ORIGINAL: GeraldRosebery
Actually I submit that polyurethane if a LOT more expensive a solution than epoxy. We all use epoxy all the time, but a pint (or quart) of polyurethane with a limited shelf life? If you have no other use for it, the polyuerethane will go off long before you use it up. At $7 a pint that's a pretty expensive solution.
Well,of course I had to run out & check the prices at Menards.
Minwax "Fast-Drying Polyurethane",1/2 pint(8 fl oz.) $3.75
A quart is $6.04...a good deal if you're also re-finishing a chair or if you're building 300 planes. Spray can(11.5 fl oz.) is $4.75
Other brands are a little higher but still cheaper than the epoxy.
Tower Hobbies Epoxy is $7.99 for 9 fl oz. Cheapest I've seen.
You're right about the limited self life,the urethane in the can will harden up in a few months.
The Polyurethane straight out of the can still get's my vote.