"Clear" Poly For Maple

I am in the process of finishing out the trim for a vacation home.

The "natural" maple paneling that we bought for the walls is pre-finished with what appears to be a clear coat only. As time has passed (about a year) since I hung the paneling it has yellowed slightly from exposure to sun light.

I have bought maple trim (crown, casings, base, etc.) and have finished some of it with MinWax Semi Gloss Polyurethane. When I hung the crown against the paneling... it looks a lot more yellow/darker than the "aged" paneling.

As far as I know the trim and paneling are the same species of maple... our cabinet guy finished some of the trim at his shop and it matched the paneling almost exactly... but, his finishing is very expensive.

Is there a clear semi-gloss Poly that I can get easily and put on with a brush that will give a more "clear" finish? Or I would also consider spraying, if there is another alternative.

Thanks,

Steve

 

All wood species acquire a patina with exposure to sun light. Maple tends to yellow. Cabinet and furniture manufacturers use lacquer finishes that have UVB retardants. Water-based poly tends not to amber.