Hi Roger,
Thanks for your help. I have been sidetracked but will be ordering the suggested products in a moment.
I think I understand what you are saying regarding the SEM products (stiffness, loss of desired texture)... and I think at some point, maybe many years from now, I will want to take on the project of stripping and starting over with the approach you described with the 4 color translucent finish,etc. I wish I had found your site before beginning the process and direction I had taken... your alternate approach sounds exactly what I was hoping to achieve...just found you too late.
I will have to keep the info handy or hopefully you will still be around at that time to assist me again!
Thanks again. Stay well.