Not to be a smarty pants Wilson but, polyurethane is a type of VARNISH.



"Wilson" wrote in message
. com...
Varnish isn't a very good protectant for dings, especially if you have
kids.
I vote for polyurethane over plain wood conditioner.


"Mike G" wrote in message
...
For the uses you are describing I don't see any reason to complicate
things
by worrying about exotic finishes. If you really feel you need lots of
protection just get an off the shelf polyurethane varnish. It will do
the
job just fine.

--
Mike G.

Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net
"Brian Turner" wrote in message
om...
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.