Consider a water-based varnish, especially one fortified with polyuerthane. They have low odor and dry quickly. However, they need to completely cure before being exposed to foot traffic.
Based upon my professional experience, I recommend AQUA ZAR WATER-BASED POLYURETHANE from UGL. This finish can be applied to flat surfaces with a paint pad.
Note: Polyurethane is an ingredient, not a type of finishing product. Not all polyurethane-containing finishes are the same. It is usually delivered as an alkyd resin that has been modified with small amounts of “poly”, aka Polyurethane Modified Alkyd Resin. It’s the entire list of ingredients in a finishing product that make a difference. Don’t be fooled that all “poly’s” are the same.
Note: Spar varnish is intended to be an outdoor finish. It is usually made with a Long-Oil Varnish of tung oil and phenolic resins, with some UV blockers added. It is inetended to dry a little on the flexible side so that it will weather well. This can result in a soft finish that might not perform well indoors and might even remain a little sticky. “Spar varnish” is a generic term and some manufacturers take liberties with labeling. There are even several so-called “spar urethanes” which are really only consumer-grade exterior polyurethane varnishes.
Blessings,
Bro. Tenzin
-- 温故知新
