I have recently finished a toybox for my daughter and have finished painting, stenciling, and inlaying her name in the side.

My question is, what do I use for a couple orf layers of topcoat. Someone at lowes recommended gloss polyurethane. I really dont even understand what it is. Will it stand up to a six year olds abuse and steady use? will it chip if the top is banged down? Is it realy durable. looking for ideas and the ground truth.

Polyurehtane is a very good finish, tough, very durable and easy to apply. I use all the variations, gloss, satin and both in the REALLY tough Spar urethane.
You can get gloss poly in waterbase that is supposed to be even harder than the oil based version. It dries quickly and brushes are cleaned with simple soap and water.
A good choice for your project.

__________________
Tom Hintz
www.newwoodworker.com

Thanks for the info.

Headed to the store this weeekend, and out to the patio if it doesnt snow.

Snow is that really cold white stuff ain't it?
Ich!

Actually, I vaguely remember it from living in wisconsin for 40-plus years! I am trying to forget it though...
Hope the finish works well for you!

__________________
Tom Hintz
www.newwoodworker.com

Tamsin-
Check out the instructions on the back of the can, Polyurehtane especially oil base has a tendency to have an oder that may last a while.

Before you let your daughter even near it, please put an anti slam hinge on it. Lowes or Woodcraft has them. You will actually have to push the lid down. There will be many saved mashed fingers. It's not an actual hinge, but it is used in conjunction with the hinges.

Larry