The 10 Best Exterior Polyurethanes For Wood (2022 reviews)
There are several advantages of having a exterior polyurethane for wood.
We are here to help you pick the right one for your needs from all the best available products in market today.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Polyurethanes Over Varnish, Best Wood Sealer Polyurethanes and Best Polyurethanes For Exterior for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Totalboat Exterior Polyurethane For Wood READ REVIEWBest With Beautiful Results: Buy: Minwax Exterior Polyurethane For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Front Door: Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: Rustoleum Exterior Polyurethane For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Handrail: Buy: Varathane Exterior Polyurethane For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Superior Durability: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish READ REVIEWBest For Plywood: Buy: Rustoleum Satin Finish READ REVIEWBest For Stained Wood: Buy: Zar Great Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Fast Drying Time: Buy: Deft Inc. Exterior Polyurethane For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Coffee Table: Buy: Zar Exterior Polyurethane For Wood READ REVIEWBest Overall: Totalboat Exterior Polyurethane For Wood
Buy on Amazon If you are currently in the market searching to buy a long-standing polyurethane for your daily usage, you cannot go wrong with the Totalboat Exterior Polyurethane For Wood. The totalboat exterior polyurethane for wood comes in clear or amber colors. Dries fast so you can finish faster than with traditional varnishes. 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. Lastly, the totalboat exterior polyurethane for wood is easy to apply by brushing, rolling or spraying.Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the polyurethane is made for a porch walking area. Also, a few also found that the polyurethane is used for an old dresser converted to a bathroom vanity. Also, they also found that the floorboards get. This is a varnish and intended for above the waterline use, but it is also for interior and exterior applications, so it does have some water resistance. In short, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the polyurethane suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- This does a great job when applied properly.
- This will continue to perform over time.
- This is not available in a 4 quart kit.
- This is good as long as it isn't overworked and applied in adequately thick coats.
Best With Beautiful Results: Minwax Exterior Polyurethane For Wood
Buy on Amazon Not everyone likes to purchase polyurethane for their daily usage, but the Minwax Exterior Polyurethane For Wood would be an anomoly. The minwax exterior polyurethane for wood provides long-lasting protection and warm beauty for both finished and unfinished wood projects. Manufacturer says: We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing need. This oil - based clear sealer protective coating protects and adds long - lasting beauty to woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets and floors. The polyurethane is made for direct sunlight, goes on smooth and it is quickly dry. And, it comes with great stuff and it is good for interior use. Most importantly, the minwax exterior polyurethane for wood holds up well and it has followed the instructions.Most customers agree that the polyurethane looks gorgeous on wood, though. In addition, they strongly agree that polyurethane comes out much more even. Further, a few say that this company also makes a very similar wipe - on poly that goes on thinner, but eliminates this challenge. Overall, many customers have used the minwax exterior polyurethane for wood for more than a few months without any problems, and it shows no sign of giving up.Customers say that getting a brushes for wood finish, along with polyurethane is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is a hard finish and very easy to apply.
- This will give the paint something to hang on to.
- This can be used in this way. It serves a great purpose and works well.
- This is designed for use in wood, plastic, glass, ceramics, etc.
Best For Front Door: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another polyurethane that manages to win our hearts. It's the Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient polyurethanes you can buy. The totalboat gleam gloss varnish is perfect for direct sunlight and it dries very glossy. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, it is available in gloss or satin (low-sheen), in pint, quart and gallon sizes. The polyurethane is designed for wooden boats, allows for great shine and it is perfect for window sills. Also, this has great results and it works well. Above all, the totalboat gleam gloss varnish is suitable for clear coating applications.Almost all customers agree that the polyurethane has to stay elastic to an extent. In addition, a few also found that polyurethane is a super water-resistant varnish, which is completely different. Moreover, they strongly agree that polyurethane is used for a desk top. With no doubts, this polyurethane passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Customers discovered that getting a exterior gloss varnishes for wood and quick drying varnishes for wood, along with polyurethane is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This has lasted three years without wearing.
- This is a good combination of reasonable cost, ease of application, and decent results.
- This provides protection on exterior surfaces, too.
- This has an amber tint that darkens the overall look.
Best With Low Odor: Rustoleum Exterior Polyurethane For Wood
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself scrambling for appropriate and satisfactory polyurethane, Rustoleum Exterior Polyurethane For Wood is your end point. The rustoleum exterior polyurethanefor wood is great for direct sunlight and it dries completely clear. Protective esc coating lasts longer, less work water clean-up, fast dry, low odor, maximum protection for exterior doors, furniture and boats lasts twice as long as exterior oil-based finishes used on exterior doors, furniture and boats satin finish 1 quart. In addition, polyurethane looks much better and it should be used with caution. The Polyurethane has great results, works great and it is for interior use. Further, the polyurethane looks good, comes for easy use and it allows for short drying time. Lastly, the rustoleum exterior polyurethane for wood looks better and it is pretty impressive.Most buyers agree that the polyurethane will act as a preservative for the original finish. Also, they say that polyurethane is better outdoors and does raise the grain of wood. Further, they also found that the sealer will not yellow and it does protect the outdoor painted surface for years. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Top Customer Quotes:
- It is easy to rinse brushes after using.
- This is a fast - drying urethane which should be fine after overnight drying.
- This material goes on easily, dries clear and feels hard and durable.
- This water based urethane will soak in and will likely raise the grain.
Best For Handrail: Varathane Exterior Polyurethane For Wood
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another polyurethane that manages to win our hearts. It's the Varathane Exterior Polyurethane For Wood and it's widely considered as polyurethane that has the most suitable features. The varathane exteriorpolyurethane forwood is ideal for interior projects like furniture, doors, cabinets and trim. Varathane provides outstanding scratch and stain resistance to keep your interior wood projects looking great longer. In addition, it is non-toxic and it has repeat the process. Above all, the varathane exterior polyurethane for wood has great results, dried clear and it does the trick.Most buyers agree that polyurethane is great on table tops applied with a foam brush. In addition, they also found that the polyurethane will definitely yellow over paint. And, they strongly agree that the varathane varnish in those kinds of stores is oil - based, not water - based. To sum up, many have used the varathane exterior polyurethane for wood for more than a few months without letup, and it shows no sign of giving up.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is safer to use than many other brands.
- This does not absorb light, therefore it does not yellow.
- They are both chock full of teeny, tiny bubbles.
- This will vary from region to region.
Best For Superior Durability: Minwax Clear Finish
Buy on Amazon Minwax makes beautiful and great polyurethane with classic and smartly chosen materials. The Minwax Clear Finish allows for quick recoats in 2 hours, and because it’s water-based, it has a low odor and easy cleanup with warm water. Oil-modified polyurethane requires a third coat. The water - based clear top coat combines superior durability with the beauty of traditional polyurethane. The polyurethane looks good, is odorless and it is good for oil paint. Lastly, the minwax clear finish is completely clear, is good for craft projects and it works better.Almost all buyers found that the polyurethane can be used on an oak front door threshold, it will get lots of use. In addition, they strongly agree that the polyurethane has few if any UV light inhibitors in it. And, they strongly agree that polyurethane is a durable finish if you follow the directions exactly, so it probably work. In short, buyers found this to be one of the best polyurethanes for daily purposes.Top Customer Quotes:
- This can leak in shipment and ruin a wooster brush as it rattles around.
- This is true, unless there is a big section of white.
- Plus, you can get more done with this protective poly coating.
- It is silky smooth and it is made with household chemicals.
Best For Plywood: Rustoleum Satin Finish
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Rustoleum Satin Finish for regular use. The rustoleum satin finish provides excellent resistance against scratches, weathering, uv light, and more while expanding and contracting with weather conditions. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, this provides maximum durability and allows for a more even finish. The polyurethane allows for good coverage and it is great for exterior use. Most importantly, the rustoleum satin finish has great results and it works awesome.Most customers quickly discovered that the polyurethane has an amber color, so it gives the wood a nice richer color. In addition, they strongly agree that polyurethane is good for the marine environment. Therefore, customers were very happy to recommend it to friends and families.Top Customer Quotes:
- This will eventually become super hard.
- They are not 100% exposed to the elements.
- This is easy with rust-oleum varathane products.
- This is easy to mix and it offers $1 for good reviews.
Best For Stained Wood: Zar Great Varnish
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another polyurethane that manages to win our hearts. It's the Zar great varnish and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient polyurethanes you can buy. The Zar great varnish is good for window sills and it is good for exterior use. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, this provides superior protection on exterior wood surfaces. Most importantly, the Zar great varnish comes dries in two hours and it is great for direct sunlight.Almost all customers agree that the polyurethane is perfect & dried to an antique finish. Further, they say that the polyurethane will stay looking fantastic for a while.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is used to topcoat lighter colors.
- It looked good and it went on smoothly.
- Outperforms other exterior clear finishes by 2-1.
- This will work equally well on indoor or outdoor furniture.
Best For Fast Drying Time: Deft Inc. Exterior Polyurethane For Wood
Buy on Amazon Best part: Deft Inc. Exterior Polyurethane For Wood costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The deft inc. exterior polyurethanefor wood goes on well, went on easily and it very evenly. This product adds great value. This high - solid oil based polyurethane is formulated for hard - use areas. The polyurethane is perfect for fast drying time and it is available in satin. Most importantly, the deft inc. exteriorpolyurethane forwood comes with an adjustable spray valve.Almost all buyers found that the polyurethane has many uses, as normal polyurethane is not very good outdoors. Moreover, they say that the polyurethane has been out for over 1 year and is doing well. And, they say that the polyurethane works well and is clear and will protect the contents from rotting or falling apart.Why We Like This:
- This protects metal from rust to add to that, offers 450 voc compliant formula.
- 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.
- This product adds great value.
Best For Coffee Table: Zar Exterior Polyurethane For Wood
Buy on Amazon Not everyone likes to purchase polyurethane for their regular usage, but the Zar Exterior Polyurethane For Wood would be an anomoly. The zar exterior polyurethane for wood is perfect for direct sunlight and it is quickly dry. Zar ultra exterior polyurethane is an incredibly fast-drying, oil-based, clear wood polyurethane finish that dries in only 2 hours. Moreover, polyurethane provides superior protection on exterior wood surfaces. Above all, the zar exterior polyurethane for wood comes dries in two hours and it has followed the instructions.One customer says - "gives a deeper, warmer glow to wood. ". Most customers opine that the polyurethane can be used on new fiberglass doors and, 6 months later, looks great.Customers discovered that getting a exterior polyurethanes for wood, with this polyurethane made their life much easier.
Why We Like This:
- This has removed dust and it fits perfectly on the coffee table.
- Outperforms other exterior clear finishes by 2-1.
- Good brand reputation.