The 10 Best Clear Acrylic Varnishes (2022 reviews)
We consider a clear acrylic varnish to be a worthy investment in the long run.
Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best clear acrylic varnish for you.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Clear Shellac Varnishes and Best Shellac Varnishes for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Minwax Clear Acrylic Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Furniture: Buy: Decoart Clear Acrylic Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Weather Resistance: Buy: Rustoleum Clear Acrylic Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Water Resistance: Buy: Grumbacher Clear Acrylic Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Several Coats: Buy: Gamblin Clear Acrylic Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Good Coverage: Buy: Army Painter Clear Acrylic Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Cabinet: Buy: Modern Masters Clear Acrylic Varnish READ REVIEWBest With Polyurethane: Buy: Delta Creative Clear Acrylic Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Medium Use: Buy: Sargent Art Clear Acrylic Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Table: Buy: Jolie Clear Acrylic Varnish READ REVIEWBest Overall: Minwax Clear Acrylic Varnish
Buy on Amazon The look and feel of these varnishes are consistent with the high quality we're used to from the rest of Minwax's lineup. The Minwax Clear Acrylic Varnish can also be applied to bare wood. Keep interior wood projects looking beautiful with a minwax polycrylic protective finish. This clear sealer dries crystal clear and stays crystal clear, making it ideal for use over all minwax oil - based and water - based stains and colors, as well as all wood species including light woods like maple, ash and birch. The varnish is used for semi-gloss, dries hard and it is reliable. Further, it is America's leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. Most importantly, the minwax clear acrylic varnish is perfect for polymer clay and it is made for quick delivery.Most buyers found that the varnish has worked wonderfully so far. Moreover, a few say that the varnish will become a casting finish for vacuum molding some model airplane parts. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the water - based polycrylic has almost no odor during application, while oil products have high odor and require substantial ventilation. Overall, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the varnish suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- Good if it's not a display piece you're putting the top coat on.
- This is a two - part (to mix) The answer is no.
- This is perfect for wood staining and it works well.
- This is made worth the money and it dried hard.
Best For Furniture: Decoart Clear Acrylic Varnish
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself confused about appropriate and satisfactory varnish, Decoart Clear Acrylic Varnish should be your first option for buying. The decoart clear acrylic varnish comes out for easy application, is clear when dry and it is very nice. Manufacturer says: Since 1985, we have armed artists with the colors and tools they need to make the world see something extraordinary through their creations. And, it is affordable, is very shiny and it is very happy. Most importantly, the decoart clear acrylic varnish adds shine and it is non - toxic.Most buyers quickly discover that the varnish does a beautiful job and is dry by the next day. In addition, they say that the varnish is easy to use, covers ceramics or wood. Further, they say that the varnish is easy to paint back over .. again, because it is a thin, light, gloss paint. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Customers say that getting a stay clear acrylic polyurethane and clear acrylic varnish, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This can work for polymer clay, is super easy and it works perfectly.
- This will not fully cure inside the ornament.
- This is great for a high shine.
- This works well for flat surfaces and it goes on milky.
Best For Weather Resistance: Rustoleum Clear Acrylic Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Rustoleum Clear Acrylic Varnish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The rustoleum clear acrylic varnish allows for great coverage and it looks fantastic. If the valve clogs, twist and pull off the spray tip and rinse it in a solvent such as mineral spirits. And, it is perfect for low humidity, sprays evenly and it goes on milky. Above all, the rustoleum clear acrylic varnish is very durable and it suitable for exterior use.Most customers opine that the varnish is modern masters master clear supreme. Moreover, they strongly agree that the varnish is good for much other than a base coat that is clear. Moreover, a few say that the varnish is easy to apply thin, nearly invisible coats. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Customers discovered that getting a stay clear acrylic polyurethane, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Water based formula dries fast and cleans up with soap and water.
- This does not claim to waterproof anything.
- This protects the surface from sun damage.
- This is great for sealing daily coir welcome mats.
Best For Water Resistance: Grumbacher Clear Acrylic Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Grumbacher Clear Acrylic Varnish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The grumbacher clear acrylic varnish has wear a mask, is used for great products and it is very nice. and imparts an even gloss surface. Further, the varnish dries very fast and it is great for your protection. The varnish is used for water resistance and it has a beautiful shine. Most importantly, the grumbacher clear acrylic varnish looks great and it provides an even.Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish is used for varnishing acrylic paintings. Further, they strongly agree that the varnish does not yellow or fade the colors. Moreover, a few also found that this varnish was sprayed on evenly and dried to a nice glossy finish without disturbing the painting.Top Customer Quotes:
- This will peel off if it gets wet too many times.
- This is a final - gloss, resin-based varnish and protective coating for acrylic paintings.
- It provides an even, brilliant gloss surface.
- This will work on glass but it is not permanent.
Best For Several Coats: Gamblin Clear Acrylic Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Gamblin Clear Acrylic Varnish's high-end materials make sure that it ages well with use. The gamblin clear acrylicvarnish is very glossy and it is very happy. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, it stays clear and it is odor free. Lastly, the gamblin clearacrylic varnish is good for several coats, is very nice and it goes on clear.Most buyers quickly discover that the varnish is applied to, if it soaks in it looks completely flat and might need additional cost to get to the satin finish. And, they also found that the varnish can be used on a very old painting after cleaning. Further, they say that this varnish works very well to coat and even out the finish.Why We Like This:
- This goes on easily and it is quick dry.
- Can be used sooner than other varnishes.
- To get 1 pack of gamblin gamvar picture varnish.
- This is effective and it is good for oil paint.
Best For Good Coverage: Army Painter Clear Acrylic Varnish
Buy on Amazon The army painter 's clear acrylic varnish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The army painter 's clear acrylic varnish allows for great coverage and it comes with good stuff. Dont paint on your dominant color using a brush. Further, this is an ingenious combination of primer and color spray in one. Most importantly, the Army Painter Clear Acrylic Varnish has saved both time and it is nontoxic.Almost all customers found that the varnish had a strong smell, so have an open window. And, they strongly agree that the varnish is much more matte than testor dullcoat. To sum up, many buyers have used the varnish for more than a few months without any complaints, and it shows no sign of giving up.Why We Like This:
- This covers well, tailored to remove shine and it protects well.
- Retains metallic shine: gives perfect matte finish while retaining shine from metal acrylic paint.
- All you need is one color primer spray for perfect results.
- Acrylic, nontoxic - this varnish is acrylic-based, transparent matte and dries very quickly.
Best For Cabinet: Modern Masters Clear Acrylic Varnish
Buy on Amazon Best part: Modern Masters Clear Acrylic Varnish costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The modern master clear acrylic varnish goes on like butter, is made worth the money and it has followed obvious prep. Labelling on the package may vary between “interior finish coat” or “interior protective coat. Further, this is approximately two hours and can be applied by brush, roller or spray equipment. The varnish is water resistant and abrasion resistant and offers protection for faux finishes and decorative painted surfaces. Moreover, this is great for polymer clay, is perfect for coffee tables and it is very smooth. Lastly, the modern masters clear acrylic varnish works great and it is good for country of origin.Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish is a great top coat for chalk paint...must keep stirring to avoid streaking on light colors. Moreover, a few say that the varnish is great for pieces painted with chalk paint or milk paint, to give them that vintage look. In addition, a few say that the surface looks almost as if there 's no finish at all. In conclusion, for almost all customers, Modern Masters product was just what they wanted.Customers discovered that getting a paintbrushes for acrylic latex paint, with this varnish made their life much easier.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is great for natural/unfinished wood surfaces.
- This is the best matt sealer for old wood.
- This is used for exterior applications, which is awesome.
- Not recommended for use with modern masters metallic paint collection.
Best With Polyurethane: Delta Creative Clear Acrylic Varnish
Buy on Amazon Compared with other varnish in this category, the Delta Creative Clear Acrylic Varnish has a convenient design. The Delta creative clearacrylic varnish works well applied easily and it is for rigid plastic. Give your home an upgrade with a coat of acrylic paint formulated specifically for the decorative painter and craft enthusiast. Also, this works perfectly and it leaves a beautiful. look look look look. The varnish allows for painting on almost any surface. Above all, the Delta creative clear acrylicvarnish has been a global manufacturer in the art and craft industry, providing high-quality products that make art and crafting easier and more fun.Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the varnish is not intended to be used on flexible canvas surfaces. Moreover, they strongly agree that the varnish is used to transform an old plastic doll. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Top Customer Quotes:
- And it’s easy to clean up with soap and water.
- Preserve your projects with a layer of Delta’s premium - quality all-purpose sealers.
- This is great for even outdoor projects and rock painting.
- Super-tough polyurethane brush-on varnish for indoor and outdoor protection over ceram coat acrylic paint.
Best For Medium Use: Sargent Art Clear Acrylic Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Sargent Art Clear Acrylic Varnish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The sargent art clear acrylic varnish protects your work and it is really good. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The sargent art gallon acrylic gloss and varnish is formulated to ensure the best quality with a fantastic consistency for application. The varnish is very happy and it is great for customer service. Finally, the sargent art clear acrylic varnish is easy with this acrylic paint.One customer says - "It really depends on the material you are using it for and how many coats you use. ". Almost all customers opine that the varnish looks good on the end of painting.Top Customer Quotes:
- The water - based formula is great for crafting with all ages.
- It looks good, is designed with reliable quality and it is made for medium use.
- Mix with acrylic paint to increase gloss, ease paitn flow and increase transparency.
- This is a non-toxic and non - yellowing varnish.
Best For Table: Jolie Clear Acrylic Varnish
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Jolie Clear Acrylic Varnish for regular usage. The jolie clear acrylic varnish can be applied with a synthetic bristle brush, such as a jolie flat brush, a sprayer, or a low nap roller. Read the Jolie everyday guide for step-by-step instructions on how to create your favorite finish, then follow the Jolie cabinet guide to learn how to give your kitchen, bathroom, or pantry a makeover. In addition, this works for any style, from contemporary to vintage, traditional to bohemian, and coastal to farmhouse. The varnish is an easy to use alternative to wax topcoats. And, the varnish is perfect for projects that require a higher sheen. Lastly, the Jolie clear acrylic varnish is a water-based, non-toxic, and quick-drying paint for furniture, cabinetry, floors, walls, and home accessories.In short, many customers have used the varnish for more than a few months without letup, and it shows no sign of giving up.Why We Like This:
- Apply with an airless sprayer or synthetic brush, such as a jolie flat brush.
- This offers premier decorative paints, topcoats, brushes, and embellishment products.
- For exterior projects, you should not seal your painted finish.
- Available in two different sheen levels: low-luster and gloss.