Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/22/2008

Question
Hi Eileen, I've stripped the old stain from my teak cabinet and would like to leave it O'natural can I just varnish it or would that ruin the wood?

Answer
Hi Michelle
Nice to hear from you.
Very interesting question and one I am glad to offer an opinion on.
My opinion is that a finish should never be applied to raw wood.
You should always stain first.
If you want to leave the natural look then apply a coat of "Minwax Natural" stain before the finish.
This stain has no color but it will seal the wood.
Michelle I come by that opinion after many years of stripping old furniture that folks have previously stripped and applied poly or varnish to without staining first.
I have found that it basically ruins the look of antique
(or old) furniture.
And you can never strip this off and have satisfactory results if you decide to refinish the piece again. I think its because the poly or varnish absorbs into the wood and you can't get it all out.
There was a trend a few years back in the 60's I believe, to strip furniture and leave the "natural wood" look.
Today I am seeing these pieces come in to be refinished again.
Folks say "I want it restored to original" and it just can't be done in my humble opinion.
So your question "can I just varnish it or would that ruin the wood?"
My answer is yes it will ruin the wood.
Great Question
Kindest Regards
Eileen