XP from TN D&R: Help with staining dresser!

[steenbean18]

I'm wrapping up a several weeks long project and need a little help. I've been refinishing a dresser to use in our nursery as a changing table, and can't decide what type of clear coat to use on the top. I'm applying it over a gel stain, FWIW, and need it to be durable and scratch/water resistant. Spraying isn't an option so I need something that will coat evenly and level well if hand-rubbed or brushed. Ideas?

[Ramz-ee]

I used polycrylic over the dressers I refinished with gel stain.

I think it worked out well, however, they do not get much use, so I can't say it will stand up to what you need it to.

Hopefully someone with more staining experience can assist.

[FoxInFiji]

Find a polyurethane with the highest % of solids you can. What you find in the big box stores and even SWs (Minwax) is basically water. It takes many, many coats compared to a high quality poly that only takes one or two to get the same hardness. We bought our poly from Hallman Lindsay.