I've read some past threads about cabinet finishes, and understand that Conversion Varnish is the way to go for bullet proof. But, I would love to hear from anyone who has personal (or second hand) experience with water based cabinet finishes. Anyone have any good stories about this - or only nightmares?

The cabinet shops I'm talking to can all do CV, but I'm having a hard time getting past having workers breathing that nasty stuff, having toxic pollutants going into the environment, and breathing the stuff in my own home. I'm going for no-added formaldehyde in the cabinet construction, and - if there's a good alternative - I'd rather not coat that with something toxic. I don't have any particular physical chemical sensitivity, I'm just an ex-hippy/environmentalist/California girl! :)

Two of the shops I'm talking to offer water based finishes, one specifies Diamond Varathane exterior (they say the cabinet version doesn't work as well). They spray it on, sanding in between each of the 3 coats.