Varnish

[Senorbob]

Marty im sure someone else can give you better info about polyurethane. To me it’s not varnish. It’s a very durable coating for wood. Btw in mastinis excellent book on modeling he says finishing models with shiny oils or varnish is a magnet for dust. I built a kitchen table coated with polyurethane about 40 years ago and it’s still holding up

 

[Bryian]

Most model builders use wipe on satin polyurethane.

 

[BenD]

I use two types. The Acrylic Matt gets used mostly for toning down shiny rigging lines and CA glue spots. The wipe-on poly is my go-to for wood, It brings out the beauty of the wood and doesn't add too much shine.