Is there a finish that won't darken the wood ?

[Termite]

Does anyone know of a finish that won't darken the wood? I'm going to try making a set of grips for my 1322 out of Ziricote and am looking for a finish that won't darken the wood when applied.
I've tried Tru Oil and Permalyn but it darkens the wood to the point it's hard to see the grain variations. I also tried rubbing in Carnuba wax which was better, just don't think it will be durable.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[DonC]

Water based varnish will dry crystal clear and afford nice protection. Woodcraft sells a product by General finishes. I used the exterior varnish on a light maple table. No change in color and never turns amber with age.
W\Thiss finish does not POP the grain or look good on walnut and cherry darker woods. It is best to POP the grain of dark woods with shellac or linseed oil and then apply the waterbased crystal clear over that.
The stuf is easy to brush and dries very quickly like nitrcellulouse laquer.

[Termite]

Thank you for the info.  I'll look into getting some to try.  Does it produce a high gloss sheen or can you knock it down to a satin finish? My usual finishes darken the Ziricote to the point it just looks black.

[DonC]

4/0 steel woll will control the glass level.

[uncle paulie]

Water based polyurethane dries crystal clear and is available in satin, semi-gloss and glossy. Minimally darkens the wood.

pv

[rsterne]

"Crystal Clear" will mean that at best your wood will look the same as if it is wet (with water or alcohol).... I am not aware of any finish that will appear lighter than that when dry.... The grain is usually enhanced by a "clear" finish, rather than obscured....

Bob

[Termite]

Thank you all for the information.  It will be a while before I can get the time to make them, works been crazy lately. When I do I'll be sure to post some pictures. Thanks again!

[Gear_Junkie]

I used RLO on my TX200 stock.  I would say that it added warmth to the stock, and didn't really darken it much - maybe just a bit.

[RBQChicken]

Is that the original finish on the left, or bare sanded wood just prior to getting the RLO treatment?

[Gear_Junkie]

Is that the original finish on the left, or bare sanded wood just prior to getting the RLO treatment?

That is the original finish on the left.  From what info I could gather from AA, it sounds like they use a Danish oil on their stocks.

[RBQChicken]

You did a very nice job.

[Vee3]

Lacquer is about the best finish if you don't want to obscure color or figure. It's crystal clear and usually (depending upon the formulation) stays that way.

It also has the advantage of every coat becoming part of the previous one, not just piling one on top of another. No sanding is required between coats. Only type of finish I know of that has these properties. It's not as durable, nor as water resistant as poly, spar varnish or some others.

Need to make sure that what you're buying is true lacquer. There are poly-based finishes that say "lacquer" on the label.

[Gear_Junkie]

You did a very nice job.

Thanks!    Although I can't take a lot of credit, the RLO is pretty easy to apply.

[Termite]

Wow that is beautiful Gear Junkie, nice job!

Thanks for the info Vee3,  When I get some time I'll try to post some pictures of the Ziricote with and with out Permalyn finish to show how much it darkens the wood. I've been swamped at work the last couple of months and haven't had time to finish my 1322 project. Thanks guys for all of your help!

[Stikkershokk]

I will usually try a shellac to get grain to pop. Be careful what you finish over it.

[SpiralGroove]

I used RLO on my TX200 stock.  I would say that it added warmth to the stock, and didn't really darken it much - maybe just a bit.

Looks great Gear,
I don't think it's darker, simply makes the grain show through and seals the wood, whereas dull before. 
Those AA and BSA stocks need to be sealed or they will absorb anything, to usually a unwanted effect.

[Gear_Junkie]

I used RLO on my TX200 stock.  I would say that it added warmth to the stock, and didn't really darken it much - maybe just a bit.

Looks great Gear,
I don't think it's darker, simply makes the grain show through and seals the wood, whereas dull before. 
Those AA and BSA stocks need to be sealed or they will absorb anything, to usually a unwanted effect.

Thanks Kirk!  I'm now a big fan of RLO.