How to darken solid birch?

TanSpam

Hi all, 

I've just bought the Ikea Mittback trestle legs (https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/mittback-trestle-birch-50459996/), which are made of solid birch. I'd like to make it slightly darker, more of a honey colour, to match the hue of the Freedom Storabed (https://www.freedom.com.au/product/23412859). 

What product do I use? I don't know the difference between stains, varnishes, and lacquers. Have tried to do a bit of reading online but I'm still stumped, as most articles are talking about plywood. 

TIA for your help!  

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @TanSpam. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about matching timber colours.

The Mittback appears to be raw Birch, and the bed, Ash. Applying an oil-based polyurethane will give the timber a slightly darker look and a bit of a golden hue. It might not give you the full look you're going for, so it is best to do a test section in an inconspicuous location to ensure you're happy with the look before committing to the whole project. Apart from just a clear oil-based coat to add a honey hue, you could look at staining the timber. Have you assembled the units yet? If not, you could take a section of each into your nearest Bunnings store, and a helpful Paint Expert could take a look at them for you. 

You need to be very careful that you don't apply so much stain that it sends the Mittback timber darker than the bed's Ash. I suggest applying the stain with a semi-dry rag and building it up over several layers instead of applying a couple of thick coats with a paintbrush.

I'd also recommend you consider Feast Watson 250ml Scandinavian Oil as that could be all that's applied to the bed. Once again, I'd recommend you do a test section.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell