10 Things You Know as a Paint Chemist about Finishes

1. If it has "lac" in its name, (Shellac or Lacquer) it does not belong on a table top. Alcohol and water will do terrible things to it.
2. There are three kinds of coatings: Lacquers, varnishes, and drying oils. Everything else is hype.
3. Oils will not build. They soak into the wood. However doing a repair is a snap.
4. Varnish builds, and is moisture resistant, but application can be tricky.
5. Never believe a varnish can when it says do not thin. A dollop of thinner always helps flow out and leveling. You get less build, but its easier to put on a second coat than it is to sand out brush marks.
6. If a can says sealer stain, think paint that does not hide. If you want to see the grain in the wood, do not use it. It will probably look blotchy if you brush it on also.
7. 99% of the time staining and varnishing should be two seperate steps.
8. Tack rags are the finishers friend. Use them. Vacuuming a piece, or brushing a piece will not do as good a job.
9. Use only high gloss varnish. It protects the wood best. Learn to control the gloss level and the sheen with 0000 fine steel wool and paste wax.
10. Wipe on varnish is a nice blend of application ease, build, and moisture resistance. It's hard to beat it for furniture.

Yes, I really am a paint chemist, and no, I do not work for any company that makes varnishes or stains. What I am telling you is what I have learned, not a product endorsement.