I have used thinned varnish wiped on and it always seems to yellow over time. I am about to finish a maple piece and like the simplicity of wiped on finish but want to keep the wood as “white ” as possible. I have hear waterbased poly is less yellowing , but how can you apply it wiped on? Thinned with water?
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Replies
Oils will tend to yellow with time. The wood itself will tend to deepen also.
Water based finishes are by nature "water white" and will not yellow. On a fairly large project with water based varnish, I used a paint pad. It is about 3" x 4" . I would wet the surface of it, tap it off on paper towels and then apply it in a smooth even motion.
I don't use them all that much. When I did, I didn't thin it. I would think a small amount of Floetrol might be helpful but I would suggest you followed the directions on the can of whatever product you chose. they can be a little finicky.
Peter
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