The 10 Best Clear Varnishes For Exterior Painted Wood (2022 reviews)
If you are looking for collection of best clear varnish for exterior painted woods,
This page is just for you.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Clear Varnishes On Painted Wood and Best Exterior Varnishes Of Clear for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Totalboat Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood READ REVIEWBest For Food: Buy: Decoart Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood READ REVIEWBest For Front Door: Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Plywood: Buy: Decoart Good Varnish READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: Minwax Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood READ REVIEWBest For Indoor Furniture: Buy: Rustoleum First Coat READ REVIEWBest For Outdoor Living Space: Buy: Minwax Wood Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Cabinet: Buy: Varathane Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood READ REVIEWBest For Weather Resistance: Buy: Rustoleum Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood READ REVIEWBest For Stained Wood: Buy: Deft Inc. Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood READ REVIEWBest Overall: Totalboat Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood
Buy on Amazon Best part: Totalboat Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood costs reasonable and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The totalboat clear varnish for exterior painted wood is eco-friendly and it makes for easy application. 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 comes in clear or amber colors. Also, it drys fast and it goes milky white. Most importantly, the totalboat clear varnish for exterior painted wood is clean and it is very shiny.Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish is warm it dries quicker than an hour. Furthermore, a few also found that the varnish was ready for a second and third coat within an hour of the previous application. And, they say that satin is the type of finish and does not impact the color. Overall, many buyers have used the totalboat clear varnish for exterior painted wood for more than a few months without any complaints, and it shows no sign of giving up.Top Customer Quotes:
- This will not last more than 3-4 seasons without some overcoats though.
- This went on easily, is weather resistant and it provides excellent durability.
- This has a design for deck coatings.
- Dries fast so you can finish faster than with traditional varnishes.
Best For Food: Decoart Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood
Buy on Amazon Compared with other varnish in this category, the Decoart Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood has a convenient design. The decoart clear varnish for exterior painted wood is very glossy, is non-toxic and it works perfectly. The manufacturer says: We just try to narrow down the infinite choices to capture what we can in our bottles. Further, it is unique and carries its own natural characteristics. Most importantly, the decoart clear varnish for exterior painted wood is great for easy application and it works well for flat surfaces.Most buyers found that the varnish is not recommended for use on or around food. In addition, they strongly agree that the varnish can be used on most hard surfaces, both interior and exterior. And, they also found that the varnish is not meant to be mixed with the acrylic paint.Customers say that getting a clear varnishes on painted wood and clear matt finishes for wood, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is great for a high shine.
- This is easy to use and leaves a glossy shine over paint and metal.
- This is clear as glass and it is made with safe products.
- It is great with great stuff and it is very shiny.
Best For Front Door: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
Buy on Amazon Compared with other varnish in this category, the Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish has a convenient design. The totalboat gleam gloss varnish has great results, cures quickly and it has used 3 coats. Remains flexible, expands and contracts with the wood during seasonal humidity and temperature changes. In addition, the varnish is easy to apply, with smooth flow out on bare wood, previously painted 1-part varnish in good condition, or over cured epoxy. The varnish provides protection on exterior surfaces, too. Further, it looks great and it is great for a fair price. Lastly, the totalboat gleam gloss varnish is designed for wooden boats, dries very quickly and it drys quickly.Most buyers agree that the varnish is suitable for clear coating on interior and exterior surfaces where maximum water and UV resistance is required. Moreover, they strongly agree that the varnish has an amber tint that darkens the overall look. In addition, a few say that the gleam varnish is not intended for use on plastic and would not adhere properly to that surface.Customers discovered that getting a thick clear coats for outdoor wood and marine grade clear coats for wood, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This has to stay elastic to an extent.
- This went on easily, has compared gleam to other varnishes and it dries very glossy.
- This is a varnish designed for the rigors of life at sea.
- This varnish dries much faster in warm weather, especially after thinning 10.
Best For Plywood: Decoart Good Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Decoart line of varnish comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The decoart varnish is great for acrylic paintings and it does the job. Manufacturer says: As a company, we focus on three key concepts when developing and supporting new products. In addition, it dries very quickly, is odorless and it is very smooth. Lastly, the Decoart Good Varnish protects surfaces from chemicals such as alcohol and resists water stains or rings.Most customers agree that the varnish works well for making magnets and jewelry. Also, they strongly agree that the varnish can be used on most hard craft surfaces, both interior and exterior. Moreover, they strongly agree that the varnish is used to connect the photo print to the wood has been allowed a good amount of time to completely dry and the photo print is of good quality as in photo paper and not desktop color print. In conclusion, most buyers agree that the varnish suits best, and no one questions it.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is the perfect top coat for your acrylic painting.
- This is clear when dry, makes a nice look and it is good for a cheap price.
- This is by far the best price and size.
- This is easy to use, and has no strong odor.
Best With Low Odor: Minwax Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood
Buy on Amazon If you want nothing but a varnish that is reliable, this Minwax Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood is certainly a wise investment. The minwax clear varnish forexterior painted wood has followed directions for application, went on smooth and it has a spray gun. Follow the sander manufacturer’s directions for your type of project. The oil - based, clear top coat is one of the most durable coatings for wood protection against scratches, spills and more. The varnish is desired, repeat step 6 before application. Moreover, the varnish drys quickly and it is resilient. Above all, the minwax clear varnishfor exteriorpainted wood allows for ease of use, has followed the instructions and it is used for professional results.Almost all customers agree that the varnish is lacquered on the inside where the water is held. Moreover, a few also found that the varnish can be sprayed on rattans but brushing or ragging it on would be problematic. Further, they strongly agree that this one apart is the adjustable field of spray. Overall, for most customers, Minwax product was just what they wanted.Top Customer Quotes:
- Keep interior wood projects looking beautiful with a minwax polyurethane wood finish.
- It looks like high - end glossy furniture.
- Manufacturer says: since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to keep on finishing.
- This spray is fabulous to the very last drop.
Best For Indoor Furniture: Rustoleum First Coat
Buy on Amazon The Rustoleum First Coat's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The rustoleum first coat applies easily and it has excellent results. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, the varnish is very shiny and it dries completely clear. The varnish has great results, looks better and it looks much better. Finally, the rustoleum first coat is food safe and it looks great.Almost all buyers opine that the varnish is good for raw metal. In addition, they also found that the varnish was built by the log home builder.s. Also, they strongly agree that the varnish is easy to apply and produces a durable and lasting finish for all exterior and interior projects. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the varnish suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- This has protected the wood, but needs a new coat this year.
- This is perfect for garden furniture and it allows for short drying time.
- This works very well, suitable for interior use and it is suitable for a coffee table.
- This material goes on easily, dries clear and feels hard and durable.
Best For Outdoor Living Space: Minwax Wood Varnish
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Minwax Wood Varnish for daily purpose. The minwax wood varnish is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. Manufacturer says: We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing project. The special oils in this wood varnish spray allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change. Most importantly, the minwax wood varnish is built with great quality and it takes practice.Most buyers opine that the varnish is an old dried out treated post, then possibly. And, they also found that the varnish used to be good, but is now junk. Moreover, a few also found that the easy of a spray can is wonderful. it does not offer the protection that normal spar urethane ( brush on ) offers. In conclusion, buyers found this to be one of the best varnish for daily purposes.Top Customer Quotes:
- This protects the natural beauty of the wood while providing a warm finish.
- This is because it sprays on too lightly and unevenly.
- This can make a wooden sign shine like glass.
- This is designed for wooden boats and it is great for outdoor living space.
Best For Cabinet: Varathane Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood
Buy on Amazon Compared with other varnish in this category, the Varathane Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood has a convenient design. The varathane clearvarnish for exterior paintedwood is ideal for interior projects like furniture, doors, cabinets and trim. Varathane crystal clear water-based polyurethane is specially developed to let wood’s natural beauty show through with the highest clarity over other water-based polyurethanes. Further, it is best for high quality and it looks amazing. The varnish has low-odor, is great for acrylic paintings and it is perfect for coffee table. Finally, the varathane clear varnish for exterior painted wood drys very fast and it is very clean.Most buyers opine that the varnish will not yellow since it is water based. In addition, they also found that the varnish has higher solids and is tougher with fewer coats. In addition, a few also found that the paints with polyurethane in big letters on the label are actually alkyd resin with some polyurethane added to give heat resistance.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is a great finishing coat for latex/acrylic interior paints.
- This is easy to work with and goes on easily using a foam brush.
- The best scratch and stain protection available.
- It has no color when it dries.
Best For Weather Resistance: Rustoleum Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself confused about the appropriate and satisfactory varnish, Rustoleum Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood is your solution. The rustoleum clear varnishfor exteriorpainted wood goes on well and it sprays evenly. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, the varnish allows application on hard to reach areas such as indents or holes. The varnish is best for low humidity, works over paint and it goes on nice. Moreover, this protects the surface from sun damage. Above all, the rustoleum clearvarnish forexterior painted wood is very durable, is easy to clean and it goes on milky.Almost all customers opine that the varnish is good for much other than a base coat that is clear. Further, a few say that if the varnish is well shaken (three minutes or more) and it is applied properly, this stuff works great. Also, a few say that the varnish is easy to apply and will, hopefully, last a few years. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the varnish suits the purpose.Customers discovered that getting a clear varnishes for exterior painted wood, with this varnish made their life much easier.
Top Customer Quotes:
- The Non-yellowing formula keeps your wood looking great longer.
- The Satin finish provides a classic and natural look.
- It is easy to apply thin, nearly invisible coats.
- This is designed for weather resistance and it looks fantastic.
Best For Stained Wood: Deft Inc. Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood
Buy on Amazon The Deft Inc. Clear Varnish For Exterior Painted Wood's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The deft inc. clear varnish for exterior paintedwood is excellent for interior and exterior wood surfaces including floors, doors, furniture cabinets and marine applications above the water line. This product adds great value. This high - solid oil based polyurethane is formulated for hard - use areas. The varnish protects metal from rust. In addition to that, it offers 450 voc compliant formula. Finally, the deft inc. clear varnish for exterior painted wood went on easily, goes on well and it is available in satin.Most buyers agree that the varnish has been out for over 1 year and is doing well. And, they also found that the varnish has many uses, as normal polyurethane is not very good outdoors. To sum up, many customers have used the deft inc. clear varnish for exterior painted wood for more than a few months without any issues, and it shows no sign of giving up.Why We Like This:
- This product adds great value.
- Use on unfinished and stained wood, painted, varnished or lacquered surfaces.
- Available in satin finish and 13-ounce aerosol spray with an adjustable spray valve.
- A high-solids oil-based polyurethane formulated for hard use areas.