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Expert: - 8/10/2011


Question
I have never done this before. I have been trying out different stains and decided that I really just like the natural look without stain. So I testing a part with just the final stinky stuff, but it made it darker too. Is it possible to finish them without a stain and without changing the natural color? They are oak. Since I've never done it before, I prefer to use something that only requires one or two steps. But I really don't want the color to change.

Thanks,
Kris Ann

Answer
Hi Kris, any finish will change the color of dry unfinished wood. The least change will come from an Acrylic (waterborne) Urethane, which has no amber/yellowish hue, and will dry the lightest, ("water white" meaning perfectly clear)...they can be tricky to apply for the novice though, especially on cabinet doors that are raised panel design...You could also try a gel urethane like Generals or the Old masters. The benefit of this is that they are easier to apply, and even though they have a tinge of the yellowish oil based color, they are actually closer to a solvent lacquer, with a light "straw" color. I will say, though that finishing a full kitchen of cabinets, if you're inexperienced, is a daunting proposition to say the least.Professional finishers spray cabinets, for several reasons, but mostly because it's the best way to apply an even, professional finish on the different profiles and surfaces encountered in cabinet construction....hand applying a durable, even, uniform finish on a kitchen full of cabinets takes some serious finishing "chops". There really are no shortcuts or easy methods....wish I had a better answer, but feel free to post back if need be- regards- Greg
P.s.- I notice that the OldMasters instructions state that you can apply this with a paper towel(!) Don't try that, just make a pad of a few layers of folded flannel or t-shirt material. I prefer the General Satin Gel product, but both are very similar...

http://www.oldmasters.biz/products-intclear-oilbased-gelpoly.htm

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2005555/16556/Satin-Topcoat-Gel-Stain-Pint.aspx

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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