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Expert: - 10/19/2010


Question
What is the best finishes after staining to use on new interior windows.  Polyurethane or Varnishes

Answer
Hey Jonn, polyurethanes are varnishes, and most modern varnishes have been 'modified' with urethanes nowadays, which have several advantages over the old Linseed oils and other 'long' oils in the varnishes of old...now we also have acrylic urethanes as well, waterborne chemistry, and these have yet more advantages over the traditional varnishes.Most notably, they don't darken or yellow over time, have low odor and low VOC's, and dry quickly, allowing one to apply several coats in a day.Now they're even producing waterborne varnishes that have an inherent brownish amber hue, to replicate the 'warm' look of traditional oil varnishes, as the waterbornes are what's known as 'water white', meaning essentially clear.

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2081078/30238/General-Finishes-EnduroVar-Satin-...

The choices really are huge now, especially, with SO many decent coatings available, it can be a bit daunting....but a lot of the choice will hinge on what final look you desire, what your skill level might be,(waterbornes are trickier to apply) and the other attributes you're looking for in a finish (low odor, quick recoat time, etc)....I would just say that there are many more and better choices available than just the Minwax products we're all bombarded with, (although the Minwax polyurethane is a decent, consumer grade product)...woodcraft.com and woodworker.com will give you a good selection of more professional products.....hope that helps-Post back if need be- regards- Greg

I think you're a little harsh on your ratings there, Jonn...I suggested two options, one waterborne and one solvent based....it will take you just a few minutes to do a little research into other options, and I clearly stated that the choice will depend on :

"what final look you desire, what your skill level might be,(waterbornes are trickier to apply) and the other attributes you're looking for in a finish (low odor, quick recoat time, etc)...."

Since you didn't give me any of those answers in your post, it's pretty hard for me to guess the answers and recommend more of the 20+ possibilities that would be fine to use......don't you think?

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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