Finishing a Waltham Rocker

I am applying the second coat of gel varnish to this Waltham rocker. It will get probably four coats of varnish in all. At this point it has two coats of milk paint, one coat of penetrating oil before the gel varnish. It is a bit smelly. That's why the vapor mask. I use this gel varnish for my painted furniture because it leaves a nice soft sheen. Most finishes get too shiny over milk paint, and oil alone is not enough protection against wetness. There is nothing quick and easy about a good finish.