How can I seal my table without altering its color, aside from using glass as a cover?
Asked by Aurelio Carbajal 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 17, 2024
Does it dry clear??? I just finished sanding down all those orange hues. I really don’t want to add them back in or make the table any darker at all.
Any ideas on how to seal it without altering the table’s color? I’m not keen on using glass as a cover, but I’m not sure what other options there might be.
In my experience, all poly options have darkened the wood to some extent.
It appears dusty without it. Just give it a quick clean.
When you add anything to it, the wood will absorb it and darken slightly. Have you considered bleaching it beforehand?
Okay, got it. Should I bleach the wood first or try a white paint wash before sealing? I’m not sure which option is better.
Start by bleaching the wood and then applying mineral oil.
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Remove that spot by sanding it off, then apply a white wash using water and cream paint before adding the finish. Essentially, you have to overcompensate to achieve the desired appearance with a white wash. You could also consider using wood bleach to eliminate the natural yellow tones in the wood.
That makes sense. Thank you!
Polycrylic doesn’t yellow or orange over time.
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Why don’t you begin with a white wash or a very light white stain and then apply varathane on top?
I keep getting the same feedback. That totally makes sense. Maybe mix in some white with the sealer?
Hey, I feel like if you mix white in with the sealer, it might end up looking cloudy, right?
We have some experiments happening over here!
Test a spot underneath.
It’s impossible to seal dry wood without changing the color. If you mist it with water, it will darken. So you’ll have to lighten it enough before sealing to get the color you want.
What says totally makes sense. I got caught up looking at products that claim to dry clear. But that description doesn’t address the initial change in color.
Working on my own project now… could you share the end result and the method/product you ended up using? Thanks!
I definitely will!