Replies

1. 
   Gretchen | Nov 18, 2004 03:36pm | #1

   The paint will stand up as well as anything. The varnish may only add a yellow cast.

   Gretchen
2. 
   HowardAcheson | Nov 18, 2004 07:44pm | #2

   As Gretchen mentioned, if you used a good quality, oil based enamel paint, it will be as protective and durable as any oil based poly. Oil based poly has a yellow or amber cast that can change the paint color somewhat.

   Howie.........
1. 
   mlbfreestyle | Nov 18, 2004 10:25pm | #3

   Almost as durable.

   Keep in mind that most oil based paint uses alkyd resins.  Polyurethane is urethane modified alkyds.  They are tougher than straight alkyds.

   That said, a good oil based paint should handle most situations.  I have found certain "floor enamels" that are tinted polyurethane varnishes.  The color selection was limited but they were indeed tough; for those situations that had to stand up to foot traffic.  I have used them for exterior thresholds with great results.

    

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Nov 18, 2004 11:52pm | #4

   Well, we can get into a discussion about what "tougher" means but that may not be too helpful. An alkyd resin enamel interior oil based paint will generally provide a harder finish than a polyurethane vanish or a polyurethane enamel. Polyurethane gets part of it's "toughness" from it being somewhat less hard resulting in greater scratch resistance. Sometimes hardness is goodness in finishes, sometimes it's not. Hardness equates to brittleness which means a hard curing finish will have a greater tendency to chip. But, adding a softer finish on top will not change this propensity--which is small in any event.When it's all said and done, there is little to be gained from overcoating a good interior enamel with a polyurethane varnish IMO.Howie.........

3. 
   Ribeye | Nov 19, 2004 08:43am | #5

   Interesting how every reply assumes (without merit) that you used oil-based paint and goes off on a tangent that avoids answering  The Question.

   Simply put, YES. A Poly finish will add some degree of cleanability and durability to the painted surface.

   If you painted with Latex, use the water-based poly. It won't yellow and you'll have a big improvement in maintenance.  Get the same maintenance boost by using that water-based poly over oil-based paint.  Yes, it's safe. It works. It endures. 

   I only know this 'cuz I did it before someone said not to and "I had to live with the results" -- for better than 8 years now. In the kitchen of all places.

   --Steve

   http://www.ApacheTrail.com/ww/

   Penury is the Mother of Invention

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   Edited 11/19/2004 12:45 am ET by Putzger

   
   

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   Edited 11/19/2004 1:04 am ET by Putzger

1. 
   steveaggie | Nov 19, 2004 04:19pm | #6

   Thanks Steve!  That's the answer that I was looking for, because I used a water based paint. :) 

2. 
   mlbfreestyle | Nov 19, 2004 05:46pm | #7

   Typical method for a liberal to answer a question.  Start out by insulting everyone else!

   I was answering the question regarding poly over oil.

    

1. 
   Ribeye | Nov 19, 2004 08:17pm | #8

   Huh? 

   Liberal?

   ROTFLMAO!--Steve

   http://www.ApacheTrail.com/ww/

   Penury is the Mother of Invention