This is why poly must be sanded between coats, a step you can skip with lacquer finishes. Dry time: Water-based poly can take hours to dry, while oil-based poly can take up to a day. Lacquers ...

Sherwin-Williams also makes water-based lacquer, called its Gallery Series. But it’s probably not the best option if you want to avoid the solvents in lacquer. It’s sold only in gallons and ...