The 10 Best Clear Finishes For Plywood (2022 reviews)
We consider a clear finish for plywood to be a worthy investment in the long run.
Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best clear finish for plywood for you.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Clear Shellac Varnishes, Best Clear Varnishes For Plywood and Best Plywood Varnish Finishes for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Totalboat Clear Finish For Plywood READ REVIEWBest For Uv Protection: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish For Plywood READ REVIEWBest With Beautiful Results: Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish READ REVIEWBest For Handrail: Buy: Varathane Clear Finish For Plywood READ REVIEWBest For Indoor Furniture: Buy: Rustoleum First Coat READ REVIEWBest For Superior Durability: Buy: Rustoleum Clear Finish For Plywood READ REVIEWBest For Brand Name: Buy: Mohawk Finishing Products Clear Finish For Plywood READ REVIEWBest For Outdoor Wood: Buy: Interlux Clear Finish For Plywood READ REVIEWIdeal For Countertops: Buy: Osmo Clear Finish For Plywood READ REVIEWBest Overall: Totalboat Clear Finish For Plywood
Buy on Amazon The Totalboat Clear Finish For Plywood's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The totalboat clear finish for plywood is smooth and durable, with a gloss level so shiny it looks wet, even when it’s dry—making it ideal for brightwork. 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. Further, it is ideal for direct sunlight and it is simple to apply. The finish has a linseed oil modified polyurethane formula for smooth flow-out. Finally, the totalboat clear finish for plywood is not intended for use as a sealer (base) coat.Almost all customers agree that the finish works well, provides a great finish. Further, they also found that the finish is great for boats and outdoor wood furniture. Moreover, a few say that this is a thick varnish and the instructions call for the first coat to be thinned. As a result, buyers were eager to recommend it to friends and families.Customers say that getting a marine paints for wood boat and marine grade clear coats for wood, along with finish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This can go on any finish, as long as you clean that surface well.
- This is designed specifically for all wood surfaces on boats.
- It is easy to build up thick protection.
- This is easy to apply with foam brushes and there are no bubbles, no sanding.
Best For Uv Protection: Minwax Clear Finish For Plywood
Buy on Amazon Not everyone likes to purchase finish for their daily usage, but the Minwax Clear Finish For Plywood would be an anomoly. The minwax clear finish for plywood is great for wood stain, is great for wood and it goes on nice. Polycrylic is nonyellowing and low odor to provide lasting protection to your wood project and is a fast-drying clear coat that lets you get projects done faster. This protective wood top coat not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers an attractive, classic sheen for a modern and subtle look. The finish is great for great protection, is weather resistant and it is made for satin sheen. And, it can be trusted for good quality and it applies easily. Most importantly, the minwax clear finish for plywood is super easy and it went on smoothly.Most customers agree that the finish will penetrate something pourous. In addition, they strongly agree that the finish is not food grade safe. Further, a few say that the satin finish is dries like a matte finish but a a touch of shine only when the light hits it. Overall, many customers have used the minwax clear finishfor plywood for more than a few months without any problems, and it shows no sign of giving up.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is easy to use and dries really fast.
- This has great results, it looks great and it works great.
- This is food safe and it is perfect for bedroom furniture.
- This can be used on wood for protection after painting.
Best With Beautiful Results: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another finish that manages to win our hearts. It's the Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient finishes you can buy. The totalboat gleam gloss varnish goes on smooth, is made for exterior use and it has compared gleam to other varnishes. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, this can be used on interior surfaces only, such as cabins, trim, and floors, because they don't protect against the sun's harmful rays. The finish is designed for wooden boats, has a spray gun and it works well. Also, this is ideal for direct sunlight, is great with yearly maintenance tip and it dries very glossy. Above all, the totalboat gleam gloss varnish is suitable for clear coating applications.Almost all customers agree that the finish has to stay elastic to an extent. In addition, a few also found that the finish is a super water-resistant varnish, which is completely different. Moreover, they strongly agree that the finish is used for a desk top. With no doubts, this finish passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Customers discovered that getting a marine grade clear coats for wood and marine paints for wood boat, along with finish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is used for great products and it is quick - dry.
- This is easy to brush and doesn't dry with a strong amber color.
- This is easy to apply, and creates a radiant, durable finish.
- This has an amber tint that darkens the overall look.
Best With Low Odor: Minwax Clear Finish
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself scrambling for an appropriate and satisfactory finish, Minwax Clear Finish is your end point. The minwax clear finish is excellent for shelves and it allows for easy cleanup. Minwax wipe-on poly is a durable, clear finish that combines polyurethane protection with classic, hand-rubbed beauty. The old finish has been cleaned of any oils and wax, is completely dry and has been scuffed lightly with fine 220. The finish has great results, is super durable and it offers $1 for good reviews. And, it is made of a high quality oil-based polyurethane. Most importantly, the minwax clearfinish provides a hand-rubbed look and it is the enemy of a smooth finish.Almost all customers opine that the finish is more work than typical canned urethanes and often requires an extra coat or two, but it's worth the effort. Also, a few strongly agree that the finish is bare wood, no reason to think it would not work. And, a few say that the finish can be used on an unfinished surface, obviously, but you can apply it over paint. To sum up, buyers found this to be one of the best finishes for daily purposes.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is also fast drying and takes at least 5 coats.
- This is ideal for direct sunlight and it is great for kitchen countertops.
- This works very well, is odorless and it is great for a great price.
- This will depend on the state regulations of your state.
Best For Handrail: Varathane Clear Finish For Plywood
Buy on Amazon Varathane offers a variety of finishes for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Varathane Clear Finish For Plywood is made for direct sunlight, It looks great and it does the trick. Crystal clear finish that never yellows. Further, it works like a charm, is very smooth and it dries very quickly. Finally, the varathane clear finish forplywood has great results, is made for quick delivery and it is laminate.Most buyers agree that the finish is effortless to achieve thanks to this. In addition, a few say that the finish will vary from region to region. And, a few say that the finish comes out really well and also held up really well.Customers discovered that getting a good brushes for polyurethane, with this finish made their life much easier.
Top Customer Quotes:
- The durable formula provides outstanding stain and scratch resistance with excellent clarity.
- This protects your surface whether be stained or painted.
- The best scratch and stain protection available.
- This is the best glaze to use on projects even after acrylic paint.
Best For Indoor Furniture: Rustoleum First Coat
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another finish that manages to win our hearts. It's the Rustoleum First Coat and it's widely considered as the finish that has the most suitable features. The rustoleum first coat is great for wood staining and it is used for coffee table. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, it is ceramic, comes out nice and it is perfect for easy use. The finish looks good and it is very shiny. Lastly, the rustoleum first coat is pretty impressive and it is made for easy cleanup.Most buyers agree that the finish is built by the log home builder. In addition, a few say that the finish has protected the wood, but it needs a new coat this year. Also, they strongly agree that the finish is good for raw metal. In conclusion, for most customers, Rustoleum product was the most suitable.Top Customer Quotes:
- This can be used on bare, dry, freshly sanded wood porch handrail.
- This is dissolving the water-based urethane.
- This will act as a preservative for the original finish.
- This works very well and it looks much better.
Best For Superior Durability: Rustoleum Clear Finish For Plywood
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Rustoleum Clear Finish For Plywood for daily purpose. The rustoleum clear finish for plywood provides a crystal clear finish. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, the finish is manufactured in the United States. The finish is good for food stains and it went on well. In addition, the finish dries pretty quickly, looks good, it makes for easy cleanup and has an elegant design. Most importantly, the rustoleum clear finish for plywood is very durable, drys fast and it is very shiny.Almost all buyers agree that the finish is easy to clean and leaves a brilliant shine. And, they strongly agree that the finish looks milky in the can but dries clear. Further, they strongly agree that this resulted in damage to the finish that required sanding and refinishing.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is great for wood stain, works great and it looks like glass.
- The product is gallon gls wb flr finish.
- The stain should be a water born stain, not oil - based.
- The first coat will soak in even more than on wood.
Best For Brand Name: Mohawk Finishing Products Clear Finish For Plywood
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself confused about the appropriate and satisfactory finish, Mohawk Finishing Products Clear Finish For Plywood is your solution. The mohawk finishing products clearfinish forplywood comes out nice, has a spray gun and it works great. hard, wear resistant finish that will show an improved appearance on aging. And, this is sprayed nice and it goes on well. The finish dries very fast and it is very dry. In addition, it can be used on stringed musical instruments. Finally, the mohawk finishing products clear finishfor plywood is top quality and it is very happy.Almost all customers opine that the finish is best for repairs drying time 10. Moreover, they strongly agree that the finish is, in other words, quite forgiving in its application. In addition, they also found that the solvents in the lacquer will re - wet the original surface and it could take a day or several days depending on what the original surface is and how thick the application. Overall, most buyers call the finish functionally comfort, and no one questions it.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is good for other industrial binder purposes.
- This can be used by gibson and fender.
- Easy to use, no reduction necessary.
- This is great for brand name, is great for coffee table and it sprays well.
Best For Outdoor Wood: Interlux Clear Finish For Plywood
Buy on Amazon The Interlux Clear Finish For Plywood's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. Inter-prime wood sealer is specially formulated to seal the grain and stop varnish from soaking into the wood. This allows future coats of varnish or paint to dry without high and low spots. In conclusion, with a 4.6 rating and more than 80 buyers, the interlux clear finish for plywood stands as the best choice.In conclusion, for most buyers, Interlux product was what they were looking for.Why We Like This:
- Particularly good at sealing plywood to resist cracking and checking.
- Good brand reputation.
Ideal For Countertops: Osmo Clear Finish For Plywood
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 finish. The Osmo Clear Finish For Plywood is exactly that - it's a simple finish that hits all the right notes. The osmo clear finish for plywood is water repellent and dirt resistant as well as resistant to wine, beer, cola, coffee, tea, fruit juices, milk and water. And seems resistant to common liquid spillages such as water, juice, tea, cola and wine. These types of liquid spillages will tightly bead on the surface without leaving any marks, simply clean by wiping with a cloth. Above all, the osmo clear finish for plywood is ideal for countertops and it has a beautiful sheen."Great finish that is straight forward to apply. " - says, one customer. In short, for most buyers, the finish was what they were looking for.Few customers bought oil finish and oils for pine wood, along with the finish.
Why We Like This:
- Din and en rated for direct contact with food.
- Very durable and hardwearing – water and chemical resistant.
- Ideal for countertops, tabletops, chopping boards, etc.
- No sanding is necessary for spot repairs or future applications.