Finish Choice for Bookcases

Jim DeLaney, Austintown, Ohio wrote:

I like Target Coatings EM8000cv.  It's a waterborne 'conversion varnish.'  It's meant to be sprayed, but can be brushed or rolled on, too.

I have used that on a few table tops that live in this house.  I have been quite happy with this product.  I did learn from another user that this specific Targt products needs to be sprayed on with a thicker (wet) layer than their other products; I was having difficulties with gloss consistency.  Spraying more slowly than normal (on horizontal surfaces only - I have not done vertical) fixed my issue.

I like the Target Coatings EM6000 clear lacquer a lot (I think that is the number)  - it has become my go-to spray finish for furniture - with the CV product used on the table tops.  I have also used their polyurethane and the pigmented versions of the EM6000 - and have like them too.  As a novice sprayer, with relatively 'low end' equipment I am very pleased with the results.  

THe only bookcase type piece I have made I used the pigment version of the EM6000 lacquer - and learned a lot about that product in doing such a large piece.  Worked well for me; recognize that I don't have any experience with any other line of products (for example General Finishes). 

And yes I believe any of these products can be brushed.  Don't make the mistake of thinking there is any special technique here - I expect you could lay down a first-rate finish after a single practice run on cardboard or scrap (using your existing equipment).

Henry