I would like to share a water based finishing system from target coatings (targetcoatings.com) that I think is not just as good, but better than any other I have used. I started out using waterlox oil based on cabinets, urethane based for high traffic and a nice french polish with dewaxed shellac for fine pieces. However I now use the following with not only better results but also no fumes, easy cleanup and no worries about fire hazards (although I always put my rags in a metal pail outside). Their EM 8800 Universal sealer is a water borne urethane wood sealer which can be used alone or as a sealer between different finishes that are not compatible. Their EMtech EM 6000 is an acrylic lacquer that can be brushed, wiped or sprayed. They have a Emtech Em 8000 pre-cat hybrid conversion varnish that is tough as nails and has good depth. Their Superclear 9000 poly is great and they have a water based dewaxed shellac sealer and finally a water reducible linseed oil stain system. You can add custom stains in this solution and then cover with the universal sealer for topcoats of your choice. However I have also added transtint dyes directly to all these products with good results.