Pros & cons of Polyurethane varnishes

[jim]

What are the pros and cons of (wood) varnishes with and without polyurethane?

Indeed what exactly is 'polyurethane'?

TIA

[Stuart Noble]

There are different types of urethane but the Ronseal type isn't clear and gives everything a yellow tint. Look at it in the tin and you'll see. Not particularly hard wearing but easy to sand off if it ever needs replacing. What are you using it for?

[jim]

Trying to put a 'tough' matt finish onto a "butcher's" trolley (ex IKEA) (especially on the top surface). The trolley is sometimes wheeled outdoors for Bar-BQs but normally stands on one side of the cooker. The finish needs to provide some resistance to grease splashes, wiping down with damp cloths and to proximity to warm pans put down onto a trivet resting on the top. Would like so far as possible to retain the natural wood look.

The can that sparked the Q is a Wilkinson Hardware own brand yacht varnish marked 'polyurethane'.

What's the best varnish for the job?

If polyurethane varnishes aren't as tough as they are marketed to look like, what do you need to look for in a varnish?

[Stuart Noble]

Have a look at Rustins products. This is genuinely clear and you can avoid the gloss by applying it with a rag

[Graham C]

Beware of Yacht Varnishes which bear the words:

'Not suitable for marine use'

I have seen them !

GrahamC