Best finish to resist impact for bright wood

From research it looks like Coelan = clear urethane bed liner.

The only north American distributor is out of stock and not responding to any inquires but for what I want 0ne of the Smooth-On products would likely work if I can never get through to the Coelan guys. I've used various Smooth-Ons in the past to pressure cast dive electronics that have held up well but many of the Smooth-On urethanes can be no joke--to get a proper part I had to vacuum boil then pressure cure at 45PSI. That's of course to seal dive electronics to 6+ ATM pressure, though.

 

When it comes to resisting impact on bright wood, there are several options to consider. One of the best finishes for resisting impact on bright wood, including padauk wood, is a polyurethane varnish.

Polyurethane varnish is a popular choice for protecting wood because it creates a hard and durable surface that resists scratches and impact. It also helps to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood, which can lead to swelling, warping, and other damage.

 

The bright finish is the least of your concerns. A 30 lb kettlebell will go right through .6" redwood.

 

Sorry, been too busy working on the boat to post much in the way of updates!

Here's what I am doing now...
Deck is composite of 1/4" WRC underneath 1/4" white oak planks. Those will be covered in one layer of 6oz S-glass. Epoxywise I am using a mix of gflex and 105/207 directly over the white oak, then weave fill with 105/207. The 207 is UV resistant. Then above that, coats of Awlwood, which I found out is almost the same formula as Coelan, but slightly harder. I finished my primary bow bulkhead with the s-glass over white oak and it looks terrific but has those layers of insane protection from the S-glass and the rest. My chain lockers are kevlar lined and final with the Awlwood... I have dropped tools etc and the rest in there with nary a mark.. that Awlood stuff is tough. The 6oz s-glass is not water clear but the oak has been getting dyed and stained first--looks like teak or mahogany that way--and with that coloring any cosmetic imperfections from the s-glass are hard to spot even up close.

 

If the deck is over 1/2", then my comments don't apply.

 

"Best finish to resist impact for bright wood"

A glass display case, or a 1/8" layer of UV resistant e-glass.