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Is there some kind of polish or treatment that would darken the wood with continued use? I feel that the trim and woodwork in my home is too light and wonder if there is some type of polish I could regularly apply that will penetrate the finish somewhat and slowly darken it over the years?
The answer is no. If you wish to darken finished wood, the only way is UV rays. Taking it all off and placing it in the sun for 2-3 days will do it but obviously that is impractical. Buying a UV light and placing it 12" from the wood and moving it every 2-3 days is just as ridicules.
Your only hope to darken stained woodwork is to buy a gel or non penetrating stain. Most stain is penetrating meaning it penetrates the wood, then you seal it with a polyurethane clear coat. Since your wood has a clear coat, a penetrating stain will not penetrate. A gel stain will sit on the surface and dry, just like paint does.
That's your only answer other then simply painting the stained woodwork. And that is a mortal sin for those who love wood.
actually wouldn't UV rays lighten a lot of woods?? (Cherry seems to darken, but a lot of other woods seem to bleach in the sunlight)..
I'm afraid if you want darker wood trim, you'll either need to replace what you have, or strip and restain it.
And while stripping/restaining might be the cheaper option, it is a decent amount of work - especially for someone who doesn't do this on a regular basis.
actually wouldn't UV rays lighten a lot of woods?? (Cherry seems to darken, but a lot of other woods seem to bleach in the sunlight)..
I'm afraid if you want darker wood trim, you'll either need to replace what you have, or strip and restain it.
And while stripping/restaining might be the cheaper option, it is a decent amount of work - especially for someone who doesn't do this on a regular basis.
Often times when a cabinet door or 2 appeared light compared to everything else and the customer beefed about it, we'd put the door/s outside in the sun for a couple days. They would darken to the desired shade to match.
Yes cherry darkens the most and the fastest but maple and oak also darken in the sun.
...wonder if there is some type of polish I could regularly apply that will penetrate the finish somewhat and slowly darken it over the years?
There is- more in a second.
Not knowing what the topcoat is on your woodwork (lacquer, shellac, poly, etc.) most "penetrating" stains would probably NOT. So, how do we achieve darkening without the benefit of penetrating the surface? One answer was given- gel stain. And that's just as messy (usually more so) than regular stain.
The answer is: Briwax.
There was just another thread in the last few days about Briwax. It comes in several different colors, and with continuous use you can significantly darken wood trim without all the fuss of sanding and restraining as previously mentioned.
Once you get to the desired color shade you can maintain the luster by buffing.
It's not polish, but it will certainly give you the desired effect.
Thanks for the information. It's probably a poly finish. Ill get some briwax and try it out.
Btw, the funny thing is that there was a leaky window where a valley and eve on the roof channeled a torrent of water at the window before I put on a gutter and splashguard; the 'water damaged' casing around that window now has a beautiful dark and rich color to it (yeah its probably partially rotten). That is the color i'm going to try and match for the rest of the trim.
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