The 10 Best Fast Drying Varnishes (2022 reviews)
There are several advantages of having a fast drying varnish.
In the following post, we will help you to select the best fast drying varnishs.
Also check our buying guide on Best Shellac Varnishes, which will help you understand market quickly.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Decoart Good Varnish READ REVIEWBest For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods: Buy: Totalboat Fast Drying Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Uv Protection: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: General Finishes Fast Drying Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Putting A Finish: Buy: Decoart Fast Drying Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Front Door: Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Cabinet: Buy: Varathane Fast Drying Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Stain Resistance: Buy: Rustoleum Fast Drying Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Easy Application: Buy: Minwax Fast Drying Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Superior Durability: Buy: Rustoleum Water Based Varnish READ REVIEWBest Overall: Decoart Good Varnish
Buy on Amazon The varnish is a must have addition for your daily use. The Decoart Good Varnish can be used on wood, plaster, tin, resins, ceramic bisque, papier mache, terra cotta and plastic. The manufacturer says: We just try to narrow down the infinite choices to capture what we can in our bottles. Further, this is good for a cheap price and it is non - toxic. The varnish is odorless, is great for acrylic paintings and it dries completely clear. Further, the varnish can be used on most hard craft surfaces, both interior and exterior. Finally, the decoart good varnish dries very quickly and it goes on easily.Most buyers agree that the varnish is by far the best price and size. And, a few strongly agree that the varnish can be used on most hard craft surfaces, both interior and exterior. And, a few strongly agree that the varnish is a great varnish for small projects.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is easy to use, and has no strong odor.
- This is clear when dry and it does the job.
- This works well for making magnets and jewelry.
- This does help to bring out or 'brighten' the grain.
Best For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods: Totalboat Fast Drying Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Totalboat Fast Drying Varnish is capable of outshining several other varnish featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The totalboat fast drying varnish is designed for quick drying time, has used three coats and it comes with great quality. After a total of 6 - 8 coats provides the best protection and the highest gloss. Also, the varnish comes with a topcoat of lust matte, which can be thinned with totalboat special brushing thinner 100 for improved flow. The varnish is the first true, one-part marine varnish that allows multiple coats in one day, with no sanding required in between. Moreover, this is great for direct sunlight and it goes on well. Finally, the totalboat fast drying varnish is smooth and durable, with a gloss level so shiny it looks wet, even when it’s dry—making it ideal for brightwork.Almost all buyers found that the varnish is a durable finish and you can build layers to a glossy finish. In addition, they say that the varnish can be used on wooden sailboats and log houses to weather protect. Moreover, they say that the varnish is easy to apply and the results are an excellent finish.Customers say that getting a fast drying wood sealer, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- It is perfect for patio chairs.
- This is formulated for use on boats....kinda self explained.
- Shown here on totalboat customer Eric Bohman 's ' 67 old town restoration.
- It is easy to build up thick protection.
Best For Uv Protection: Minwax Clear 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 Minwax Clear Finish is exactly that - it's a simple varnish that hits all the right notes. The minwax clear finish is desired, repeat step 6 before application. Follow the sander manufacturer’s directions for your type of project. This oil - based clear sealer protective coating protects and adds long - lasting beauty to woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets and floors. The Varnish is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects. Lastly, the minwax clear finish is very glossy and it is very happy.Almost all customers agree that the varnish takes longer, and as humidity increases while the temperature decreases, it takes much longer. Moreover, a few also found that the varnish is a good quality clearcoat for your high gloss. And, they strongly agree that the first coat dried with bubbles and imperfections in the finish. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Top Customer Quotes:
- This can be done without any chance of it becoming flammable.
- This has other solvents that are very volatile and result in rapid drying.
- This is furnished with nice stuff and it is perfect for smooth application.
- This one apart is the adjustable field of spray.
Best With Low Odor: General Finishes Fast Drying Varnish
Buy on Amazon The General Finishes Fast Drying Varnish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The general finishes fast drying varnish is the hardest, most durable consumer polyurethane top coat on the market today. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, it is odorless and it is perfect for the coffee table. The varnish is perfect for professional results and it works OK. Further, the varnish is made with little prep time, it looks great and it protects well. Most importantly, the general finishes fast drying varnish is designed for flat surfaces, goes on easily and it follows the instructions.Almost all customers quickly discovered that the varnish takes a few extra minutes but is worth it during the process. In addition, they say that the varnish is easy to apply and makes the wood grain look beautiful. Moreover, they also found that the paints are terrific, the top coat generates a little less enthusiasm though. As a result, buyers were very happy to recommend it to friends and families.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is great for protecting newly refinished kitchen cabinets.
- This can be used in 35 years of woodworking.
- This protects like a champ and also a builder grade oak.
- This will help someone else to add to that makes everything look good.
Best For Putting A Finish: Decoart Fast Drying Varnish
Buy on Amazon Compared with other varnish in this category, the decoart fast - drying varnish has a convenient design. The Decoart Fast Drying Varnish drys fast, makes a nice and it is clean with soap. Decoart prep/finish americana dura clear varnish high gloss 8oz. Further, this is used for flat surfaces and it is great for acrylic paintings. The varnish is easy to clean, is food safe and it is very shiny. Finally, the decoart fastdrying varnish dries pretty quickly and it is very happy.Almost all customers agree that the varnish works well and then apply another coat. Furthermore, a few also found that the varnish is also not rated for use outdoors. In addition, a few say that the can of spray lacquer would also come from home depot. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Top Customer Quotes:
- Just have fun creating wonderful works of art.
- This is not called uv protective so it doesn’t make those claims.
- This is good for art work, very evenly and it should be cautioned.
- It takes longer to dry but the glossy shine is amazing.
Best For Front Door: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another varnish that manages to win our hearts. It's the Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient varnish you can buy. The totalboat gleam gloss varnish is the ideal outdoor wood sealer and waterproof finish on brightwork on boats, strip canoes, kayaks and outdoor wooden bar tops, garage doors, furniture and more. Compared to z Spar captains varnish and flagship varnish, and epifanes clear varnish. And, the varnish dries very quickly, went on easily and it is very happy. The varnish is easy to apply, dries fast, and doesn't need sanding between coats. Lastly, the totalboat gleam gloss varnish is great with yearly maintenance tip and it can shop for great products.Most customers agree that the varnish has to stay elastic to an extent. Moreover, a few also found that the varnish is best to apply a very thin coat twice than one thick coat using wet dry sandpaper with water and frequent rinsing. Moreover, they strongly agree that the marine varnish bought out the natural dark walnut color for a beautiful finish. To sum up, for almost all customers, Totalboat product was just what they wanted.Customers discovered that getting a fast drying wood sealer, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This drys fast, has excellent results and it works well.
- This is great for protecting wood from the sun.
- This is best for exterior use and it is great for a fair price.
- This has lasted three years without wearing.
Best For Cabinet: Varathane Fast Drying Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Varathane Fast Drying Varnish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The varathane fast dryingvarnish is great for high quality, is tricky to apply and it is great for kitchen countertops. Varathane provides outstanding scratch and stain resistance to keep your interior wood projects looking great longer. In addition, it has great results, has followed the instructions and it does the job. The varnish is easy to clean and it is very dry. Finally, the varathane fast - drying varnish is good for art work and it is water soluble.Almost all buyers opine that the varnish is used for indoor items. In addition, they also found that the varnish is made with water based latex paint. Also, they strongly agree that the varnish will give a protective plastic coating. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the varnish suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is easy to apply and it dries very fast.
- This is probably not typical, has low-odor and it is laminate.
- This match for dog nails and takes chalk paint 20.
- This can be used under wax (after chalk painting) but not over wax.
Best For Stain Resistance: Rustoleum Fast Drying Varnish
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Rustoleum Fast Drying Varnish for daily purpose. The rustoleum fast dryingvarnish provides maximum durability and allows for a more even finish. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, it dries very quickly and it went on smoothly. Most importantly, the rustoleum fastdrying varnish protects interior wood surfaces such as furniture, cabinets, trim and doors.Most buyers agree that the varnish is promoted as being safe for cutting boards. Furthermore, a few also found that the varnish will most likely cause a yellow tint. Without any doubt, this varnish passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is plenty enough to cover 10 stair treads with extra left over.
- This protects wood more than two times better than traditional wood finishes.
- The Satin finish provides a classic and natural look.
- This makes for great protection and it looks like glass.
Best For Easy Application: Minwax Fast Drying Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Minwax Fast Drying Varnish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The minwax fast drying varnish is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects. Manufacturer says: Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to keep on finishing. The oil - based clear top coat offers superior durability and protection specifically formulated for hardwood floors, while adding an even, crystal clear sheen. The varnish makes for very nice results and it is very happy. Lastly, the minwax fast drying varnish is followed, no sanding between coats is needed.Almost all buyers opine that the varnish does dry quickly, so there's no need to puddle the finish. And, they strongly agree that the varnish can be applied over minwax wood finish or gel stain. In addition, a few say that this clear, oil - based protective finish is specifically formulated for hardwood floors.Why We Like This:
- Using a lambswool or synthetic pad applicator, or natural bristle brush.
- This dries clear, has great results and it blends well.
- This is one of the leading brands of interior wood stains in the United States.
- The oil-based clear top coat protects and adds beauty to your wood floor projects.
Best For Superior Durability: Rustoleum Water Based Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Rustoleum Water Based Varnish is the most suitable varnish on the market today. The rustoleum water based varnish delivers great scratch, is made with household chemicals and it is used for professional results. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, the varnish looks better and it is best for long - lasting beauty. Finally, the rustoleum water based varnish has excellent flow and has self - leveling properties.Most customers agree that the varnish is oil - based so it has a strong chemical smell, but the smell will dissipate in 3-4 hours if the room is well ventilated. In addition, a few say that the varnish looks like milk until it dries again. Also, they strongly agree that the " heavy duty or high traffic " varnish is excellent for outdoor wood items as well as applied to metal furniture to inhibit rusting. To sum up, for almost all buyers, Rustoleum product was best suited.Top Customer Quotes:
- Oil-based wood floor finish - classic clear gloss.
- This is really dry first, plus it will adhere to old finishes.
- Delivers great scratch & mar resistance.
- This is great for all wood surfaces and especially hardwood floors and stairs.