wrote in message
...
On Jun 3, 8:01 am, "Leon" wrote:
Also read Tom Watson's comment. He has the same thoughts on a "Varnish".
He also mentions that Bartely's and LMF both contain Poly.

Something to think about and or investigate further.

Some varnishes have polyurethane resins. Some do not. It is my
understanding that most resins used in varnish are cheap polyester
resins. They are soft, flexible, and do the trick for most of us.

Polyurethane resins are added to make the finish coat harder than
without, and more abrasion resistant.

But almost all (wanna be careful here...) polyurethane finishes have
the same basic characteristics and formulas of varnishes, but with
polyurethane resins, less the polyesters. In the end, the poly only
products should be harder due to their resins.

My concern for the difference in the two would be the color they
impart. Any varnish product I have seen imparts an amber hue, and as
they age it seems to really come on strong. Some of the polys go on
almost clear with little ambering, but don't always warm up some types
of wood.

As far as LMF and Bartley's go, I would suspicion from further reading
that formulas may actually be significantly different between their
respective varnish and poly products. Your experience would seem to
bear this out when you describe the purplish tint of the LMF (we used
to call that "chroming") vs. the plain look of the Bartley's when both
are in their respective cans.

But... who knows for sure. Probably only LMF.

So many manufacturers now are simply revamping their old formulas it
is hard to know if you are getting the newest technology in coatings
or just an old lady in a new dress.

It certainly is a lot to keep up with. Anyway, the LMF on Maple changes the
color little, more like a water based finish.