The 8 Best Cabinet Varnishes (2022 reviews)
It is important to have the well suited cabinet varnish.
We are here to help you pick the best one for your purposes from all the best available products in market today.
Also check our buying guide on Best Shellac Varnishes, which will help you understand market quickly.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Totalboat Cabinet Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Worth The Money: Buy: Epifanes Cabinet Varnish READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: Minwax Cabinet Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Tabletop: Buy: General Finishes Cabinet Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Creating An Invisible Protective Coating: Buy: Modern Masters Cabinet Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Stain Resistance: Buy: Rustoleum Cabinet Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Smooth Application: Buy: Jolie Cabinet Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Exterior: Buy: Jolie Clear Protective Finish READ REVIEWBest Overall: Totalboat Cabinet Varnish
Buy on Amazon Totalboat cabinet varnish is the epitome of what a great varnish should be. The Totalboat Cabinet Varnish is ideal for direct sunlight and it is odorless. Totalboat halcyon marine gloss varnish and satin varnish let you create a beautiful finish in clear light amber and ultra clear formulas. 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. The varnish works better and it goes on milky white. In addition, it comes in clear or amber colors. Most importantly, the totalboat cabinet varnish is fade, is great with low odor and it is ideal for kitchen countertops.Most buyers quickly discover that the varnish is not the same as the "kit" you can get directly from the total boat website. Also, they also found that the varnish is no sanding between coats for wood purpose only. In addition, a few say that the varnish is recommended to use a high gloss finish as opposed to satin as the gloss has higher UV protection.Top Customer Quotes:
- This one part polyurethane wood varnish needs no mixing.
- This is suitable for craft projects, is abrasion resistant and it works well.
- This is easy to apply by brushing, rolling or spraying.
- This will continue to perform over time.
Best For Worth The Money: Epifanes Cabinet Varnish
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another varnish that manages to win our hearts. It's the Epifanes Cabinet Varnish and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient varnish you can buy. The epifanes cabinet varnish protects well, has bar none and it is turned white. Use on new wood or restoring old wood to a deep clear finish, softwood or hardwood, marine or household applications. In addition, the varnish makes for ease of use, works well for outdoor furniture and it is used in many applications. The varnish comes at a high cost and it looks good. Moreover, this is used for table tops, does the job and it has a beautiful shine. Above all, the epifanes cabinet varnish is best for surface prep, is ideal for direct sunlight and it is made with good stuff.Most buyers opine that the varnish is finicky to apply but try on scraps first. Also, they strongly agree that varnish is the more appropriate thinning agent. Moreover, they strongly agree that the varnish is an excellent varnish but it depends on how much sun hits your front door.Top Customer Quotes:
- It is also important to sand lightly between coats per the instructions on the can.
- This is a smooth sanded cedar, so yes you will have slippery problems.
- Note: if the veneer bond is n't solid, the varnish wo n't help.
- This is time - consuming, but well worth it for heirloom outdoor wood furniture.
Best With Low Odor: Minwax Cabinet Varnish
Buy on Amazon Minwax is known for creating pragmatic and minimalist varnish for people on the go, and its line of Minwax Cabinet Varnish definitely falls in line with that reputation. The minwax cabinet varnish provides a durable layer of topcoat protection but it is thinner than regular polyurethanes. Should minwax wipe-on poly be sanded between coats. This product must be sure to allow wood that has been stained to dry completely before top coating with minwax wipe - on poly. Lastly, the minwax cabinet varnish is suitable for outdoor furniture and it is user-friendly.Almost all buyers agree that the varnish can be used on boat decks, which is very durable. In addition, they also found that the varnish will cover your brush strokes. Also, a few also found that note: if the doors were painted with latex paint, the wipe on ploy may crackle the latex.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is stronger and better at repelling rain, weather, etc.
- This has lasted for months with no problems.
- Note: if the water soaks in, the poly will go in as well.
- This is a great way to protect finished or unfinished wood.
Best For Tabletop: General Finishes Cabinet Varnish
Buy on Amazon The General Finishes Cabinet Varnish is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your regular use. The general finishes cabinet varnish is used to increase chalk paint durability, It requires frequent reapplication. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, it is always on the cutting edge with products for professionals and diyers alike that deliver superior performance and are easy to use. Finally, the general finishes cabinetvarnish is great with end result, makes for great protection and it works perfectly.Most customers agree that the varnish is easy to use and cleaning up is easy peezy. In addition, a few say that the varnish is really a flat shine. Further, they also found that the varnish is quite a bit more expensive.Customers say that getting a cabinet polyurethane finish, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This top coat is extremely thinny and runny.
- It is super glossy, is good for several coats and it is super durable.
- This gives a nice look and it is easy to clean.
- This wipes clean, is ready to use and it is pink.
Best For Creating An Invisible Protective Coating: Modern Masters Cabinet Varnish
Buy on Amazon Best part: Modern Masters Cabinet Varnish costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The modern masters cabinet varnish solved a problem and it is scratch resistant. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, this is perfect for high end furniture and it offers $1 for good reviews. The varnish protects well, is perfect for paper mache and it dries completely clear. Moreover, the varnish gives a nice, look, is abrasion resistant and it is for interior use. Above all, the modern masters cabinet varnish has great results and it is good for good quality.Almost all buyers found that the varnish is perfect for sealing a beautiful painted color finish on anything. And, a few also found that the varnish is good for creating an invisible protective coating. Furthermore, a few also found that this is a great varnish for any artist to have in their collection of final finishes.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is perfectly over the stain, too.
- This is good for several coats and it applies well.
- This will create an even coating.
- This will look milky going on, but dries crystal clear.
Best For Stain Resistance: Rustoleum Cabinet 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 varnish. The Rustoleum Cabinet Varnish is exactly that - it's a simple varnish that hits all the right notes. The rustoleum cabinetvarnish dries very quickly and it looks like glass. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, the varnish offers the best scratch and stain resistance available. The varnish provides outstanding stain and scratch resistance with ultra fast dry time. Above all, the rustoleum cabinet varnish protects wood more than two times better than traditional wood finishes.Most customers opine that the varnish does not self - level, so every brush mark shows and can be felt. Moreover, they also found that the varnish is plenty enough to cover 10 stair treads with extra left over. Moreover, they also found that the varnish will most likely cause a yellow tint. Overall, most buyers agree that the varnish suits best, and no one questions it.Top Customer Quotes:
- Oil based formula provides maximum durability and allows for a more even finish.
- This protects interior wood surfaces such as furniture, cabinets, trim and doors.
- This is promoted as being safe for cutting boards.
- The Satin finish provides a classic and natural look.
Best For Smooth Application: Jolie Cabinet Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Jolie Cabinet Varnish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The jolie cabinet varnish is available in over 40 beautiful colors that can be mixed together to create thousands of custom colors. Follow along with Jolie home's youtube channel to learn how to paint your cabinets with Jolie paint. In addition, this is made for satin sheen and it added depth. The Varnish is revitalizing the design & design markets by delivering a comprehensive suite of products that help everyday people transform their homes, offices, and outdoors. Further, this is used to paint large, hard-wearing surfaces such as floors. Most importantly, the jolie cabinet varnish can be used on furniture and accessories that will primarily be used outside.Why We Like This:
- Layer wax to create additional character and depth in your finish.
- Download the embellishment guide to learn everything you need.
- This is best with natural fibers, like cotton or linen.
- Instead of finishing with wax, seal your floors with floor varnish.
Best For Exterior: Jolie Clear Protective Finish
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another varnish that manages to win our hearts. It's the Jolie Clear Protective Finish and it's widely considered as the varnish that has the most suitable features. The Jolie clear protective finish offers premier decorative paints, topcoats, brushes, and embellishment products. For interior projects, use jolie paint with complementary products such as jolie finishing waxes, jolie varnish, or jolie floor varnish, to seal and protect your finish and enhance durability. In addition, it is perfect for projects that require a higher sheen. Finally, the jolie clear protective finish works well for good quality and it allows for very good quality.To sum up, buyers found this to be one of the best varnish for daily purposes.Why We Like This:
- Available in two different sheen levels: low-luster and gloss.
- Manufacturer says: visit our website to watch tutorial videos and find a local retailer.
- Non-yellowing, clear protective finish with self-crosslinking resin for greater durability.
- Fast drying alternative to wax topcoats - dries in only 4-6 hours.