After painting my rocker black what should i use to finish it?

[Dragonkort]

Ok i hope someone can help me with this because i dont do furnture very often and i hope to make this rocker look really nice.  Not so important when i did the first one.  Now after the paint is dry what should we use as a finish?  polyurthine?  or iv heard people talk about schalac....is that a finish or a stain iv never used it. My ex just always got me polyurthine to finish my crafts with and we didnt finish the old one id kind of like to finish this one as were using a basic flat black paint we had in the gragrage

 

[tomsteve]

id suggest general finishes high performance water based poly. 

if not this brand id still suggest water based.

https://generalfinishes.com/wood-finishes-retail/water-based-topcoats-and-sanding-sealer/high-performance-polyurethane-water

 

[oldhudson]

It might help if you tell us what piece of furniture we're talking about. A chair, table, bookcase.....  Likewise tell us about the type of paint and finish.  Like Tom I thing General Finishes make a really solid product. I've used them several times over the years.

[Roberta Moreton]

I always put water based varnish over paint. It dries clear, no yellowing. Even over white. I have not tried the new water based poly. 

[John B]

If you have used a water based house paint that is flat of satin, use a gloss lacquer. This will protect it and give it truly tough wearable finish. I use Automotive gloss.

[Dragonkort]

Thank you everyone, this has been very helpful!! yes we just used flat black house paint since we had that on hand.  like 2 big cans. i will tell spike i need to get some gloss lacquer to finish it. its not hard to paint but that dosnt mean i want to have to repaint it any time soon lol