This is my 1st post. I’ve been finishing for years and have question regarding water white materials. I have a walnut kitchen that the customer would like to finish natural. I explained the wood will turn a golden color as it ages and that’s ok. My question is will the water white coating keep the walnut from aging properly with that beautiful golden patina. Over the years I remember doing a cherry cabinet that almost seemed to bleach out over time because of the water white coating and I believe UV inhibitors in the material. I’ve also seen commercial jobs done in natural walnut that looked terrible, almost pale looking, I believe because of the coating. Can you shed some light on coatings and patina.
Thanks
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Very few coatings are very good UV inhibitors, and most of those are exterior marine coatings. Over the long run, UV always wins anyway.
Left alone, walnut gets lighter with age. Antique pieces don't get too light partly because of how they were finished. Linseed oil, especially, gets really really dark as it ages.
I think cleat water based coatings -- by themselves -- look terrible on furniture. Too unnatural. But tastes differ. The only thing I like water based finish on by itself is oak floors, when I want them as light as possible.
I really like the look of shellac on wood. It really brings out the natural character. But it isnt very protective. So I put water based finish on top of dewaxed shellac. For me, it's the best of everything. Do a sample board, and show your customer.
I'm not using water based materials. I'm using conversion varnish. It's water resistant and durable. I want the wood to age properly. I may use a two part urethane that's not water white but it's so pricey.
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