I recently began turning boxes in earnest and am rather enjoying the process, but I HATE finishing. Always have. Flatwork, roundwork, domestics, exotics....I don't enjoy placing the finish on any of them. I'd rather be at the lathe.
Which leads me to my query. I have been using multiple coats of WOP to finish my boxes as I have assumed that this level of protection was needed for an item that is likely to be handled regularly. However, I have watched many You Tube videos of turners making boxes and not a single one was using WOP. Virtually every one is using a friction polish (many followed by a wax) as the final stage of their box making process. I am a bit surprised as I had thought that such a finishing protocol would be relatively short-lived, but I like the idea as they are quick. Thus allowing me to focus on working at the lathe rather than applying multiple coats of poly, letting that sit for days on end to completely cure before I Beall buff them, etc etc etc.
So here's my question. How long lasting are friction polishes and are they truly a good, practical option for boxes? If so, I am open to brand suggestions.