Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - how to maintain color or wood

:thinker: i have recently installe 1 x 6 white pine t@g panelling in my bedroom. i have installed this pannelling in other rooms in my home and after putting on polyurethan its takes on a kinda yellow look. what would be the best finish for this to maintain the light white look of the wood thanks for all help

Oil-based polyurethane contains an amber tint as part of its natural composition, so it will change the appearance of the wood in and of itself. Pine will yellow and darken over time from exposure to light. That is the nature of pine. Water-based polyurethane does not contain an amber tint unless added to it. Water-based polyurethane will have a clear, clean look to it. On the other hand, some object to the cold appearance of water-based polyurethane because of the lack of the amber tint. It tends to make the wood look pale and ashen, so to speak.

One thought on maintaining the light look would be to pickle the wood, then finish it with water-based polyurethane. The pickling stain will give it a white cast and the water-based polyurethane will not have a yellowing effect.

Hope this helps.