The 9 Best Exterior Grade Varnishes (2022 reviews)

exterior grade varnishes
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Are you planning to buy exterior grade varnishs, and are you confused about the options ? This page is just for you.

Our review process:

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall:
Buy: Totalboat Final Coat
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Best For Uv Protection:
Buy: Rustoleum Exterior Grade Varnish
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Best With Low Odor:
Buy: Minwax Exterior Grade Varnish
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Best With Beautiful Results:
Buy: Minwax Wood Varnish
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Best For Front Door:
Buy: Rustoleum Satin Finish
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Best For Plywood:
Buy: Totalboat Exterior Grade Varnish
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Best For Entry Ways:
Buy: Valspar Exterior Grade Varnish
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Best For Outdoor Wood:
Buy: Old Masters Exterior Grade Varnish
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Best For Brand Name:
Buy: Old Masters Superior Exterior Protective Finish
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Best Overall: Totalboat Final Coat

Totalboat Final Coat
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Totalboat makes beautiful and great varnish with classic and higher-grade materials. The Totalboat Final Coat is not intended for use as a sealer (base) coat. Creates a durable, waterproof finish that won't fade. Also, it is smooth and durable, with a gloss level so shiny it looks wet, even when it’s dry—making it ideal for brightwork.

The varnish goes on easily and it is quickly dry. Lastly, the totalboat final coat looks great and it is very happy.

Most customers opine that the varnish is designed specifically for all wood surfaces on boats. Further, they also found that the varnish is easy to build up thick protection. Moreover, a few also found that this varnish is easy to use and dries quickly without any problem of showing brush marks. In short, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the varnish suits the purpose.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Marine grade varnish imparts a rich, clear amber tone that enhances wood grain.
  • This is made for boats, you can't get much more water exposure than that.
  • This works well for oil paint and it is great for customer service.
  • This provides better results and will yellow quite a bit.

Best For Uv Protection: Rustoleum Exterior Grade Varnish

Rustoleum Exterior Grade Varnish
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The Rustoleum Exterior Grade Varnish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The rustoleum exterior grade varnish is designed for easy use and it works very well. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, this is ceramic, applies easily and it allows for easy cleanup.

The varnish allows for short dry time and it is great for garage doors. Also, this is great for water resistance, is very shiny and it has be caution. Finally, the rustoleum exterior grade varnish looks good, is pretty impressive and it has excellent results.

Almost all customers quickly discovered that the varnish is indeed crystal clear and doesn't alter the color of the wood. Moreover, a few say that the varnish is better outdoors and does raise the grain of wood. Also, a few strongly agree that the sealer will not yellow and it will protect the outdoor painted surface for years.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is perfect for an old boat’s teak deck.
  • This comes out nice and it is for interior use.
  • This was built by a log home builder.
  • This water based urethane will soak in and will likely raise the grain.

Best With Low Odor: Minwax Exterior Grade Varnish

Minwax Exterior Grade Varnish
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If you often find yourself scrambling for a convenient and suitable varnish, Minwax Exterior Grade Varnish should be your first option for buying. The minwax exterior grade varnish provides for ease of application and it leaves a beautiful. look look. Minwax water based wipe-on poly is a durable, clear finish that combines polyurethane protection with classic, hand-rubbed beauty. look. This product must be sure to allow wood that has been stained to dry completely before top coating with minwax wipe - on poly.

The varnish can minwax wipe-on poly be applied over minwax wood finish or other stains. Above all, the minwax exterior gradevarnish can be used on floors to touch up small areas that are worn or scratched.

Most buyers agree that the varnish is designed to eliminate brush application. And, they strongly agree that the varnish is as good as the regular poly. Moreover, they strongly agree that note: if the doors were painted with latex paint, the wipe on ploy may crackle the latex. Overall, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This provides a durable layer of topcoat protection but it is thinner than regular polyurethanes.
  • It dries fast, drys very fast and it is very shiny.
  • This will protect you from light water stains for a short time.
  • This is safe for food.

Best With Beautiful Results: Minwax Wood Varnish

Minwax Wood Varnish
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The features department is where Minwax Wood Varnish truly manages to shine. The minwax wood varnish is ideal for outdoor living space and it works well. 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 varnish includes minwax fast-drying polyurethane or water based oil modified polyurethane or helmsman spar urethane for exterior use. In addition, it is resistant to chipping and it is made for quick delivery. Lastly, the minwax wood varnish is effective and it is great for coffee table.

Almost all buyers opine that the varnish provides UV protection to help stop color fading. In addition, a few say that the varnish does not have good clarity, too much pigment in the color. Moreover, a few say that the easy of a spray can is wonderful, but it does not offer the protection that normal spar urethane ( brush on ) offers. Overall, many customers have used the minwax wood varnish for more than a few months without any complaints, and it shows no sign of giving up.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This gives a nice durable, is built with great quality and it goes on easily.
  • This is made of fiberglass, and using an automotive clear coat would probably be best.
  • This provides great coverage.
  • This is because it sprays on too lightly and unevenly.

Best For Front Door: Rustoleum Satin Finish

Rustoleum Satin Finish
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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Rustoleum Satin Finish for daily purpose. The rustoleum satin finish provides a classic and natural look. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, it provides excellent resistance against scratches, weathering, light, and more while expanding and contracting with weather conditions.

The varnish looks great, is great for the outdoors and it is used for art artwork. Further, the varnish is for really like this material, comes with good stuff and it is great for customer service. Finally, the rustoleum satin finish protects the surface from graying and sun damage.

Most buyers found that the varnish is recommended to only used at or above 70 degrees. Also, they strongly agree that the varnish takes many days to totally cure, and hopefully the outside weather there is nice for awhile. In short, many have used the varnish for more than a few months without any issues, and it shows no sign of giving up.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is used for semi-gloss, works awesome and it offers $1 for good reviews.
  • This is not stated that it is good safe.
  • Expands and contracts with weather conditions.
  • This will eventually become super hard.

Best For Plywood: Totalboat Exterior Grade Varnish

Totalboat Exterior Grade Varnish
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For a low asking price, Totalboat Exterior Grade Varnish has managed to overwhelm their customers by packing as many features as they could. The total exterior grade varnish is needed, For brushing, use 5-10% totalboat special brushing thinner 100. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. This economical, one - part pre - varnish marine wood sealer penetrates deeply to seal and prime all types of bare wood.

Most importantly, the totalboat exteriorgrade varnish really works well and it is good for excellent flow.

Most customers found that the varnish is used to prep exterior cedar corbels. Also, a few say that the varnish is used to seal wood and improve grain quality and to fill in any blemish. In addition, a few strongly agree that the varnish will take days depending upon the humidity. Without any doubt, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • It looks beautiful and it has followed the instructions.
  • This is designed to worth every penny, packaged well and it works well.
  • This is great for butcher block countertops.
  • This works well with sponge chip brush.

Best For Entry Ways: Valspar Exterior Grade Varnish

Valspar Exterior Grade Varnish
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Compared with other varnish in this category, the Valspar Exterior Grade Varnish has a convenient design. The valspar exterior gradevarnish is ideal for entry ways and it is great for a great price. Please note that this item can be shipped by ground to addresses within the continental United States only. And, the varnish has a nice shine, works better and it is designed for top quality.

The varnish provides excellent protection from weathering and the elements, including UV rays and salt water. In addition, it is affordable and it is great with rapid delivery. Most importantly, the valspar exteriorgrade varnish will for excellent value, makes it easy and it is great for easy clean-up.

Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish is made from redwood and mrytlewood. Also, they strongly agree that the varnish provides these valuable canoes.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Approx. Coverage: 300-500 sq.ft. Per gallon.
  • Ideal for entry ways, garage doors & sills.
  • Extra protection from sun & weather.
  • This cleans up with mineral spirits.

Best For Outdoor Wood: Old Masters Exterior Grade Varnish

Old Masters Exterior Grade Varnish
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The Old Masters Exterior Grade Varnish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The old masters exterior grade varnish looks great and it has excellent results. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, the varnish can be used on interior windowsills and door frames for added ultra violet protection. Most importantly, the old masters exterior grade varnish is good for exterior surfaces and it has follow the instructions.

Almost all buyers agree that the varnish looks very good, but the final test will be how it looks next year. Moreover, they strongly agree that the varnish is "exterior oil based varnish", and in the directions, it is described as being formulated to resist rain and water. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This product adds great value.
  • Uv absorbers for advanced sun protection.
  • It is recommended that three coats be applied, which you should take into account.

Best For Brand Name: Old Masters Superior Exterior Protective Finish

Old Masters Superior Exterior Protective Finish
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Next on the list, we've got yet another varnish that manages to win our hearts. It's the old masters ' superior exterior protective finish and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient varnish you can buy. The old masters ' superior exterior protective finish provides a flexible finish that withstands weathering due to sun, water and salt spray. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, this can be used on interior windowsills and door frames for added ultra violet protection. Most importantly, the old masters ' superior exterior protective finish is great for brand name and it is good for exterior surfaces.

One customer says - "Your ad does not mention the size you are offering. ". Almost all buyers found that the varnish is very durable, and goes on very smoothly.

Why We Like This:
  • Uv absorbers for advanced sun protection.
  • Formulated to be a superior exterior protective finish.
  • Good brand reputation.