I usually only d oa couple signs that I actually put finish on so buying a gallon of finish has been out of the picture.but now I have 7 8'x13" ship signs to do and I want to use a high end finish. the wood is sapele wood. I have used general finishes 3 to 4 coats and it last about 3 years in my tests. it needs to be waterborne and brush able. well maybe not waterborne if it is not too bad in smell as I can't air out my shop well. .