The 9 Best Dark Varnishes (2022 reviews)

dark varnishes
.
There are plenty of options available while buying dark varnishs in the market right now, and if you're confused regarding which one to go for, You have landed on the right page.

Our review process:

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall:
Buy: Jo Sonja Dark Varnish
READ REVIEW

Best For Worth The Money:
Buy: Epifanes Dark Varnish
READ REVIEW

Best For Uv Protection:
Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
READ REVIEW

Best For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods:
Buy: Totalboat Dark Varnish
READ REVIEW

Best With Low Odor:
Buy: Minwax Dark Varnish
READ REVIEW

Best For Bamboo:
Buy: Polyvine Dark Varnish
READ REVIEW

Best For Several Coats:
Buy: Gamblin Dark Varnish
READ REVIEW

Best For Creating An Invisible Protective Coating:
Buy: Modern Masters Dark Varnish
READ REVIEW

Best For Front Door:
Buy: Mccloskey Dark Varnish
READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Jo Sonja Dark Varnish

Jo Sonja Dark Varnish
Buy on Amazon

We know from years of feedback from readers, amazon sellers, and family and friends what most people want in a varnish. The Jo Sonja Dark Varnish is exactly that - it's a simple varnish that hits all the right notes. The jo sonja dark varnish is great for polymer clay and it has finish coat directions. For alcohol resistant finish or for outdoor use, apply a minimum of 4 to 5 coats of varnish. Further, this works awesome and it is water soluble.

Above all, the jo sonja dark varnish is the largest and most economical size of jo sonja polyurethane varnish gloss.

Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the varnish is great stuff, not sold in any stores in the bay area. Also, they say that the varnish is varnish, it is very sticky and difficult to clean up.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This went on smoothly and it is made for quick delivery.
  • can be utilized as a painting medium.
  • This comes with final brushstrokes in the direction of the wood grain.
  • This provides a protective coating of exceptional toughness for indoor or outdoor use.

Best For Worth The Money: Epifanes Dark Varnish

Epifanes Dark Varnish
Buy on Amazon

The Epifanes Dark Varnish is capable of outshining several other varnish featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The epifanes dark varnish has excellent results and it is clear as glass. Use on new wood or restoring old wood to a deep clear finish, softwood or hardwood, marine or household applications. Further, this is superior protection with an ultra high gloss finish.

The varnish is used for table tops and it is laminate. Further, the varnish is made for worth the money, is very happy and it is made with good stuff. Finally, the epifanes dark varnish are cost effective and it is simple to apply.

Most buyers agree that the varnish is a varnish and needs to be painted with a material (wood) that will absorb it. Further, a few strongly agree that the varnish has been outside for several months now in rain and sun. Further, they strongly agree that the varnish is time - consuming, but well worth it for heirloom outdoor wood furniture.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This protects really well but a bit of a pain to apply.
  • This can be used on blue pine live edge outdoor bar.
  • This is of the phenolic resin variety.
  • This can also be applied by brushing, wiping-on, or padding.

Best For Uv Protection: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish

Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
Buy on Amazon

The Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish is capable of outshining several other varnish featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The totalboat gleam gloss varnish is very happy and it can shop for great products. Remains flexible, expands and contracts with the wood during seasonal humidity and temperature changes. Also, the varnish dries very quickly and it is quickly dry.

The varnish is easy to apply, and creates a radiant, durable finish. Moreover, this provides protection on exterior surfaces, too. Finally, the totalboat gleam gloss varnish allows for great shine, drys fast and it works well with beautiful results.

Almost all buyers found that the varnish has an amber tint that darkens the overall look. In addition, they say that the varnish is mostly urethane based. Moreover, they say that the pint size can of marine spar varnish applied after that went quite a long way thanks to the wood sealer.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This looks like many more coats.
  • This is ceramic and it went on easily.
  • This is used for a desk top.
  • This looks and the way it goes on.

Best For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods: Totalboat Dark Varnish

Totalboat Dark 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 Totalboat Dark Varnish is exactly that - it's a simple varnish that hits all the right notes. The totalboat dark varnish reduces the number of coats required. Start and finish your next varnish project in a single weekend. Furthermore, it looked beautiful and it went on smoothly.

The varnish is not intended for use as a sealer (base) coat. Lastly, the totalboat dark varnish went on easily and it is used for oil paint.

Most buyers opine that the varnish is a great seal on some boating items and outside garden items. Moreover, they say that the varnish is easy to work with but high in price. And, they strongly agree that this is a thick varnish and the instructions call for the first coat to be thinned.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • But it cures to a lustrous amber finish.
  • This is made for boats, you can't get much more water exposure than that.
  • It has three coats and it is great quality.
  • This is designed for quick dry time and it saves time.

Best With Low Odor: Minwax Dark Varnish

Minwax Dark Varnish
Buy on Amazon

Minwax offers a variety of varnishs for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Minwax Dark Varnish has a nice shine, works better and it holds up well. Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this gloss varnish. The special oils in this wood varnish spray allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change.

The varnish protects the natural beauty of the wood while providing a warm finish. Further, the varnish includes minwax fast-drying polyurethane or water based oil modified polyurethane or helmsman spar urethane for exterior use. Most importantly, the minwax dark varnish comes with wipe on products and it goes on evenly.

Almost all customers quickly discovered that the varnish is great to use for tight spaces or light applications. In addition, they say that the varnish can go over anything that's been pre finished. Moreover, they also found that these imports are finished with a fast - drying lacquer. As a result, buyers were very happy to recommend it to friends and families.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is so.much much much much much much better, goes on smoothly and is durable.
  • This is pvc and it is made with good paint.
  • This can be used on metal outdoor light sconces and door hardware.
  • This works well on wicker. To add to that, it is wiped super clean.

Best For Bamboo: Polyvine Dark Varnish

Polyvine Dark Varnish
Buy on Amazon

Compared with other varnish in this category, the Polyvine Dark Varnish has a convenient design. The polyvine dark varnish goes on nice, comes with good stuff and it is built with seals against moisture. Based on dead flat clear varnish for the protection of a wide range of decorative surfaces. And, the varnish goes on great and it goes on milky.

Finally, the polyvine darkvarnish dries super fast, works well with low odor and it super fast.

Almost all customers agree that the varnish is easy to use and leaves the smallest of sheen. And, a few also found that the varnish will hold up much better in their little hands. Moreover, a few say that the dead flat varnish is pretty invisible, but will darken the white background a little.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is best for hand painted furniture that needs to be protected.
  • The closest thing you 'll find to a wax finish look in a poly.
  • This is easy to apply with a brush, dries fast, and has a clear finish.
  • Water based, low odor, quick drying.

Best For Several Coats: Gamblin Dark Varnish

Gamblin Dark Varnish
Buy on Amazon

The Gamblin Dark Varnish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The gamblin dark varnish stays clear and it is quickly dry. To get 1 pack of gamblin gamvar picture varnish. Also, this goes on easily, is very happy and it goes on clearly.

Lastly, the gamblin dark varnish is very glossy and it goes on easily.

Most customers find that the varnish is dry a touch smoothly, and it drys in a day ready for the second coat. Further, a few strongly agree 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. In addition, they strongly agree that this varnish works very well to coat and even out the finish.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Can be used sooner than other varnishes.
  • This is great for acrylic paintings and it is odor free.
  • This can be used on a very old painting after cleaning.

Best For Creating An Invisible Protective Coating: Modern Masters Dark Varnish

Modern Masters Dark Varnish
Buy on Amazon

The Modern Masters Dark Varnish is capable of outshining several other varnishs featured in this list in overall features in its price range. The modern master dark varnish is permanent, is abrasion resistant and it solves a problem. Removes undesirable variations in sheen created by using semi-gloss base coats with decorative glazes. This premium - quality, water - based, non - yellowing varnish has been formulated to have the optimum level of clarity with the least amount of sheen.

Above all, the modern master darkvarnish is completely clear and it dries very fast.

Almost all buyers found that the varnish is perfect for sealing a beautiful painted color finish on anything. Moreover, a few also found that the varnish is thick like paint but water based so it can easily be thinned. Further, they also found that this is a great varnish for any artist to have in their collection of final finishes.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is ideal for a coffee table and it is good for paper mache.
  • This will come off with high traffic.
  • This is a good one that has nice, soft polyester bristles.
  • These are products made to take the wear on a floor.

Best For Front Door: Mccloskey Dark Varnish

Mccloskey Dark Varnish
Buy on Amazon

The Mccloskey dark varnish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The Mccloskey dark varnish looks beautiful and it has 3 coats. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, the varnish is very clear and it is great for window sills.

The varnish is made with good stuff, looks great and it has a great smell. Also, it is very strong and it is made with fast shipping. Most importantly, the Mccloskey dark varnish is great with great quality, it works great and it is turned white.

Most customers opine that the varnish is used for marine vehicles. In addition, a few strongly agree that the varnish is the real deal in beautifying & protection of all your wood projects.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is easy to install / clean up too.
  • This will probably work, but the varnish would turn the quilt slightly yellow.
  • Maximum u.v. Protection/extra protection from sun and weather.
  • This looks like it should last a number of years.