Light Cherry finish

[paulo333]

I am making some shelves (10" wide x 1" thick) for someone with the finish to match two fireplace surrounds. These have a matt finish and look to me to be a light-cherry colour. I was thinking of either using solid pine boards or a veneered board sandwich. They want a floating shelf appearance so the latter is probably easier.

My question is can anyone recommend a simple finish? I would like to avoid the 15 coats with 14 sandings kind of thing.

Much obliged.

 

[jasonB]

A waterbased finish will keep the cherry looking light, 3-4 coats with a rub down between each using 320g silicon carbide paper is what I use. Dulux Diamond Glaze will be the easiest to get hold of.

Bear in mind that cherry is very easily darkened by sunlight, you can see the difference in a couple of hours if left out in the sun.

Jason