Finish Suggestions - Matte while keeping Ambers down

[Van G]

Working with wormy maple for floating shelves, fireplace surround, and bench.

I've got everything sanded to 180 and had orginally planned to finish with Osmo oil but my test piece really had the amber colour plow through - which I'm trying to avoid.

I'd like to keep the colour tone away from the overly yellow, amber and limit the sheen to matte or satin.

Would also consider taking it a touch grey if we can't keep the look of sanded wood.

I've looked at (but not tested) Rubio Clear Plus2C, Osmo Poly-X, and a reaction product from Exotic Woods.

My finishing experience is limited so appreciate any guidance on product and technique.

 

[bnaboatbuilder]

Most oils of any kind will cause an amber tone which will get even more enhanced over time with sun exposure.

Lacquers will leave the lighter tone of maple with little to no yellowing.

A polyurethane will have less yellowing than oils but can look more plastic since it's a thicker film than a lacquer.

 

[tjbnwi]

Try a touch of red or magenta in the oil. If it does not correct to your liking go with a waterborne.

Tom

 

[junk731]

Try using the white, 5% white or cotton white with the Rubio Monocoat. I used the 5% white when trying to achieve similar results. Take a sample board and try them at Exotic Woods they have sample bottles of everything.

John

 

[Van G]

Try using the white, 5% white or cotton white with the Rubio Monocoat. I used the 5% white when trying to achieve similar results. Take a sample board and try them at Exotic Woods they have sample bottles of everything.

John

Thanks John, I'll get some extra stock sanded to 180 and make the trip.

 

[Van G]

Most oils of any kind will cause an amber tone which will get even more enhanced over time with sun exposure.

Lacquers will leave the lighter tone of maple with little to no yellowing.

A polyurethane will have less yellowing than oils but can look more plastic since it's a thicker film than a lacquer.

Haven't used lacquer before but keen to investigate. Can I get a matte finish with brush on lacquer?

What brand/product should I start reading about?

 

[Michael Kellough]

Try using the white, 5% white or cotton white with the Rubio Monocoat. I used the 5% white when trying to achieve similar results. Take a sample board and try them at Exotic Woods they have sample bottles of everything.

John

I second that. It's a very simple way to go. You can also just add a little white to the clear product until it looks right.

 

[Van G]

Did a test with 5% White at 80 grit and it's pretty close to what I want.

Rubio suggest 80-100 (floor application) but I can see some scratches at 80 with just a hand buff to remove.

What grit do you typically finish with for Rubio on furniture pieces? Does it need open pores since a surface bond?

 

[Michael Kellough]

Obviously you can get more product into the wood if it has a rougher surface, and that would be good for a floor.

For some furniture (display furniture in a store window, not actually used) I sanded to 180 and thought that was good enough.

Another option is sand to 150 and coat and after dry sand lightly at 220 or finer and add another coat.

 

[junk731]

For the matte finish you are looking for sand to 180, you should be able to get a swirl free finish. Unfortunately most of the Rubio info is geared toward floors but I've done pieces of furniture to 4000P with no issues. Once you get past 320 you really start to enhance the grain. Contrary to what most say, with the proper application, the oils do penetrate and make the wood really come to life.

John

 

[Michael Kellough]

For the matte finish you are looking for sand to 180, you should be able to get a swirl free finish. Unfortunately most of the Rubio info is geared toward floors but I've done pieces of furniture to 4000P with no issues. Once you get past 320 you really start to enhance the grain. Contrary to what most say, with the proper application, the oils do penetrate and make the wood really come to life.

John

Good to know.