I just bought unfinished pine wood interior doors. What is the best protectant to use? Varnish or polyurethane

Question

I just bought unfinished pine wood interior doors. What is the best protectant to use? Varnish or polyurethane

Answer 1

Varnish is just a collective term for a sealant (shellac, polyurethane, lacquer, etc.)

I would use a water-based polyurethane, myself.  It's easier to clean up, the odor goes away fairly quickly, etc., compared to regular poly (which I use on floors because it's a bit stronger).

But you have to work quickly... the water-based stuff dries quickly as you go.

Answer 2

You dont say,but if they are paneled doors i would do the following.First sand the doors. Then apply any oil stain if desired.next after the stain has dried apply a coat of sanding sealer.Sand the door again and remember to use a tack cloth to remove any dust.Repeat the sanding sealer,sanding and tacking.Next apply a good polyuerathane finish. The water based polys are easy to use almost odorless. If you have access to spray equipment a laquer finish will be easier and provide a factory look finish.

Answer 3

se polyurethane. It will last longer.

Answer 4

I'd use shellac.  Quick drying, repairable, non toxic, compatible with most other finishes, comes in various colors that can highlight woodgrain.  Easy to apply.

Look for a low-wax flake shellac and dissolve it in alcohol yourself, or buy fresh (check the date!) canned shellac.

Polyurethane looks plastic-y, and varnish is difficult to apply. Shellac is easy to use, easy to work with, and it's been around for centuries.

Answer 5

Polyurethane dries harder and is more durable. This will be very good on interior doors only. Clear finishes are extremely high maintenance on exterior because the suns rays will go thought and dry the wood and the clear finish will peal off in a very short time.