I've tried to read everything I can find about finishing my new white
oak kitchen table purchased from an unfinished furniture store, and I'm
currently thinking that after applying a light oil stain (and letting it
dry for at least two days) I would like to apply multiple top coats of
water-based poly as the final finish.

I get the feeling from all that I've read that there is a greater chance
of not getting that "thick plastic" look if I use the "wipe" method as
opposed to the brush/foam/paint pad method. I would like to use
water-based poly because of fewer VOCs (I have to do the finishing in
the living space of my home and it's getting cold outside) and as it's
just the wife and I, we shouldn't suffer from the lesser durability than
what you would get from the oil-based polys.

What I can't find, is any information on whether or not you CAN thin a
water-based poly and apply via the wipe method. Lots of info on thinning
oil-based poly, but nothing on water-based.

I've been leaning towards using Zar "Aqua Zar" or General Finishes "EF
PolyAcrilic". I've received an email from Zar technical support and they
say "don't do it". I have yet to hear back from General Finishes.

While I do like to listen to what the manufactures say about their
products, I would very much like to receive advice and opinions from
experienced netizens and the results of real-world experience.