Metropolitan is in the process of converting to water based finishes. Most finishes will look the same. However, there is a noticeable difference on clear finishes. Although they look similar when they are first finished they will look noticeably different over time. Lacquer finishes have a warmer tone and yellow over time. Water based finishes look more like natural unfinished wood and do not yellow over time.
maple with clear water based finish
maple with clear lacquer finish