White tops - any that stay white with age?

[naccoachbob]

I really like the look of a white top with dark sides and back. Is there a type of spruce that will stay white year after year?
What are the characteristics of that wood regarding sound?
What are they like as far as stiffness to weight? Durability?
I'd rather the sound than the color.

Thanks,
Bob

[Darryl Young]

I may be stating the obvious.......but not only will the top have to stay white, the finish must stay clear and not yellow/amber over time if you want the top to stay looking white.

That may be a big challenge.

[tippie53]

only if you paint them

Aren't water based finishes non-yellowing?

-tommy

[tippie53]

the wood still "tans"

[naccoachbob]

So I suppose bleach is out of the question :)
Yeh Darryl, I had forgot to put that in the equation.
Oh well, I'll learn to love yellow.

[Tom West]

They will all change some with Sitka showing the biggest change and not sure of the winner for the least.
Tom

So I suppose bleach is out of the question

Well, maybe not.
I think it's called Wood-Kote and it's a 2 stage process that is supposed to remove color from wood.
I've never used it but I've read that it does a good job.

-tommy

[ruby@magpage.com]

Wood bleach is typically Oxalic acid and will remove color completely from lighter woods like maple and spruce, and dramatically lighten darker woods (not sure about the oily exotics). You have to use a neutralizer to stop the bleaching, then a wash with a little water would help. Then, has has been said, a water clear finish and it should be a long time before any yellowing occurs.

Give it a shot on some scrap.

Ed Minch