After trying virtually every finish under the sun, from shellac to the latest wonders of modern chemistry, I settled on a modified polyurethane finish. It gives me the durability I'm looking for and by adjusting the finishing technique to the job at hand I can produce anything from a thin satin to a high gloss. I like the fact that I can have a reasonably thin finish that looks for all the world like oil with much improved durability. The finish on this Flues restock is poly, believe it or not!