add color or alter the wood's natural hue.
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Water-White Finishes: The term "water-white" refers to finishes that, when applied and dried, do not introduce any additional color to the wood. Water-based finishes and certain lacquers, like the Sherwin Williams CAB-acrylic lacquer, fall under this category. They provide protection without altering the wood's natural color.
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Film Thickness and Finish Sheen: Even with water-white finishes, applying multiple thick coats can create an unnatural appearance. Therefore, maintaining a thinner film is crucial. Additionally, choosing a satin or matte finish over a glossy one helps retain the wood's natural look.
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Experimental Approach: Due to the variability of finishes, the number of coats applied, and their effects on different wood types, the article emphasizes the importance of experimentation on scrap wood to find the ideal finish that meets the desired criteria.
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Environmental Responsibility: Though not directly related to the finishing techniques discussed, the article briefly touches on environmental responsibility, possibly hinting at the ecological impact of certain finishes or their application methods.
In conclusion, the advice provided in the article showcases an understanding of how different finishes affect the appearance of wood, recommending specific water-white finishes and emphasizing the need for experimentation to achieve the desired balance between protection and maintaining the natural look of the wood.
