Varnish or Polyurethane ?

[bytownboy]

About to refinish my cockpit table, it's looking a little worn. Not varnish IMHO as it is just wearing off, not peeling. Looking at putting on polyurethane, is that a good idea if it turns out to be varnish?

[sailorchic34]

I've used polyurethane on some of the inside wood (much more to do alas), including the salon table. It seems to hold up nicely, to me anyway. Varnish I would and do use outside.

[martinjrichter]

I would use an oil based exterion poly for your project. First it needs to be sanded (220 grit) well, then put on two coats. Poly takes awhile to dry so plan on letting it sit and dry for several days before using OOOO (four outt) stealwool and two more coats. Let it dry again then lightly with OOOO and wax it with paste wax.

That is what I do on the furniture I build and get great results. Good Luck

[minaret]

Originally Posted by bytownboy

About to refinish my cockpit table, it's looking a little worn. Not varnish IMHO as it is just wearing off, not peeling. Looking at putting on polyurethane, is that a good idea if it turns out to be varnish?

Applying poly over varnish is not a problem as long as the varnish has had at least 30 days to off-gas. I regularly topcoat poly on varnish with a special system which allows you to do it after only ten days (Awlbright on Awlspar). It gives a particular look which I think is tops, and it lasts much longer than just varnish. You can also do blends/repairs on it like paint, and wetsand and buff it out.

[Unicorn Dreams]

I prefer poly over varnish. Main reason, it doesn't yellow with age...