You chose interior, original colour, maximum durability, maximum sheen.
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Option 1: A water / acrylic based polyurethane in "gloss" finish (difficulty: medium)
This gives a hardwearing "film" finish which sits on top of the wood protecting it from heat and moisture. As it is water / acrylic based, it won't darken/amber the colour of the wood.
In my experience, there is little difference in durability between polyurethane and varnish, although many people say that polyurethane is more durable. Polyurethane is readily available in the USA but harder to find in the UK, hence why I personally prefer to use varnish (see option 2).
Most can be applied with a brush, foam brush, a roller or sprayed. Some are designed for wipe on application, these finishes are thinner and more coats need to be applied to achieve an equivalent finish.
Once applied and dry, I recommend de-nibbing (sanding) in between coats with some wet and dry paper (I use 400 grit but 240-600 will work too) - how to denib - wet sanding with a little water is preferable - as it creates a slurry that prevents build up of varnish on the abrasive paper and also minimises visible brush strokes.
It can be applied to bare wood, or over most other other wood finishes except for wax.
Gloss gives maximum sheen.
Varathane Polyurethane Gloss - 1 gallon / 4.54l https://geni.us/ByIoUlp (Amazon Affiliate Links)
General Finishes Polyurethane Gloss - quart / 946ml https://geni.us/vFoB (Amazon Affiliate Links)
Sadolin Polyurethane Varnish Clear in Gloss - various sizes https://geni.us/f1dI (Amazon Affiliate Links)
Minwax One Coat Polyurethane Gloss - quart / 946ml https://geni.us/rf1ArOH (Amazon Affiliate Links)
Minwax Wipe On Polyurethane Gloss - 1 Pint / 568ml https://geni.us/ktvG9b (Amazon Affiliate Links)
Minwax Polycrylic (various sizes) Gloss - 1 quart / 946ml https://geni.us/wDT25v quart / 946ml https://geni.us/gg38EM gallon / 4.54l https://geni.us/2oFIhh Spray 11.5oz https://geni.us/MIeTE (Amazon Affiliate Links)
Varathane Triple Thick Transparent Polyurethane Spray Gloss - 6x 11.25oz / 319ml https://geni.us/vrzGf (Amazon Affiliate Links)
Option 2: A water / acrylic based varnish in "gloss" finish (difficulty: medium)
This gives a hardwearing "film" finish which sits on top of the wood protecting it from heat and moisture. In my experience, there is little difference in durability between this and polyurethane, others say that polyurethane is more durable.
It can be applied with a brush, foam brush, a roller or sprayed.
Once applied and dry, I recommend de-nibbing (sanding) in between coats with some wet and dry paper (I use 400 grit but 240-600 will work too) - how to denib - wet sanding with a little water is preferable - as it creates a slurry that prevents build up of varnish on the abrasive paper and minimises visible brush strokes.
It can be applied to bare wood, or over most other finishes except for wax.
Gloss gives maximum sheen
Ronseal Varnish Clear Gloss 250ml https://geni.us/Wc9RvY 750ml https://geni.us/ea8Ci 2.5l https://geni.us/ATOKZ3 (Amazon Affiliate Links)
Everbuild Clear Gloss Varnish - various sizes https://geni.us/B57ytD (Amazon Affiliate Links)
Rustins Clear Gloss Varnish 250ml https://geni.us/s8oL 1l https://geni.us/Tdt8 (Amazon Affiliate Links)
Liquitex Gloss Clear - various sizes https://geni.us/XaUx (Amazon Affiliate Links)
Littlefair's Varnish Clear Gloss - various sizes https://geni.us/rH6FMcx (Amazon Affiliate Links)
Motip Spray Varnish 500ml Gloss https://geni.us/qHTa (Amazon Affiliate Links)
