water based UV protection finish for cherry?

[KM]

I am about to finish a desk which is made of 3/4 cherry VC ply for the top. I have concerns about the cherry darkening over time since this desk will be exposed to a lot of sunlight. I would like for the color to remain the same. Anyone have a suggestion? Thanks.
Ken

 

[hissatsu]

I've used Ceramithane with good results, and it does have UV protection. It is a bit pricey though ($55 a gallon, $16 a quart). Whatever water based finish you use, use a sealer first, otherwise you will change the color, and probably not in a way you'd like.

Pedro

 

[KM]

Thanks Pedro, now if I could only find it in NY. doesnt look like they have a dealer here. I'll search the net for more suppliers or see if it can be shipped. As for being expensive, I'll only need a quart and $16 is better than having to go back and redo the top after its on. The sealer idea sounds good too since the desk will be at a window of a condo that is directly on the beach of the atlantic and will be exposed to some extreme fluctuation in temp and moisture.

 

[monte]

I am about to finish a desk which is made of 3/4 cherry VC ply for the top. I have concerns about the cherry darkening over time since this desk will be exposed to a lot of sunlight. I would like for the color to remain the same. Anyone have a suggestion? Thanks.
Ken Fuller

Ken,
Welcome to the FOG.

In my experience with cherry, over time there will be a shift in color especially with a lot of sunlight.
Yes, different coatings with UV protectors will help.......but shifts to varying degrees will occur.

What Pedro stated about color changes is very true, make samples......wait a few days.
If this is for a client (or your wife), inform them that over time there is the possibility of shadowing occurring
under the desk objects over time. Such as desk blotters, pencil boxes, etc.
(again, if it is for a client, put it in writing (after telling) them at the bottom of your bill - keep a copy)

cheers,
Roger

 

[hissatsu]

Thanks Pedro, now if I could only find it in NY. doesnt look like they have a dealer here. I'll search the net for more suppliers or see if it can be shipped. As for being expensive, I'll only need a quart and $16 is better than having to go back and redo the top after its on. The sealer idea sounds good too since the desk will be at a window of a condo that is directly on the beach of the atlantic and will be exposed to some extreme fluctuation in temp and moisture.

I've ordered it from Highland Woodworking in the past.

Pedro

 

[KM]

Thanks Roger and Pedro,
This desk is for a "client" although I am not a pro, I'm just an beginner "hobbyist" woodworker that is doing this for a friend of a friend. I have already stated to him that this desk will have a high risk of warpage and/or  color change since he is right on the beach. NO Promises..

I appreciate you guys welcoming me to the FOG. I've just been lurking for the last few months. I started the "ol slippin and slidin" and have been reading this forum while I try to figure out how to use the tools I've bought. Actually today I will be finishing my "woodworkers bench" and will post some pics of it within the next few days. Hopefully I will be able to contribute more in the future as my skill and confidence level improve.

 

[Tim Sproul]

I would like for the color to remain the same.

You can slow down the color change but you cannot prevent the color change with a clear topcoat.  No clear topcoat will prevent cherry from darkening over time.  It might go something like this:

clear lacquer only - darkens to maximum in 2 months when exposed daily to direct sunlight through a window.
Really high UV absorbent containing clear coat - darkens to maximum in 12 months when exposed daily to direct sunlight through a window.

The cherry will change color.  Kinda like trying to prevent a panel from widening and narrowing with the seasons.  You can minimize but you cannot eliminate.

 

[KM]

Thank you Roger,

I'll try the sealer/ceramithane method and hope for the best. If the color will slowly darken over time and not all at once, there's a shot that this friend will think it's his eyesight and not the wood. Thanks for the help guys!
Ken