First: I was a bit disappointed in the trim as it is not as deep rosy/red as the timbers. I know Doug fir darkens with exposure to light and the timbers have indeed darkened since the framing was done months ago. Bu the trim is almost pine-looking it is so light. SOme of it does have some darker grain. Some is vertical grain and some is flat grain. I could not afford all CVG, or clear vertical grain which is ridiculously expensive. Anyway, my first question is: will water-based poly impede the darkening process? I don't want it to. I did read somewhere that an oil-based stain or finish will darken it more than water-based.

Second question: is there any product I can use to apply over the poly to give the wood a darker look but still show the grain? I tried Minwax polyshades but that stuff looks crappy and is hard to apply evenly. I've also tried Zar Plus which is a poly/stain mix and it looks better but not great.

Thanks for any info.

You can get the finish darker by glazing -- using a water-based glaze, then applying more Durathane.

You are smart to avoid the 'all-in-one' products such as Polyshades.

Dye or pigment added to a clear finish produces a glaze.

It is a slightly tinted finish that can be applied to darken the final appearance.

It has been used to color sapwood, change the appearance of finishes, etc.