The 11 Best Exterior Gloss Varnishes For Wood (2022 reviews)
We consider a exterior gloss varnish for wood to be a worthy investment in the long run.
Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best exterior gloss varnish for wood for you.
Also check our buying guide on Best Gloss For Wood, which will help you understand market quickly.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Worth The Money: Buy: Epifanes Glossy Finish READ REVIEWBest For Food: Buy: Decoart Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods: Buy: Totalboat Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Superior Durability: Buy: Minwax Clear Coat READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: Minwax Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Cabinet: Buy: Varathane Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Front Door: Buy: Rustoleum Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Outdoor Furniture: Buy: System Three Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Sealing: Buy: Delta Creative Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For New Wood: Buy: Epifanes Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood READ REVIEWBest Overall: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
Buy on Amazon If you are currently in the market searching to buy a long-standing gloss for your daily usage, you cannot go wrong with the Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish. The totalboat gleam gloss varnish is suitable for clear coating applications. Compared to z Spar captains varnish and flagship varnish, and epifanes clear varnish. In addition, it provides protection on exterior surfaces, too. The gloss is best for quick drying time and it is used for water resistance. Moreover, it is designed for wooden boats, dries very quickly and it cures quickly. Lastly, the totalboat gleam gloss varnish drys fast, is great for window sills and it has a spray gun.Almost all customers agree that the gloss is great for tipping and levels perfectly. And, they strongly agree that the varnish has an amber tint that darkens the overall look. Moreover, they say that the varnish has lasted three years without wear. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the varnish suits the purpose.Customers say that getting a quick drying varnishes for wood and marine paints for wood boat, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Self-leveling varnish dries fast—recoat in as little as 1 hour at 72°f.
- This is available in gloss or satin (low-sheen), in pint, quart and gallon sizes.
- This looks like many more coats.
- This varnish dries much faster in warm weather, especially after thinning 10.
Best For Worth The Money: Epifanes Glossy Finish
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 Epifanes Glossy Finish is exactly that - it's a simple varnish that hits all the right notes. The epifanes glossy finish comes at a high cost, looks beautiful and it is very smooth. Use on new wood or restoring old wood to a deep clear finish, softwood or hardwood, marine or household applications. Further, this is very protective and it looks incredible. The gloss has followed the instructions and it is simply beautiful. Also, it went on smoothly and it had excellent results. Finally, the epifanes glossy finish is superior protection with an ultra high gloss finish.Almost all buyers agree that the gloss is the world's gold standard for outdoor furniture. Moreover, a few say that the gloss is rewarding as to how good the piece started looking and it kept getting better with each coat. And, a few strongly agree that the process of creating a good finish with this is of old world craftsmanship perspective of multiple coatings.Top Customer Quotes:
- The varnish really brought out the striations and the wood grain.
- This is the best outdoor finish for wood.
- This is smelly stuff but well worth it after all the prep work.
- It comes out beautifully and is long - lasting.
Best For Food: Decoart Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood
Buy on Amazon The Decoart Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood is suitable and reliable and fits well with your daily use. The decoart exterior gloss varnish for wood is manufactured in the United States. Manufacturer says: As a company, we focus on three key concepts when developing and supporting new products. And, it is clear when dry, is clear as glass and it is made with safe products. The gloss is non toxic and it works well for oil paint. Finally, the decoart exterior gloss varnish for wood went on easily and it is very happy.Most customers found that the gloss is easy to paint back over .. again, because it is a thin, light, gloss paint. Also, they say that the varnish is easy to use and leaves a glossy shine over paint and metal. Further, a few strongly agree that this varnish hardly smells at all but yet seals well with a great shine. Obviously, this varnish passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Customers discovered that getting a hard varnishes for wood and clear matt finishes for wood, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This does a beautiful job and is dry by the next day.
- This is easy to apply on pain, and canvas.
- This is formulated to work on wood, terra cotta, ceramics, masonry, stone, and concrete.
- This is not meant to be mixed with the acrylic paint.
Best For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods: Totalboat Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood
Buy on Amazon For a low asking price, Totalboat Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood has managed to overwhelm their customers by packing as many features as they could. The totalboat exterior gloss varnish for wood is smooth and durable, with a gloss level so shiny it looks wet, even when it’s dry—making it ideal for brightwork. Be sand lightly before the final coat. Further, the varnish has beautiful effect and it is great with great stuff. The gloss is not intended for use as a sealer (base) coat. In addition, it has a linseed oil modified polyurethane formula for smooth flow-out. Most importantly, the totalboat exterior gloss varnish for wood is the first true, one-part marine varnish that allows multiple coats in one day, with no sanding required in between.Almost all customers found that the varnish is much more durable than traditional varnishes. In addition, they strongly agree that the gloss will give it an orangish tint. Moreover, a few also found that the varnish has worked well so far on outdoor wooden items. In conclusion, most customers call the gloss suits best, and no one questions it.Customers discovered that getting a marine paints for wood boat and quick drying varnishes for wood, with this gloss made their life much easier.
Why We Like This:
- Creates a durable, waterproof finish that won't fade.
- This reduces the number of coats required.
- This has a viscosity similar to traditional European varnishes.
- Lust high gloss dries fast, hard, and wet-looking.
Best For Superior Durability: Minwax Clear Coat
Buy on Amazon The Minwax 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 Minwax Clear Coat has used three coats and it looks fantastic. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. This oil - based clear sealer protective coating protects and adds long - lasting beauty to woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets and floors. Above all, the minwax clear coat has followed the instructions and it protected wood surfaces.Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the varnish is easy to use and apple’s smoothly. Moreover, a few also found that the gloss does not reflect a bright shine when you playing on the board. In addition, they also found that the gloss is going to be exposed to UV rays.Few customers bought brushes for wood finish, along with the varnish.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Manufacturer says: since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to keep on finishing.
- Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this semi-gloss clear varnish.
- This is a plug to keep it from leaking during transit.
- This does not have added UV blockers.
Best With Low Odor: Minwax Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood
Buy on Amazon Best part: Minwax Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood costs comparatively little and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The minwax exterior glossvarnish for wood comes with great stuff and it looks better. 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. The gloss works well with low odor, takes practice and it has a beautiful shine. Moreover, it is designed for wooden boats, is great with high-gloss and it is good for window sills. Finally, the minwax exterior gloss varnish for wood includes minwax fast-drying polyurethane or water based oil modified polyurethane or helmsman spar urethane for exterior use.Most buyers found that the gloss does not have good clarity, too much pigment in the color. Further, they strongly agree that the varnish used to be good, but is now junk. Moreover, a few say that the gloss has always produced amazing - quality products. Overall, buyers found this to be one of the best gloss for daily purposes.Top Customer Quotes:
- Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this gloss varnish.
- This is a poly urethane, but is very much like a varnish.
- This is you're coat well and clean its surface thoroughly before coating it.
- This is perfect, not only does it preserve the paint but creates an ultimate finish.
Best For Cabinet: Varathane Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood
Buy on Amazon The Varathane Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood is specially designed for your regular usage and has all useful features. The varathane exterior gloss varnishfor wood is good for craft projects and it is made with low odor. Based formula dries fast and cleans up with soap and water. And, the varnish is probably not typical, is tricky to apply and it is used for coffee table. Finally, the varathane exteriorgloss varnish forwood stays clear and it is very dry.Most buyers find that the varnish makes a special food - grade oil finish for them. In addition, a few also found that the varnish allows things to slide easily and makes cleaning up of shop debris and saw dust easy. And, they say that these have a tung oil finish on them, so this does not necessarily represent the appearance of the polyurethane by itself. To sum up, most buyers agree that the varnish suits best, and no one questions it.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is perfect for high quality and it is perfectly clear.
- Crystal clear finish that never yellows.
- Low odor and fast, easy soap and water clean-up.
- It’s goes on slightly milky but dries to a clear satin finish.
Best For Front Door: Rustoleum Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood
Buy on Amazon Rustoleum makes beautiful and great gloss with classic and smartly chosen materials. The Rustoleum Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood backed off, went on smooth and it is great for a great price. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, this protects the surface from graying and sun damage. Above all, the rustoleum exterior gloss varnish for wood has great results and it offers $1 for good reviews.Most buyers quickly discovered that the gloss is like polyurethane, it will discolor the paint. Also, a few say that the varnish now looks great and water doesn't get into the wood. Obviously, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Top Customer Quotes:
- Oil based formula provides maximum durability and allows for a more even finish.
- This is good for the marine environment.
- This will eventually become super hard.
- This is very glossy if that is the look you want.
Best For Outdoor Furniture: System Three Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention three exterior gloss varnishes for wood for daily purpose. The System Three Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood has great results, is worth the money and it holds up well. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, it is non toxic and it went on well. The varnish offers excellent protection from salt air and water. Most importantly, the system of three exterior gloss varnishes for wood is designed for marine epoxy and exterior wood surfaces such as railings, doors or any surface where a clear, durable finish is desired.Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish has excellent resistance to sunlight/ultraviolet rays. Also, a few strongly agree that the gloss is not tough enough for the daily traffic that a floor coating is engineered for. In addition, they strongly agree that the varnish will last a long time.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is a great finish and goes on easy and smoothly.
- This is very clear and dries to a fine clear finish on most surfaces.
- A high - solids, voc compliant finish. Coverage - 300 - 350 ft2/gal.
- Designed for marine and exterior wood surfaces.
Best For Sealing: Delta Creative Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood
Buy on Amazon The Delta creative exterior glossvarnish forwood is capable of outshining several other glosses featured in this list in overall features in its price range. The Delta creative exteriorgloss varnish for wood is very happy and it does the job. The Manufacturer says: We care about being a responsible corporation and source high-quality, non-toxic crafting materials that are safe for everyday use. These varnishes cover acrylic or waterbased paints with a protective coat. The gloss provides excellent coverage and consistent color on all porous surfaces. Above all, the Delta creative exterior gloss varnishfor wood makes for easy cleanup, is great for acrylic paintings and it is for rigid plastic.Most buyers agree that the varnish will thicken and gel and be too thick to use easily. In addition, a few say that the gloss is great for sealing painted rocks to protect them from the weather outside. Moreover, they also found that the varnish is easy to apply and dries quickly, leaving a clear, shiny finish. In short, many customers have used the Delta creative exterior gloss varnish for wood for more than a few months without any complaints, and it shows no sign of giving up.Customers found that buying a shiny varnishes for wood, along with gloss is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This allows for painting on almost any surface.
- Preserve your projects with a layer of Delta’s premium - quality all-purpose sealers.
- This is great with great stuff and it is good for coffee tables.
- Specially formulated to help preserve and enhance your painting projects.
Best For New Wood: Epifanes Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself scrambling for appropriate and satisfactory gloss, Epifanes Exterior Gloss Varnish For Wood should be your first option for buying. The epifanes exterior gloss varnish for wood is great for a great look, works well with low odor and it is used in many applications. Use on new wood or restoring old wood to a deep clear finish, softwood or hardwood, marine etc. Also, there is superior protection with an ultra high gloss finish. Lastly, the epifanes exterior gloss varnish for wood is ideal for household or marine and it is designed to be worth every penny.Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish is easy to use, mixing 4 parts varnish and 1 part mineral spirits. Moreover, they also found that the gloss can be used on door thresholds. Also, a few also found that this is the best varnish available, beats the socks off minwax and similar spar varnishes sold at the bigbox stores. In short, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the gloss suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- Used in many applications, both exterior and interior, household or marine, brushed, sprayed, or.
- World famous, highest quality traditional tung oil marine spar varnish.
- This will look great all the way through the winter.
- This is used to finish patio furniture.