from an old woodworker
Posted by: magooch on Oct-20-12 11:49 AM (EST)
I've used just about every wood finish ever sold and my choice by far is Varathane outdoor water-based urethane. It is the easiest to use, produces the best results and is very easy to repair. It dries to the touch in minutes, so it doesn't collect dust like slow drying solvent-based finishes. It also does not amber. It does take several coats, but that is not a problem. Yes, it can be applied over some oil finishes, but that might be a matter of experimentation. I use this finish on all of the furniture and cabinets that I build. I've also used it on most of the paddles I've built.