I put a coat of varathane on the stands last night but it didn't warm up the colour the way I was expecting. Apparently (based on research done *after* applying the finish) oil-based poly finishes dry with an amber hue but water-based finishes dry clear... and all the other pine in the room has an oil-based finish.
Did I mention "Bah !!" ?
I've used both but unfortunately my experience only extends to "outdoor" poly (both oil and water based). Both left that amber hue (which i didn't want) on cedar. I understand that this comes from the UV protectant however the marketing on the side of the water based poly specifically stated it wouldn't change the wood colour.
Ummm, ya.
Sell me another ice cube i guess.
