Are you tired of sealing your natural wood only to have it turn yellow, orange, or darker? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the best products on the market to seal natural wood without compromising its beautiful color. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, finding the right sealant can make a world of difference. We’ve tested various products and identified the top contenders that deliver lasting results. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to preserving the natural beauty of wood.
Understanding the Challenge
Sealing natural wood can be a tricky process. Many sealants in the market will darken the wood’s color or give it an undesirable hue. However, we set out to find the perfect solution that would keep the wood’s color intact while providing durable protection against damage. After extensive research, we gathered a variety of products that claimed to seal wood without changing its color. Our goal was to test and compare each product to find the most effective one. Let’s take a closer look at the contenders!
The Contenders
Stains, Seals, and Protects: This product is the first contender on our list. It offers a versatile solution that can be applied with a rag, making the application process a breeze.
Minwax Pro Series Spar Urethane: Next up is the Minwax Pro Series Spar Urethane. While the instructions suggest using a bristle brush, we opted for a sponge brush for a cleaner application.
Bullseye Shellac: Shellac is a popular choice for sealing wood due to its smooth finish. We put Bullseye Shellac to the test to see if it lives up to its reputation.
Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane: For those looking for a quick-drying option, Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane promises to deliver excellent results. Let’s find out if it lives up to its claim.
General Finishes Flat Out Flat Top Coat: Highly recommended by our Instagram followers, this top coat offers a flat finish that helps preserve the natural shade of the wood.
Minwax Polycrylic: Known for its durability, Minwax Polycrylic is a popular choice among woodworkers. We selected the flat version, as it provides the best chance of maintaining the wood’s natural look.
Howard Wax at All: While not a long-lasting option, Howard Wax at All offers a unique solution for temporary protection. However, it may require frequent reapplications to maintain its effectiveness.
Whitewashing as a Strategy: Apart from the traditional sealants, we explored an alternative strategy - whitewashing. By diluting white paint and applying it to the wood, we aimed to lighten its color while maintaining a natural appearance.
The Testing Process
We meticulously followed the instructions for each product and applied them to different sections of the wood. By doing so, we could compare the results side by side and determine which product emerged as the winner. After an hour of waiting for the sealants to dry, we were finally able to assess the outcomes.
The Results
The clear winner of our experiment was the General Finishes Flat Out Flat top coat. It not only offered impressive durability but also retained the wood’s natural shade. The texture was exceptionally smooth, making it a highly desirable option for anyone seeking a flawless finish.
While the Danish Oil provided the smoothest texture, it darkened the wood considerably. If you prefer a darker finish, the Danish Oil might be a suitable option. However, if you aim to maintain the wood’s light, unfinished look, the General Finishes Flat Out Flat is our top recommendation.
On the other hand, Howard Wax at All proved to be less effective in terms of longevity. Frequent reapplication is necessary to keep the wood protected from water, food, and scratches. Therefore, we do not recommend it as a long-term solution.
Exploring Whitewashing
In addition to the traditional sealants, we experimented with whitewashing as a strategy to lighten the wood’s color. By diluting white paint and applying it to the wood, we were able to achieve a lighter shade. However, we noticed a slight blue tint in the final result, which might not be desirable for everyone’s taste.
Conclusion
After careful testing and comparison, the General Finishes Flat Out Flat top coat emerged as the best product for sealing natural wood without changing its color. Its durability, smooth texture, and ability to preserve the wood’s natural shade make it an excellent choice for any woodworking project.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the world of wood sealing. If you found this content helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and follow us on Instagram for more tips and tricks. Should you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below. Happy woodworking!
