Finish for a hand tool cabinet?

[MountainWood]

What would be the best choice for durability and looks?

I'm thinking 3-4 coats of satin poly. But I certainly can be talked into something else.

What did you use? TIA

[Blacky's Boy]

I used satin poly. But I thinned it down by 50% and wiped it on. Then I sanded between each coat. I think I put on about 5 or 6 coats. It's been since 2008 and that tool cabinet still looks good

[MountainWood]

Thanks Dom!

Initially I was thinking wipe-on, but with so many nooks and crannys, I might break out my HVLP spray gun.

Lacquer won't provide durability IMHO, so that's out.

I've been wondering if there's a water-based poly option. Has anyone had experience spraying it?

I've got semi-gloss oil-based poly, which seems a little too "blingy" for me, so I'm needing to purchase something here soon.

Again, thanks for all the replies.

I'll post some pics of the finished cabinet if it looks good.

[cputnam]

John has posted a number of reports about durability. For a wiping finish Arm-R-Seal wins. For spray Endurovar wins, I think.

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[MountainWood]

Thanks Curt! All good info.

[KSMike]

Arm-R-Seal is the only finish I've ever used on indoor furniture, I love that stuff. I've never tried spraying it but I'm going to try it sometime.

[Scoony]

I have had great success with Minwax Oil modified Water Based Poly. Easy to spray, dries fast. You can finish the cabinet with 3 coats in a day.

[MountainWood]

I've never heard of it but I'm looking into it as we speak.