The 10 Best Clear Exterior Polyurethanes (2022 reviews)
There are plenty of options available while buying clear exterior polyurethanes in the market right now, and if you're confused regarding which one to go for,
You have come to the right page.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Polyurethanes Over Varnish, Best Clear Shellac Varnishes, Best Polyurethanes For Exterior and Best Exterior Varnishes Of Clear for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Uv Protection: Buy: Minwax Clear Exterior Polyurethane READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: Totalboat Clear Exterior Polyurethane READ REVIEWBest For Brass: Buy: Rustoleum Second Coat READ REVIEWBest For Front Door: Buy: Minwax Warm Water READ REVIEWBest For Stained Wood: Buy: Rustoleum Clear Exterior Polyurethane READ REVIEWBest For Handrail: Buy: Modern Masters Clear Exterior Polyurethane READ REVIEWBest For Fast Drying Time: Buy: Deft Inc. Clear Exterior Polyurethane READ REVIEWBest For Fence: Buy: Zar Light Amber Finish READ REVIEWBest For Coffee Table: Buy: Zar Clear Exterior Polyurethane READ REVIEWBest Overall: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
Buy on Amazon Totalboat line of polyurethane comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish is great for high quality, is very glossy and it has excellent results. For satin applications, use build layers of gleam gloss, and directly prior to the final coat, sand lightly with 320. Further, this is designed for wooden boats, cures quickly and it works well. Most importantly, the totalboat gleam gloss varnish allows for great shine, can shop for great products and it comes out for easy application.Almost all customers opine that polyurethane is used for a desk top. In addition, they say that the polyurethane looks and the way it goes on. Further, a few strongly agree that the polyurethane is easy to apply, and flowed very well. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Customers say that getting a halcyon clear coat, along with polyurethane is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is a super water-resistant varnish, which is completely different.
- This is great for protecting wood from the sun.
- This has used 3 coats and it dries very glossy.
- Self-leveling varnish dries fast—recoat in as little as 1 hour at 72°f.
Best For Uv Protection: Minwax Clear Exterior Polyurethane
Buy on Amazon The Minwax Clear Exterior Polyurethane gives the top-tier polyurethane a run for their money by offering flagship specs at a much more affordable price. The minwax clear exterior polyurethane is desired, repeat step 6 before application. Apply a thin coat of minwax fast-drying polyurethane using a high-quality natural or foam brush. This oil - based clear sealer protective coating protects and adds long - lasting beauty to woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets and floors. The polyurethane is made with great stuff, has protected wood surfaces and it is quickly dry. Lastly, the minwax clear exterior polyurethane dries faster, works great and it is laminate.Most customers found that the polyurethane is used to finish wood on boats would be a better option for outdoor use. In addition, they say that the polyurethane has kept it looking great for 2 summers now. Moreover, they say that the polyurethane is also likely to be more durable in the elements than a water-based poly.Top Customer Quotes:
- This can be used over boiled linseed oil.
- This is going to be exposed to UV rays.
- This will darken the appearance of the wood once applied.
- This is ten times better than semi.
Best With Low Odor: Totalboat Clear Exterior Polyurethane
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 Totalboat Clear Exterior Polyurethane is exactly that - it's a simple polyurethane that hits all the right notes. The totalboat clear exterior polyurethane comes in clear or amber colors. Halcyon's forgiving formula flows smoothly, lays down evenly & dries fast so you can finish varnishing in hours, not days or weeks. 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 polyurethane is not available in a 4 quart kit. Lastly, the totalboat clear exterior polyurethane dries very fast, is good for several coats and it is perfect for new wood.Almost all customers agree that the polyurethane is ready for a second and third coat within an hour of the previous application. Moreover, a few also found that the polyurethane is easy to sand and re-apply more layers. And, they strongly agree that satin is the type of finish and does not impact the color. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is eco-friendly and it comes in milky white.
- This is used for an old dresser converted to a bathroom vanity.
- This is easy to apply by brushing, rolling or spraying.
- Satin finish comes in clear only.
Best For Brass: Rustoleum Second Coat
Buy on Amazon The Rustoleum Second Coat should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The rustoleum second coat provides excellent resistance to uv, salt and mildew. Leaves a beautiful gloss finish with maximum protection. Also, it looked nice and it went on easily. The polyurethane is designed to slowly release copper for superior fouling protection. Lastly, the rustoleum second coat offers exceptional gloss retention that resists fading even with daily sun exposure.Almost all customers agree that the polyurethane is easy to apply, fairly easy to clean with mineral spirits. In addition, a few also found that the polyurethane has held up well outside for much of the summer season. In addition, they also found that this stuff is not only water resistant...it is waterproof. Overall, for almost all buyers, polyurethane was what they were looking for.Top Customer Quotes:
- This was supposed to be clear and it left brown streaks on a white table.
- It is $35 a quart.
- This will hold up for the next 30.
- This item is not for sale on Catalina island.
Best For Front Door: Minwax Warm Water
Buy on Amazon The best part: Minwax Warm Water costs comparatively little and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The minwax warm water is made for a professional look, is good for several coats and it is made for quick delivery. Manufacturer says: We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing project. This spar urethane water - based formula protects the natural beauty of the wood while providing a crystal clear finish. The polyurethane is permanent and it works great. Finally, the minwax warm water is great for window sills, is great for fine mist and it is subtle.Almost all customers agree that the polyurethane is safe, there is something to remember. Furthermore, a few also found that the polyurethane is great for water splashes and normal scrapes. In addition, a few say that the resulting finish provided the right amount of slide for playing cornhole. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Customers discovered that getting a paintbrushes for exterior trim, along with polyurethane is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This provides UV protection, which is the main reason headlights become foggy.
- This has amazing water repellency and beads up nicely with rain or dew.
- This spray is so easy to use and protects wood wonderfully.
- It contains UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects.
Best For Stained Wood: Rustoleum Clear Exterior Polyurethane
Buy on Amazon The Rustoleum Clear Exterior Polyurethane is capable of outshining several other polyurethanes featured in this list in overall features in its price range. The rustoleum clear exteriorpolyurethane is ideal for use on a variety of wood surfaces including furniture, cabinets, doors, countertops, paneling and more. With wipe-on poly, you can easily protect furniture with intricate and ornamental designs, or with corners and crevices difficult to reach with a brush. Also, it is portable and it is good for general household chemicals. The Polyurethane has great results and it is very affordable. Lastly, the rustoleum clearexterior polyurethane is food safe and it is perfect for window sills.Most customers agree that the polyurethane is not intended for painted furniture. Moreover, a few also found that the polyurethane can stay on the surface for a short time but should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Moreover, they strongly agree that the recommended sequence is first coat, light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper, second coat, light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper, final coat with good quality wiping clothes.Top Customer Quotes:
- This does work best on hardwoods imo.
- This is best for low humidity and it works great.
- This can you try a small spot first.
- This looks good, dries faster and it is for ease of use.
Best For Handrail: Modern Masters Clear Exterior Polyurethane
Buy on Amazon The Modern Masters line of polyurethane comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The Modern Masters Clear Exterior Polyurethane is great with great stuff and it works great. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, polyurethane is best for flat surfaces, dries super fast and it is weather resistant. The polyurethane goes on great and it goes on like butter. And, the polyurethane protects exterior surfaces from oxidation, mildew, bird droppings and has uv blockers and absorbers. Finally, the modern masters clear exterior polyurethane is a modern masters mcs90232 clear coat satin.Almost all buyers opine that polyurethane makes one for exterior use. In addition, they also found that the polyurethane is a high traffic area and it is holding up well. Also, they strongly agree that polyurethane is the best finish for any painting project. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the polyurethane suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- These can be yellow light / white colors.
- The water beads up really well, does n't leave water marks.
- So it dries quickly to a crystal clear finish.
- Use on painted and primed surfaces.
Best For Fast Drying Time: Deft Inc. Clear Exterior Polyurethane
Buy on Amazon Deft Inc. offers a variety of polyurethanes for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Deft Inc. Clear Exterior Polyurethane protects metal from rust to add to that, offers 450 voc compliant formula. This product adds great value. This high - solid oil based polyurethane is formulated for hard - use areas. The polyurethane went on easily and it goes on well. Lastly, the deft inc. clearexterior polyurethane is excellent for interior and exterior wood surfaces including floors, doors, furniture cabinets and marine applications above the water line.Most customers quickly discovered that polyurethane has many uses, as normal polyurethane is not very good outdoors. And, a few say that the polyurethane works well and is clear and will protect the contents from rotting or falling apart. Also, a few also found that the polyurethane had been out for over 1 year and was doing well. So, customers were very happy to recommend it to friends and families.Why We Like This:
- A high-solids oil-based polyurethane formulated for hard use areas.
- Use on unfinished and stained wood, painted, varnished or lacquered surfaces.
- This product adds great value.
- Available in satin finish and 13-ounce aerosol spray with an adjustable spray valve.
Best For Fence: Zar Light Amber Finish
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself scrambling for appropriate and satisfactory polyurethane, Zar Light Amber Finish is your solution. The zar light amber finish is great for table tops, is non and it goes on milky. Formulated exclusively to deliver superior performance on exterior wood surfaces, zar exterior water-based polyurethane contains ultraviolet radiation absorbers and antioxidants. Also, it looks beautiful and it looks amazing. The polyurethane is environmentally safe and it is made for direct sunlight. Lastly, the zar light amber finish is the ideal choice for surfaces that would benefit from a clear protective coating.Almost all customers found that the polyurethane is for outdoor furniture or natural trim work. And, they also found that the polyurethane makes them very slippery and, when wet, you ought to use mats over the walking area. Moreover, they say that the polyurethane has held up well and gets wet every day. Without any doubt, this polyurethane passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Customers discovered that getting a clear exterior polyurethane, with this polyurethane made their life much easier.
Why We Like This:
- One of the newcomers and featured product.
- New and hot releases.
Best For Coffee Table: Zar Clear Exterior Polyurethane
Buy on Amazon The Zar Clear Exterior Polyurethane is capable of outshining several other polyurethanes featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The zar clear exteriorpolyurethane has great results, super fast and it is quickly dry. Zar ultra exterior polyurethane is an incredibly fast-drying, oil-based, clear wood polyurethane finish that dries in only 2 hours. Moreover, it has followed the instructions and it is suitable for a coffee table. Lastly, the zar clear exterior polyurethane provides superior protection on exterior wood surfaces.One customer says - "gives a deeper, warmer glow to wood. ". Almost all buyers agree that the polyurethane can be used on new fiberglass door and 6 months later it looks great.Few customers bought clear exterior polyurethane, along with the polyurethane.
Why We Like This:
- This is suitable for direct sunlight and it removes dust.
- Outperforms other exterior clear finishes by 2-1.
- One of the newcomers and featured product.