Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 30, 2006 07:18pm | #1

   Polyurethane is one kind of varnish.  But varnish is also made with other resins as well.  Alkyd is the most prevailant of these, but phenolic is also seen.  The alkyd and phenolic resins are both clearer and more attractive than polyurethane varnish, and generally rub out better (except spar varnish). 

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Feb 01, 2006 07:37pm | #2

   The rule is: "All oil based poly is varnish but not all oil based varnish is poly."

   Howie.........