The 9 Best 2 Part Polyurethane Varnishes (2022 reviews)
There are several advantages of having a 2 part polyurethane varnish.
Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best 2 part polyurethane varnish for you.
Also check our buying guide on Best Polyurethanes Over Varnish, which will help you understand market quickly.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Totalboat Satin Finish READ REVIEWBest For Worth The Money: Buy: Epifanes Glossy Finish READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: Minwax 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish READ REVIEWBest For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods: Buy: Totalboat 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Cabinet: Buy: General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat READ REVIEWBest For Banister: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish READ REVIEWBest For Handrail: Buy: Varathane 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Stair: Buy: General Finishes 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Plywood: Buy: Epifanes 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish READ REVIEWBest Overall: Totalboat Satin Finish
Buy on Amazon The Totalboat Satin Finish is the best fully-featured varnish on the market nowadays. The totalboat satin finish is best for ease of application, provides excellent durability and it is ideal for kitchen countertops. For a satin finish, use gloss for building coats and satin for the finishing coat. The regular halcyon formula dries to a clear gloss finish with a slight amber tone that has the beauty of a traditional marine spar varnish, but with greater clarity, abrasion resistance & sun protection. Polyurethane provides great value, allows for great protection and it is flexible. Further, the varnish is eco-friendly and it is easy to clean. Finally, the totalboat satin finish is odor free and it is great for customer service.Most buyers agree that polyurethane is recommended to use the high gloss finish as opposed to satin as the gloss has higher UV protection. Further, a few strongly agree that the varnish does not self - level and will leave every brush mark or bubble from a foam brush, bristle brush or foam roller. Further, they strongly agree that the polyurethane will not last more than 3-4 seasons without some overcoats though.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is easy to apply by brushing, rolling or spraying.
- This is not available in a 4 quart kit.
- It comes out nice and smooth.
- It looks funny in the cup, almost like milk.
Best For Worth The Money: Epifanes Glossy Finish
Buy on Amazon The Epifanes Glossy Finish is capable of outshining several other varnish featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The epifanes glossy finish is made with great stuff, makes for consistent thickness and it is used in many applications. Formulated with tung oil, phenolic and alkyd resins results in a finish that has superior flow, gloss, durability, and exceptional longevity. Also, the polyurethane comes with a high cost and it is made for very nice results. Polyurethane works better, can spray with beautiful results and it sprays well. Moreover, it is simply beautiful, is pretty impressive and it is designed for professional results. Finally, the epifanes glossy finish leaves a nice and it comes with good paint.Almost all buyers found that the varnish comes out beautifully and is long - lasting. In addition, they say that polyurethane is not very effective, even after 4 coats it quickly breaks down in the sun. Moreover, they say that polyurethane is used to finish a table top for the boat.Top Customer Quotes:
- This can be used over an oil - based stain.
- This is great for UV protection over fiberglass.
- This is the world's gold standard for outdoor furniture.
- It does take a full 24 hours to dry though.
Best With Low Odor: Minwax 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish
Buy on Amazon We know from years of feedback from readers, amazon sellers, and family and friends what most people want in a convenient and appropriate polyurethane. The Minwax 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish is exactly that - it's a simple polyurethane that hits all the right notes. The minwax 2 part polyurethane varnish is desired, repeat step 6 before application. Its superior durability makes it ideal for use on all your wood surfaces. This oil - based clear sealer protective coating protects and adds long - lasting beauty to woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets and floors. The Varnish is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects. Lastly, the minwax 2 partpolyurethane varnish is very glossy, has a spray gun and it is non-toxic.Almost all customers agree that the varnish takes longer, and as humidity increases while the temperature decreases, it takes much longer. Moreover, a few also found that the varnish is a good quality clearcoat for your high gloss. And, they strongly agree that the first coat dried with bubbles and imperfections in the finish. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Top Customer Quotes:
- This can be used on top of an oil - based stain.
- This can be done without any chance of it becoming flammable.
- This has followed directions for application and it has excellent results.
- This spray is fabulous to the very last drop.
Best For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods: Totalboat 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Totalboat 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The total 2 part polyurethane varnish is not intended for use as a sealer (base) coat. The manufacturer says: It'd be nice if they could hold up longer, cure faster, coat better, apply easily and—since we all know boat ownership creates a mini maelstrom in your pocket—cost less. Also, this is perfect for all types of marine and household woods. The polyurethane comes with a topcoat of lust matte, which can be thinned with totalboat special brushing thinner 100 for improved flow. Lastly, the totalboat 2part polyurethanevarnish can be recoated in as little as one hour at 72°f.Almost all customers agree that the polyurethane can go on any finish, as long as you clean that surface well. In addition, a few also found that polyurethane can be used on wooden sailboats and log houses to weather protect. In addition, they also found that the first coat 50 % with xylene to penetrate and seal the grain. Overall, for almost all buyers, the varnish was what they were looking for.Customers say that getting a sanding sealer polyurethane, along with polyurethane is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is coated with west system epoxy.
- This is made for boats, you can't get much more water exposure than that.
- The look and feel of epifanes with the recoat time of polyurethane.
- This is easy to apply and the results are an excellent finish.
Best For Cabinet: General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat
Buy on Amazon Best part: general finish durable consumer polyurethane top coat costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat works great and it is quick dry. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, the polyurethane goes on nice, drys quickly and it covers an area. The varnish goes on even, is ideal for great protection and it maintains its sheen. Finally, the general finishes durable consumer polyurethane top coat went on easily and it went on smoothly.Almost all customers agree that the polyurethane is easy to use and has a user-friendly finish. Furthermore, a few also found that the varnish can be used in kitchen cabinets, holding up well, easy to apply, easy to clean. In addition, a few say that the high - performance top coat is added to the list of " loves. ". In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Customers discovered that getting a 2 k polyurethane wood finish, along with polyurethane is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This will help someone else and make everything look good.
- This is easy to apply and makes the wood grain look beautiful.
- This finish is holding up much better.
- The paints are terrific, the top coat generates a little less enthusiasm though.
Best For Banister: Minwax Clear Finish
Buy on Amazon The Minwax Clear Finish is capable of outshining several other polyurethanes featured in this list in overall features in its price range. The minwax clear finish never goes back, is super durable and it is great for oil paint. Before using cloth rags to apply a clear finish, be sure to do two things. The old finish has been cleaned of any oils and wax, is completely dry and has been scuffed lightly with fine 220. The varnish is perfect for professional look and it looks great. Moreover, the polyurethane applied with a cloth, is odorless and it is made with household chemicals. Above all, the minwax clear finish looks good, is excellent for shelves and it is great for customer service.Almost all customers agree that the polyurethane is more work than typical canned urethanes and often requires an extra coat or two, but it's worth the effort. Moreover, a few also found that the polyurethane is perfect for a guitar headstock refinish. Further, they strongly agree that the later the coat, the more chance for build - up, lines, and runs. Overall, for most customers, Minwax product was just what they wanted.Top Customer Quotes:
- Grit sandpaper so that the new finish has something to grip.
- This is great for furniture and oddly shaped items.
- This will leave a shine also.
- Note: if the water soaks in, the poly will go in as well.
Best For Handrail: Varathane 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Varathane 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The varathane 2 partpolyurethane varnish dries clear, it looks great and it is very shiny. Ultra fast drying and easy soap and water clean up saves time and hassle. Also, it is very smooth, is made for quick delivery and it does the trick. The polyurethane is very glossy, is perfect for direct sunlight and it dries clear. Also, this protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, trim and more. Finally, the varathane 2part polyurethane varnish is ideal for interior projects like furniture, doors, cabinets and trim.Almost all customers agree that the varnish can be painted on any surface as long as you use sand and primer first. And, a few also found that the polyurethane is not matte like wax, however. Moreover, they strongly agree that the polyurethane is intended as an interior wood finish. In short, buyers found this to be one of the best polyurethanes for daily purposes.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is the best glaze to use on projects even after acrylic paint.
- This is perfect to seal up the interior of a bamboo tea set case.
- This is best for scratch resistance and it is affordable.
- This sealer/varnish is about the consistency of 2 percent milk.
Best For Stair: General Finishes 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself confused about convenient and suitable varnish, General Finishes 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish is your solution. And, this comes with a catalyst required. Perfect for tables or any other wood that you would like a durable top coat. Lastly, the general finishes 2 part polyurethanevarnish has followed the instructions and it is good for coffee table.Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish was designed to be used for outdoor products. And, a few say that the varnish is made by sure-line, and applied to the tables as they lay flat. Also, a few also found that the varnish has a more lacquer look but a bit thicker film. So, customers were very happy to recommend it to friends and families.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is built with some top carvings.
- This is a 2-part varnish with a catalyst like epoxy.
- I haven't been able to get to the restaurant to spring for a refurbish.
- This does take 3-4 coats as the directions indicate.
Best For Plywood: Epifanes 2 Part Polyurethane Varnish
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself scrambling for appropriate and satisfactory polyurethane, epifane 2 part polyurethane varnish is your solution. Apply preferably as an interior satin finish coat over several build-up coats of epifane poly-urethane clear gloss, epifane pp varnish extra or epoxy resin. Further, the polyurethane is made with household chemicals and it is scratch resistant. The polyurethane is easy to maintain and use.Why We Like This:
- One of the newcomers and featured product.
- Good investment for the long term.