Is there a colorless topcoat?

[Len Rosenberg]

I'm building foyer table with a maple top, and I'd like to maintain the very light color of the wood. All the finishes I have experience with impart a yellow or golden color to the wood. Is there a quality finish out there that is basically clear, and will not turn the wood yellow?

Many thanks.

Len

[John TenEyck]

General Finishes High Perf. Poly would be a good choice for a foyer table. https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/water-base-top-coats-sanding-sealers/high-performance-polyurethane-topcoat Water clear and it contains a UV package that prevents both the finish and underlying wood from yellowing over time. Another water clear product with better chemical durability but minus the UV package is GF's Enduro Clear Poly. https://generalfinishes.com/professional-products/water-base-topcoats-and-sanding-sealers/waterbase-polyurethane-topcoat#.VQYvueFBn6E Both spray beautifully, and the HP Poly goes on very well with a brush.

John

[Len Rosenberg]

John, thanks for the info, I will give the HP Poly a try.

Len

[Andy Pratt]

most people will recommend an acrylic finish for the least color change, pick your brand but they will all be a lot less yellowing than oil based

[Bill Neely]

I finished a maple dresser top with GF Polyacrylic, it's crystal clear, no yellowing at all after 7 years.

[Jason Roehl]

most people will recommend an acrylic finish for the least color change, pick your brand but they will all be a lot less yellowing than oil based

I'll second this. True clear.

[Prashun Patel]

Thanks for this summary, John. Always wondered the diff between the two products.

[Al Launier]

I am also in need of a clear non-darkening, non-yellowing finish that will keep the light color of a maple jewelry boxes that I'm currently making. After a recommendation by Lee Schierer (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/member.php?367-Lee-Schierer) (SMC Moderator - 40 years woodworking experience) for "Deft Clear wood finish in semi-gloss. It is lacquer based and can be brushed or sprayed." - I decided to go with it.

I researched this product further, as well as other products, and determined that the others will yellow over time. Also, Deft appears to have a better fan nozzle than the other lacquer sprays I checked.

Deft is available at Rockler (http://www.rockler.com/deft-semi-gloss-wood-finish-spray). It's a couple bucks more than the other products, but it claims not to yellow and has received outstanding reviews.

Good luck with your project.