Question (WOODWEB Member) :
I've noticed this before in cabinets where the plywood center panel changes color (yellow - usually when a simple clear coat is used). I'm not sure if this is because a yellowing finish (NC lacquer or poly) was used or if it's a function of the plywood. I need to build/finish some shaker type doors and was hoping to do a clear (water white pre-cat) finish. I do not want this kind of discrepancy between stiles/rails and the center panel. I've done these types of doors before but stained them and I don't notice a problem with the ply panels.
Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From Contributor E:
I think it’s the type of wood in the stiles and rails and the plywood. In the one component you are dealing with solid material which has been harvested and processed in one way and the panels being veneer are harvested and processed in a very different way. Sometimes there is a color difference, sometimes not. Solid wood will come from one forest and the veneer from another. If you really want to have a match you can always lay up a solid wood panel but it is time consuming and takes machinery. If you want a fine piece of furniture that is maybe the way you should be heading. Don’t compare anything to the mass produced products as they again are made in different ways.
To avoid it your best bet is using solid wood for everything. Of course that's not really practical, so one thing that can help is veneering your own panels. By applying your own thicker veneers you can keep the color much closer and keep to a minimum how much it changes over time. Otherwise if you go with factory veneered panels you can count on seeing that color change.