How do I seal dresser top?

I am turning old dressers into bath vanities. I know how to do it, but, I need to know what is the best method and product to use to protect the wood of the dressers. Some I will paint, and others I'll be leaving the original finish with just a few tweaks to "pretty" them up some. I plan on hanging the mirrors that go with the dresser.
  5 answers
  • Adrianne C Adrianne C on Nov 24, 2014
    Polyurethane would be durable but it darkens with age. Enamel paint is another option, but clean up is the down side. Glass is good too.
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    • Adrianne C Adrianne C on Nov 25, 2014
      @Susan Bartenfeld I use a brush cleaner and mineral spirits. Dad used to use gasoline! He was tough! I did come across a post to soak brushes in Murphy's Oil Soap, that works great!
  • Lori Darling Lori Darling on Nov 24, 2014
    Look for a marine polyurethane, or marine polycrylic. They can be found at Home Depot or Lowes and are used for boats and will hold up for a sink vanity. Polycrylic doesn't yellow with age. Use at least 4 coats on the top for protection against water.
  • Sherry Fram Sherry Fram on Nov 24, 2014
    You might try a resin to seal it.
  • Deanna Hookway Deanna Hookway on Nov 24, 2014
    I used the marine poly on my dresser turned vanity about 4 years ago and it has held up beautifully....and it was easy to apply.
  • Barbara Burnham Barbara Burnham on Nov 24, 2014
    Marine varnish or poky. Both are waterproof and have their own characteristics for everything from application to clean-up to aging. Pick what works best for your skills, items on hand, etc. Make sure you let each coat dry thoroughly and follow instructions explicitly for proud full results.
    • Susan Bartenfeld Susan Bartenfeld on Nov 24, 2014
      @Barbara Burnham Thank you so much for the suggestions and instruction. I truly appreciate it!