I just finished my S & G Pygmy Arctic Tern with a water-based urethane finish from System Three. I tinted it red for a transparent finish. System Three also sells that finish in solid colors. It's cross-linked and I've been very impressed with its ability to resist dings and scrapes. You can see how the finish looks at the link I've provided. So, you can tint the clear coat or buy it in a solid color.