what varnish for new skirting etc...

[ryandavies142]

hi,
i've just finished fitting new knotty pine skirting, achitrave, door frames and doors.
i was wondering how to get that oaky sort of colour now to the pine?
1) do i need to treat the knotts?

2) should i use wax, stain or colour varnish?

3) do i need to water the first coat down?

sorry for all the ? but i am a newby to this as you can tell, any advise would be greatly appreciated

 

[squowse]

polyurethane varnish (aka quick drying, water based, microporous) is very natural in effect and only darkens the wood sligtly.

sounds like you would like some deepening of colour so i would recommend something like osmo polyx oil. it's very natural in composition , but oil based.

 

[woodfinishes1877]

I'd do one of two things.

If time is important and you want to avoid alot of elbow grease then seal the knots in with a barrier seal and then overcoat it with some polyurethane varnish. This will definitely bring out the real tones in the timber.

If you're after a really traditonal look then you can't beat 2 coats of Shellac sanding sealer (sanded back between coats) and the finish off with 0000 steelwool.

All of these products can be bought through Smith & Rodger or Mylands websites. Hope this helps. I must admit I'd avoid OSMO - had some bad experiences.