[VAC] Re: Tung oil - how about spar varnish?

[D Welch <jtdjtd@xxxxxxxx>]

Toby-
Spar varnish is used mostly on exterior wood  (spars) on boats and such
like. It never quite dries hard, so it flexes with the spars as they
bend in the wind.  For Interior surfaces that need to stay clean, it is
not as good a finish. Also it is not resistant to alcohol.... If you
want a glossy surface or even a semi gloss, urethane is better.
Varathane used to be the only one that didn't yellow. Tung oil
impregnates the surface of the wood. leaving the grain texture visible,
and forming a seal that resists most spills, and is nontoxic. Teak
kitchen counters with a tung oil finish are lovely and functional. They
are not shiny, though.

My personal preference is water based urethane. Less fumes, easy clean
up. You can get it in matte, semi gloss and gloss. I actually redid a
floor with it and four years later it is still good. (except where the
dog pees on it-great paint remover that dog pee)

And finally no cheap brushes !

Daisy