General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil Based Topcoat, 1 Gallon, Gloss

Great for all my wood projects that had to be food safe. Pricey but went a long way. Had to find oil based finishes.

You literally will not find a better and easier finish to use. I don't care what anyone else says. This is easily the simplest finish I've ever put on wood. Being able to wipe it on with a rag and not get any streaks, bubbles, gaps, nothing... is pure joy. I've tried LOTS of other finishes and none have been this easy and durable. Even if YOU don't think it's the best you've tried, I guarantee it will still rank up there in quality and ease of use. Only issues I have are price and quantity. It only apparently comes in quart and gallon. I'd buy the quart but the gallon is far far far better price difference in value. It might cost more but your basically almost getting 2 extra quarts for free at the price difference. Other than that, go for it. I swear you won't be disappointed.

Amazon doesn't sell it directly! So you have to pay for shipping or get a free shipping coupon for rockler (and then it takes several more days to arrive). Amazon seems to avoid selling chemicals though, in general, so maybe that fits in with their strategy. I don't really know. Anyway, the product itself is great. Like all varnishes, it has a tendency to cross-link while in the package, so as soon as you open it, either transfer it to smaller air-tight containers (multiple pint-sized containers would be ideal, in my opinion) or be prepared to use it all. FYI: This also shipped in a large plastic jug, not a metal container. I actually preferred the plastic jug as it was easier to pour, plus you could squeeze out about the first quart of air, reducing cross-linking.

I used the gloss on several pieces of furniture. I initially had good results. However the last gallon i received the coating would start setting up before I could finish a small piece 2ftx4ft. After letting it dry I sanded it down then tried adding thinner 10% same thing happened. At $100 a gallon i think it is time to try something else