Replies

1. 
   BG | Mar 16, 2004 06:53pm | #1

   Andy,

   I did this years ago on the childrens toy box...but I'm not sure it was necessary.  If your using enamel paint I think the finish on that is either as strong or stronger than poly....
1. 
   scooter1 | Mar 17, 2004 05:09am | #2

   Paste wax might provide some additional protection.Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

2. 
   mlbfreestyle | Mar 17, 2004 09:40pm | #5

   I too think it is un-necessary if a high quality oil based paint was used.  However, as a minor technical point; polyurethane based varnish would usually be somewhat tougher than the paint, which is usually alkyd based.

   Remember, varnish typically comes in three varieties.  Phenolic, alkyd, urthethane.  Each has its' own qualities and disadvantages.  I would expect that paints formulated with either of these base resins would have many of the same properties.

2. 
   jackplane | Mar 17, 2004 07:18pm | #3

   Absolutely.

3. 
   Jimmbo | Mar 17, 2004 09:33pm | #4

   I've made a number of childrens items that I painted, and my wife stencils them with an oil based stencil paint for her own reasons (over my protests that she not mix oil over my water base).  You're right to think water based poly, because that does not yellow.  You'll also find clear coats at the home center for the same purpose, but they may not be as hard.  No problem so far on this end, poly staying put over the water based paint and the oil stencil as well, and the poly does impart more protection. 

   Good luck -

4. 
   nikkiwood | Mar 18, 2004 01:36am | #6

   I have been using Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo for way too long, and most would consider it to be a premium alkyd paint.

   But years ago, I noticed that the paint would show scuff marks when objects were slid across it -- as on a cupboard shelf. This was happening even after the paint should have had time to cure (30 days).

   So I sanded the shelf ever so slightly with 220 grit, and applied one coat of water-based polyurethane (a satin gloss, to match the sheen of Impervo). That solved the problem, and the surface has been in daily use now for about 10 years with no visible signs of wear.

   Since that time, I routinely use this technique whenever I have a painted surface that must endure abrasive wear.

5. 
   forestgirl | Mar 18, 2004 06:45am | #7

   My only experience with paint and clear coating has been with Old Fashioned Milk Paint.  They sell a clear acrylic coating, water-borne, for protection.  Theirs is a satin finish, but there may be gloss available.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)