Non yellowing wood varnish info please

[neal]

Hi, i have just installed redwood doors and a red wood complete staircase, rails etc in my home. I want recommendations for a good satin varnish that will not yellow the wood with time. i have been told acrylic varishs are better but any tips would be great!

 

[IanDB]

I've never come across this problem - mind you this is only through DIY. If you thin the varnish with white spirit the first coat will absorb into the wood and give a good base for a second coat.

I have stained doors and staircase. These were done 7 years ago and look as good as new. This was using standard polyurethane satin varnish.

I think you may suffer from this if you use a gloss finish but it would be interesting to hear from anybody else.

 

[big-all]

accrylic [waterbased]varnish doesnt yellow with age
where as oil based varnishes do yellow with time
untreated pine if kept clean still tones down to
"antique pine colour"

big all

 

[AdamW]

If you thin the varnish with white spirit

Note that waterbased varnishes should not be thinned with white spirit. I suppose you could thin these with water if required.

 

[Jasonb]

I'd go with a waterbased varnish, the first coat may be thinned with 10 per cent water especially in warm weather.

Jason