Originally Posted by
Prashun Patel
If you want a film finish, I think Waterlox is a less plasticky choice than poly. If your finish is thin (3-4 wiped on coats of either is thin) then the diff between Waterlox and Poly is marginal, especially if sealed beforehand with shellac.
If you use Waterlox, use "Waterlox Original Sealer Finish Original Formula". That's formulated to wipe on, and it's the dark one.
Either of the following will be great on cherry.
Shellac followed by poly
Shellac followed by waterlox
Just Waterlox
Just Poly
If you are going to use poly, I humbly suggest you add about 10% boiled linseed oil to the wiping mix. Flood on, buff off with clean towels. The BLO adds some amber depth to the poly and prevents it from setting up so fast so you can buff it off. This results in a thin, Danish oil-esque finish. On nonporous woods like cherry and maple, it's easy to get sheen quickly with this.