Carpentry and Woodworking - Thompsons On Indoor door?

Hello,

I am installing a door and I have arrived at the finishing stage. The door faces are a flush mahogany board. I have stained it and I am getting ready to varnish it. However, I was wondering if I could, or should (or should not) use Thompson's Waterseal (the general kind made for wood and concrete etc.) instead of a traditional varnish.

My motivation is that I will save money, use some of the left over Thompsons I have, and save a trip to the hardware store. The door will not be exposed to the elements that Thompsons is meant to protect from.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of doing this?
How does it compare to using actual varnish for this job?

Thank you for your help. I was really glad to see this forum available.

Thompson Water Seal is water thin and would not give a finished durable gloss look to the door. It would look about the same as the stain does now.

Thompson's will not give you the durability that you will want to have with a door. It's mainly used on pressure treated wood (decks, fences, etc.). Don't be cheap on clear coating doors. Doors normally get a lot of use and/or abuse, and you'll pay for it in the long run in terms of durability, and will have to spend more money on maintainance. Like Lugnut said it's as thin as water.

Thompson's won't leave you any options in terms of finishes either. You may want a glossy finish, or a satin or flat finish.

I would go with polyurethane for the durability and choice of finishes. It's generally less expensive than varnish also. You'll be happy you did.

Thank you.

My reluctance led to asking this question and I am glad I did.

I am grateful that you confirmed that is was a bad idea.


ps. Sorry for double posting.

Thanks.

One thing not mentioned [Herm came close] is that with out paint or poly/varnish fingerprints and oils from the skin will leave the areas of the door dirty and hard to clean. Don't forget to coat the tops and bottom of the door.