The 12 Best Hard Clear Finishes For Wood (2022 reviews)
There are several advantages of having a hard clear finish for wood.
In the following post, we will help you to select the best hard clear finish for woods.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Clear Shellac Wood Finishes and Best Hard Varnishes For Wood for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: General Finishes Best Urethane Finish READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish READ REVIEWBest For Uv Protection: Buy: Totalboat Hard Clear Finish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Superior Durability: Buy: Minwax Hard Clear Finish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Front Door: Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Cabinet: Buy: Varathane Hard Clear Finish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Food: Buy: Deft Hard Clear Finish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Plywood: Buy: Epifanes Hard Clear Finish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Wide Open Fluid Flow: Buy: General Finishes Hard Clear Finish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Deck: Buy: Rustoleum Hard Clear Finish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Stained Wood: Buy: Zar Hard Clear Finish For Wood READ REVIEWBest For Easy Cleanup: Buy: Rustoleum Floor Finish READ REVIEWBest Overall: General Finishes Best Urethane Finish
Buy on Amazon Best part: general finish best urethane finish costs are reasonable and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The General Finishes Best Urethane Finish is perfect for first - time customers have read the directions and it has sealed this tree slice. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. These topcoats are extremely durable and long - lasting. The finish is very clear, has bar none and it is made with beautiful results. In addition, it comes with high-gloss, looks great and it is suitable for a coffee table. Lastly, the general finishes best urethane finish is good for professional look and it goes on smoothly.Most customers agree that the finish is not waterbased, Many professionals say that oils give a better and longer - lasting finish. And, a few also found that the finish is easy to apply if done right...for a beautiful, glossy finish. Moreover, they also found that the finish is highly rated by fine woodworking magazine.Customers say that getting a floor varnishes for oak, along with finish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is workable like that, which is great.
- This has a water based low - odor option.
- This has a lovely finish but for gently used furniture inside.
- This provides comparable water and scratch resistance to polyurethane.
Best With Low Odor: Minwax Clear Finish
Buy on Amazon The Minwax Clear Finish's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The minwax clear finish gives a beautiful clean works very well and it is designed for a great price. Keep interior wood projects looking beautiful with minwax polycrylic protective finish spray. The ultra - fast - drying protective spray coating allows for quick recoats and is also easy to clean - up the clear wood finish with just soap and water. The finish has a nice shine, is perfect for great coverage and it is completely clean. Lastly, the minwax clear finish is suitable for craft projects and it makes for excellent coverage.Almost all buyers opine that the finish cleans up easily with soap and water, and can be done in only 2 hours. Moreover, they also found that the finish is great to find a water-based spray protector. And, a few also found that the water - based polycrylic has almost no odor during application, while oil products have high odor and require substantial ventilation.Top Customer Quotes:
- This can be used on a bathroom cabinet and looks smooth over the surface.
- Spray using an even, sweeping motion with slightly overlapping strokes.
- This is good for indoors or outdoors.
- That is enough for 3 dressers and bathroom cabinets.
Best For Uv Protection: Totalboat Hard Clear Finish For Wood
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Totalboat Hard Clear Finish For Wood for daily purpose. The totalboat hard clear finish for wood provides superior protection from sun damage, rainy weather, abrasion and scratches. Based marine varnish limits exposure to harmful chemicals and makes soap and water cleanup easy. 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. The finish provides great value and it is very evenly. Lastly, the totalboat hard clear finish for wood is used for craft projects and it went on smoothly.Most customers agree that the finish has design for deck coatings. Further, a few strongly agree that the finish is made for a porch walking area. Moreover, a few also found that the finish looks funny in the cup, almost like milk. Consequently, customers were very happy to recommend it to friends and families.Top Customer Quotes:
- It is warm out, it dries quicker than an hour.
- This is a great option for finishing shop-built projects.
- This provides great protection and is suitable for direct sunlight.
- It is great to find a varnish that can be applied one coat per hour.
Best For Superior Durability: Minwax Hard Clear Finish For Wood
Buy on Amazon The Minwax Hard Clear Finish For Wood has killer features for the price point. The minwax hard clear finish for wood is used for smooth application and it is resilient. Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this satin clear varnish. The oil - based, clear top coat is one of the most durable coatings for wood protection against scratches, spills and more. The Finish is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects. In addition, it looks fantastic and it has followed the instructions. Most importantly, the minwax hard clear finish for wood is non-toxic, has followed directions for application and it is made with beautiful results.Almost all customers quickly discovered that the finish is also a very important step that some people overlook. Moreover, they also found that the finish can be used on and around a boat. In addition, they say that the stain adds color, while the finish gives it protection and shine. In conclusion, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the finish suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is perfect to use as a sealer over stain.
- This can recoat after 1st coat becomes sticky, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- This went on smoothly and it sprayed evenly.
- Follow the sander manufacturer’s directions for your type of project.
Best For Front Door: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
Buy on Amazon Compared with other finishes in this category, the Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish has a convenient design. The totalboat gleam gloss varnish goes on smoothly. is great for a fair price and it works well. Its higher build per coat plus faster overcoating and cure times save you time and effort without compromising finish quality. And, the finish is easy to apply, dries fast, and doesn't need sanding between coats. The finish 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. In addition, it is ceramic, is very glossy and it is made with beautiful results. Most importantly, the totalboat gleam gloss varnish is easy to apply, with smooth flow out on bare wood, previously painted 1-part varnish in good condition, or over cured epoxy.Most customers quickly discovered that the finish is best to apply a very thin coat twice than one thick coat using wet dry sandpaper with water and frequent rinsing. And, they strongly agree that the finish looks like many more coats. Further, a few strongly agree that the marine varnish bought out the natural dark walnut color for a beautiful finish.Customers discovered that getting a marine grade clear coats for wood and marine paints for wood boat, along with finish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is easy to brush and doesn't dry with a strong amber color.
- This has an amber tint that darkens the overall look.
- This is available in gloss or satin (low-sheen), in pint, quart and gallon sizes.
- This is easy to apply, and creates a radiant, durable finish.
Best For Cabinet: Varathane Hard Clear Finish For Wood
Buy on Amazon The Varathane Hard Clear Finish For Wood is suitable and reliable and fits well with your regular use. The varathane hard clear finish for wood is tricky to apply and it is very dry. Ultra fast drying and easy soap and water clean up saves time and hassle. Also, it protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, trim and more. The finish went on smoothly and it did the trick. And, it is great for craft projects and it is great for easy cleanup. Most importantly, the varathane hard clearfinish for wood is very shiny and it is water soluble.Most buyers find that the finish is great for refinishing table tops. Further, they say that the finish is ready to go for each new coat. And, a few strongly agree that the finish looks quite nice on the baby's dresser. Overall, for most buyers, it was what they were looking for.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is a great finishing coat for latex/acrylic interior paints.
- This will not yellow since it is water based.
- This is made with water based latex paint.
- This is great for polymer clay artists.
Best For Food: Deft Hard Clear Finish For Wood
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 finish. The Deft Hard Clear Finish For Wood is exactly that - it's a simple finish that hits all the right notes. The deft hard clear finish for wood works so far and it looks great. This crystal clear lacquer is non-yellowing. Moreover, the finish has stained surfaces, goes on smoothly and it is available in satin. Finally, the deft hardclear finish forwood is great for the end result and it works very well.Most customers opine that the finish does not yellow on cedar wood. And, a few strongly agree that the finish is good. 3 coats of brush finish to help protect it. Moreover, they strongly agree that the finish is a really important project. Overall, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the finish suits the purpose.Customers discovered that getting a thick lacquers for wood, with this finish made their life much easier.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This will adhere to your galvanized metal.
- This is not necessary, cwf melts into itself.
- This is easy to apply, great fresh look, but not for high-use areas.
- This is an easy way to provide professional results.
Best For Plywood: Epifanes Hard Clear Finish For Wood
Buy on Amazon The Epifanes Hard Clear Finish For Wood should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The epifanes hard clear finishfor wood is made for great durability and it is made for direct sunlight. Based on phenolic - modified alkyd resin and tung oil. Also, the finish can be especially for the outdoors, is used for protection for teak and it does the job. Most importantly, the epifanes hard clear finish for wood is perfect for good coverage and it is very flat.Most buyers find that the finish is old school, it takes time. Also, a few say that the finish can be used on a 1929 antique hackercraft 30' boat, with excellent results. Moreover, a few say that the wood finish is more difficult to get a flat finish as it tends to follow the grain and imperfections of the wool a little more than the clear varnish. In short, for most buyers, the finish was what they were looking for.Top Customer Quotes:
- It is good to seal the wood before applying epifanes.
- This is an indoor item out of a multitude of cheaper polyurathane products.
- Microscopic porosity properties allow no sanding between coats for up to 72 hours.
- This is as good as the original after following the instructions on the can.
Best For Wide Open Fluid Flow: General Finishes Hard Clear Finish For Wood
Buy on Amazon Compared with other finishes in this category, the general finish hard clear finish for wood has a convenient design. The general finish hard clearfinish for wood looks beautiful, is brushable and it provides excellent durability. Enduro clear poly topcoat is a self - crosslinking polyurethane that dries water white. And, the finish comes with great stuff and it dries clear. Lastly, the general finish hardclear finish forwood comes in a plastic jug instead of a metal container.Most buyers opine that the finish is also less darkening to add to that comes out with a nice stained finish. Further, a few strongly agree that the finish is easy to apply and clean up with a brush after application. Moreover, a few also found that the finish can be used as a top coat over painted materials, but the manufacturer makes a point of saying it's not a good choice over white because it will cause yellowing. Without any doubt, this finish passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Top Customer Quotes:
- Water white in can (dries clear).
- This is easy to spray and gives a nice finish.
- It is easy to sand off a lot of the finish, it's really hard.
- This can be used on any project where more solids (28%) and durability are desired.
Best For Deck: Rustoleum Hard Clear Finish For Wood
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 finish. The Rustoleum Hard Clear Finish For Wood is exactly that - it's a simple finish that hits all the right notes. The rustoleum hard clear finish for wood is a manufacturer of premium consumer and industrial paint and coating products. The Manufacturer says: After all, in the beginning, our founder, sea captain Robert Fergusson, didn’t particularly care about paint. In addition, it comes with an extremely durable formula, It fills small scratches, cracks, and other small imperfections with a clear hard finish that blends with all sheens and does not crack. Finally, the rustoleum hard clear finishfor wood allows for quick and easy application.Most customers agree that the finish is great for touch up or small item's. And, they say that the finish will withstand wear on a floor. And, a few say that this clear coat adds shine, helping to disguise the touched up areas on satin finished wood floors, coating over the haze.Top Customer Quotes:
- The Easy-to-use pen fills small scratches, cracks and nicks with a hard finish.
- It is very glossy and it is very effective.
- It is very effective in covering scratches on a dresser with maple finish.
- Creates a clear, durable protective finish that blends with all sheens.
Best For Stained Wood: Zar Hard Clear Finish For Wood
Buy on Amazon The Zar Hard Clear Finish For Wood's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The zar hard clear finish for wood has low-odor, looks fantastic and it went on smoothly. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, it is ultra flat and it has doors. The finish is great for floors, turned out nice and it is abrasion resistant. Further, this is very clear and it is great for a fair price. Most importantly, the zar hard clear finish for wood drys fast, is dead flat and it is designed for interior use.Almost all customers agree that the finish is not a shiny high gloss yet protects the wood. And, they say that the finish is to be done if the entire surface can be finish brushed while the surface is completely wet and not starting to flash. Moreover, a few say that the " final " curing, in which the finish is as hard and resistant to distressing, can take much longer. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the finish suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- The finish is an " old world " look type of flat finish.
- This reads the instructions and it is used for exterior use.
- This is easier to use than the poly available in the bigbox stores.
- This provides a true flat matte finish to your surface.
Best For Easy Cleanup: Rustoleum Floor Finish
Buy on Amazon Not everyone likes to purchase finish for their daily usage, but the Rustoleum Floor Finish would be an anomoly. The rustoleum floor finish has superior durability, abrasion resistance and scuff resistance. Highest solids of any water-based floor finish. In addition, it dries very quickly and it is good for easy cleanup. The finish was cleaned up with simple soap, it goes on easily and has an elegant design. Moreover, it provides a crystal clear finish. Above all, the rustoleum floor finish dried clear and it is more than enough.Most customers found that the finish is easy to clean the brush like new with soap and water. Moreover, they also found that the finish is easy to apply, nice hard finish, packaging is not great. In addition, they strongly agree that the finish is easy to apply with a large paintbrush, dries in one hour with almost no odor. Overall, for almost all buyers, Rustoleum product was just what they wanted.Few customers bought hard floor varnish, along with the finish.
Top Customer Quotes:
- It is manufactured in the United States.
- This is gallon sg wb flr finish.
- I want a water-based finish for hardwood floors.
- It has a nice shine, looks better and it has no odor.