Getting closer to the end, and it’s time to think about finishing the project… with wood finish. I’m going by my client’s (mom’s) request here. She wants it to match our barn back home. This is lighter than the barn, though the barn has darkened with age. She did also say "not dark – keep it light," and I’m pretty sure this is about what she’s hoping for. There are actually 2 different stains here, half on the left, and half on the right, but they look identical. I’m a little disappointed that even after properly mixing up the pre-stain, and wood finish ("Colonial Maple"), and following the directions, and wait times, I’m getting a blotchy look. Of course, this is scrap that hasn’t been sanded ever. I’m pretty sure the finely sanded (400 grit) TV stand will accept the stain far better.
After extensive reading as to the uses, pros, and cons of everything here, and other things recommended in the instructions not shown here, I have decided to go pick up spar varnish, instead of using either Polycrylic™, or Polyurethane, as spar varnish is good for lots of sunlight, and will keep the wood from graying over time. The TV stand will be in a room with huge glass doors and windows on 3 sides, and 2 large skylights overhead. It gets very bright in there. I don’t want it to gray in the areas around the TV’s shadow.
