Anyone have experience with this water based poly from Crystalac? Looking for something a bit more clear/durable than traditional polys and lacquers. Yes, I'm well aware of auto-clears, but I'm not interested in hearing about the pros and cons of those products, since I won't be using them on my EM games I'm looking to clear.

http://www.crystalac.info/extreme-protection-polyurethane.html

Yeah, I don't want to have all the know-it-alls piping in about how auto-clears are better for this and that reason; I've read about auto clears ad-nauseum, so I'm well aware of the pros and cons. Quite honestly there have been some improvements in water-borne topcoats over the last several years, that might just be the ticket for those of us that want to do it ourselves but don't want to be exposed to that type of product for health reasons.

I've used polycrylic and varathane topcoats with success, but it's been several years since my last piece, and perhaps there are other alternative high-quality professional water-based topcoats out there that deserve our attention.

Good points...

Grain raising shouldn't be a problem since my tables have at least some original lacquer still intact. As far as number of coats, I'll be sanding a LOT, since I've got a bunch of warped inserts with art on them, so it'll be dropping layers of clear in those after an initial coat or two, sand, coat, repeat. By the time all is said and done, I hope NOT to exceed 4 coats.

Great idea on trying on a junk PF, I've got several candidates; I'll give it a go for sure.