Don, I tried the Varathane water-borne finish and I was getting brush marks using a foam brush! I found that using a staining pad applied the best coats. It took at least 8 coats before it started to show a bit of gloss and two more coats to finish the job.

The boat hasn't seem much use nor exposure to the elements so I can't comment on durability. The finish is fairly glossy and clear, it is not milky on my boat.

Glen in Baie-St-Paul.