Q: I am a huge fan of the polyurethane gel that was sold exclusively by Rockler with your endorsement on the label. I have used it on every piece of sculpture that I have created in the past 10 years. I have just discovered that they no longer carry the product. Could you possibly help me determine what product I can use as a substitute?
A: You don’t need a substitute; it was not sold exclusively. The same polyurethane gel, which was and still is manufactured by Lawrence McFadden, is also sold under their own Lawrence McFadden label and under the Bartley label. A host of woodworking outlets sell the Bartley gel, but you can also buy it online at Amazon.com.
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Could you clarify the name of the Bartley product I should be looking for, and is this the equivalent to the Rockler product?
Katy
November 13th, 2009
The Bartley line has both colors, called gel stains, and clear. The clear, which is what you want, is sometimes called Bartley varnish gel, but the label calls it stain, or more accurately, clear stain. I realize this is misleading and wish they did as well. As for what it is, it is much more than merely equivalent to the Rockler product; it is the same stuff in a different can. Here’s a link to Amazon, who calls it “Bartley varnish clear stain.” http://www.amazon.com/Bartley-Gel-Varnish-Clear-Satin/dp/B001AYI278/ref=pd_cp_hi_1
Michael
November 17th, 2009
Thank you so much, Michael. I discovered the same thing just this morning and had planned on emailing you to hopefully get an idea for a replacement when I ran across the question and answer.
Suzanne
December 16th, 2009