In my quest for the best overall finish for my turnings, which include bowls and hollow forms mostly, and for what works best for art shows (read rain) and especially what sells best, I have temporarily arrived at wiping varnish. I have recently liked the Waterlox Original the best. I will not monkey with lacquer anymore. Waterlox gives me both the protection and the grain/figure enhancements, as well as the flexibility for building the gloss. I actually find that one coat wiped (yes, I said wiped--it's a really simple finish to apply) is enough for close to an "in the wood" finish (sells better for me) with more protection. I've had too many errant raindrops make extra work for me with some other concoctions. On another note, I've switched any wax I use to Rennaisance for similar reasons. With the Waterlox I might not even need to apply any wax, although I still buff after the finish has cured. Wow, it's really working well for me.