eq_shadimar Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 Can anyone offer advice on the best way to finish a pair of raw birch Heresys without turning them yellow? I would like to put a finish on these but I want them to retain the light white natural color of the wood. Thanks! Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhendrix Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 Hi Jeff, Any oil-based finish will yellow over time. Lacquer will also yellow, but takes a bit longer then oil based finishes. The only finish I am aware of that will not yellow any time soon is a water-based polyurethane. You can brush or spray several light coats with light sanding between coats. The water-based poly will appear milky when wet, but will dry clear. I used the Benjamin Moore Stays Clear a couple of years ago with no yellowing yet. It's available in low lustre or high gloss. http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=contentrenderer_1_3&contentrenderer_1_3_actionOverride=%2Fbm%2Fcms%2FContentRenderer%2FrenderContent&contentrenderer_1_3currentNodeUUID=%2FBEA+Repository%2F34004&contentrenderer_1_3NodeUUID=%2FBEA+Repository%2F30004&_pageLabel=fh_findproducts#cleanup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksonbart Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 with a feather brush Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcarlton Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 I have considered this approach, haven't used the poly acrylic or polyurethane finish: "Finishing is normally done with China Tung oil purchased as 100% and thinned as necessary. Tung oil is a deep rich honey color and this helps impart a beautiful wet wood look and really brings out the grain. Normally 2 Tung oil coats is applied, taking 4 days to dry. Then finished with a final 3 coats of high grade furniture poly acrylic or polyurethane in satin or gloss finish." This is the approach a cabinet maker uses in making after market audio cabinets for McIntosh equipment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeRiff Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 Yes, these guys are right. Pretty much anything other than water-based/acrylic will yellow. It can be had at any Home Depot, Lowe's, hardware store or paint store. Even oil-based white paint will yellow unless exposed to the sunlight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klipsched with Yamahas Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 I used the 211 Provincial Minwax Oil-based stain, and it has yellowed slightly over the 24 year period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eq_shadimar Posted September 13, 2007 Author Share Posted September 13, 2007 Thanks guys! I will look at getting some water based poly for them. Laters, Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triceratops Posted September 18, 2007 Share Posted September 18, 2007 Hey Jeff, Is that the same pair of Heresy speakers I sold you some years ago? If so, I hope you are enjoying them! Please post some pictures before and after the finish. Like you I am wondering if I should apply a finish to a pair Birch Raw Cornwalls that I have--so I would love to see your results. Thanks! Best, Triceratops Eugene, Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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