Rusty , we used to be able to find gallons of Cheap polyurethane varnish ( I think it was for floors ) for under 20 bucks ... It was the kind that was thick and yellowish and dried “sticky” ... That worked great because the Mineral Spirits semed to help it dry better ... best thing is, it was CHEAP and allowed you to make a whole bunch of The Mix to really slobber on EVERYWHERE , " and of course the edges get special attention. “ ...
We have used the more common Minwax poly , and it works Great but is a bit Pricy for our intentions and is somewhat “thin" out the can ... JMHO