Catalyzed varnish is what we use here in delaware. It is more durable and less brittle than the catalyzed lacquers, but a little harder to touch up than latex paints. I doubt most people would be able to distinguish between having a lacquer of varnish since they are somewhat similar products. No solid finish will have the durability of a stained finish, but it sounds like you designer may have some good info for you.

California sure can be difficult, eh? Glad I'm in NY... I was a little nervous when I switched over to the waterborne coatings for painted applications, but I'm amazed at how durable they are. It's difficult to get that *pop* on stained wood with waterborne, so I still use solvent based coatings for that, but anything getting a painted finish in my shop will be waterborne. I use ML Campbell products because they are stocked locally, but I've heard great things about Target coatings as well.

Thank you . You gave me some hope.