They are beautiful!
We applied two layers of water based varathane to the cork planks and the result was amazing. Just need to stay off of them for three days.
Two things I learned:
1. Read the label! Make sure that both cans are the same finish… I’m a designer. I don’t read labels. They looked the same to me. (See the small print at the top: “semi-gloss” and “satin”) Luckily, we discovered the error, and Lowe’s was open late!
2. Wear a hair net.
(Random strands of hair and varathane don’t mix well.)