This is what I’ve been doing.

The drawers that I refaced using the oil-based polyurethane had a slighlty creamy, antique look to them whereas those I did with the water-based polyurethane were pristine white. What’s more even days after doing them they still ponged! The smell was giving me a headache so I ripped it all off and started again with water-based poly.

You can see the difference between the two finishes below.

Anyway now my drawers match, don’t smell and look much smarter than they did. I’m happy.