11.   A. Best bet for the do-it-yourselfer is three coats of oil-based polyurethane varnish.

12.   A. The easiest finish is three coats of a high-gloss oil-based polyurethane varnish.

13.   A woman recommended water-based polyurethane varnish.

14.   A. Generally, polyurethane varnish does not outgas after it has cured.

15.   A. You can apply polyurethane varnish to the finish.

16.   A. You could try several coats of a water-based polyurethane varnish, which would yellow less than other varnishes.

17.   Alkyd varnish has almost the same properties as polyurethane varnish.

18.   Bruce makes prefinished oak strips treated with four coats of polyurethane varnish.

19.   But if you do, use a new oil-based polyurethane varnish, just to be safe.

20.   But if you like, you can do it anyway by sanding lightly but thoroughly, and applying one or more coats of high-gloss polyurethane varnish.