DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I wish to change my internal doors from the original plasticky ones to oak wooden. However the fishes I have seen appear to change the light oak to a yellow colour which I do not like. Are there any finishes that preserve the original colour, or what would be the downside of leaving them unfinished?

Hi, I like the idea of the fishes turning the oak yellow!

Woods will tend to darken over time anyway, some (like cherry) very rapidly, others (like oak) quite slowly. Not a lot you can do about that I'm afraid.

Having said that I'm surprised that you can't find a clear finish, a lot of the commonly available varnishes will dry pretty clear. You can get them in matt or gloss.

I'm a newbie here and not quite sure on the policy for naming manufaturers, but there is a range which does exactly what it says on the tin! They have non-colouring products that work for me.

Don't use the water based varnishes. Thin the first coat with 10% (ish) white spirit, denib, then 2 further coats. It's often better to wipe the coats on with a paint pad rather than a use a brush. Might need more than 2 coats if you do this!

Don't leave it unfinished - it'll look 'orrible after a short while!

Ive always used Danish oil on oak. Even on oak framed windows.
just 3 coats will do it and de-nib after each coat has dried. Loverly smell too. Hope this helps. Leo.