Introduction
When it comes to preserving the natural beauty of wood, sealing is essential. However, many people struggle to find the perfect sealant that won’t darken or change the color of the wood. In this article, we will explore the various products available in the market and determine the best way to treat cedar without any coloration.
Finding the Right Products
The first step in finding the best sealant is to identify the products that are easily accessible and suitable for this purpose. The video presenter mentions that all the products she will test can be easily found at Lowe’s, Home Depot, or on online platforms like Amazon. These include:
- Stains that seal and protect.
- Minwax Pro Series Spar Urethane.
- Bullseye Shellac.
- Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane.
- General Finishes Flat Out Flat Top Coat.
- Minwax Polycrylic.
- Howard Wax at All.
Additionally, the presenter also experiments with a technique called whitewashing, using diluted white paint to lighten the wood.
The Testing Process
To determine the most durable sealant and its effect on color, the video presenter applies different strips of each product to a leaf on the inside of a table. This way, in case of any damage, it will not ruin the entire table. Let’s explore the results of each product.
Stains that seal and protect - The presenter expresses that this product is easy to apply using a rag. However, its impact on color is not explicitly mentioned.
Minwax Pro Series Spar Urethane - Though the instructions recommend using a bristle brush, the presenter uses a sponge brush for simplicity. The video does not provide specific details about the color change caused by this product.
Bullseye Shellac - This product is applied as the third option for testing, but no specific details regarding its color-changing properties are mentioned.
Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane - Highly recommended by the presenter’s Instagram followers, this product aims to ensure quick drying. However, the video does not mention the exact impact it has on the wood’s original shade.
General Finishes Flat Out Flat Top Coat - This particular product seems to be a favorite of the presenter. She mentions that it provides a smooth texture and retains the natural, light shade of the wood.
Minwax Polycrylic - The presenter decides to use the flat variant of this product, as it is said to best preserve the wood’s natural color. However, the video does not provide in-depth information regarding the extent of color change caused by this sealant.
Howard Wax at All - This product raises some concerns for the presenter, as it is not long-lasting. If this option proves to be the best, she acknowledges that buyers will need to reapply wax frequently for maintaining protection against water, food, and scratches. However, the video does not elaborate on the color impact of this product.
Whitewashing Technique - The presenter explains that whitewashing involves diluting white paint and applying it to the wood surface to lighten it. The wet paint currently appears darker, but it is expected to lighten and potentially hide any color changes once sealed.
Results and Conclusion
After an hour, the video presenter evaluates the results of her experiments. She concludes that the General Finishes Flat Out Flat Top Coat is her favorite, as it not only provides a smooth texture but also maintains the desired light, unfinished look. On the other hand, the Howard Wax at All is her least favorite, primarily because of its lack of durability.
The presenter also mentioned the whitewashing technique, highlighting that it lightened the wood significantly. However, she states that it added a slight blue tint, which may vary based on the technique and color used.
In summary, the video analysis offers valuable insights into finding the best way to treat cedar without coloration. The General Finishes Flat Out Flat Top Coat is recommended for its ability to preserve the natural shade of the wood while providing a smooth finish. Customers are advised to consider this option for their sealing needs.
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