Richard,

I bought the polyester at Tacoma Tent and Awning. It was cheaper than their #10 canvas. You should be able to find something similar at any Awning shop. The polyester is very strong, but it cuts easily. Once the knife is removed though, you cannot continue to tear it.

I used water-based exterior Varathane. The water-based doesn't yellow as much as the oil-based, so you end up with a very transparent coating. I've heard the stuff for floors is a little better, I haven't had any problems yet with the stuff I used.

Mike

: Where do you find polyester? ie, what type of stores sell it?
: Also, I was wondering which Varathane you used (interior, exterior, or floor
: finish?.
: Thanks, Richard