The 9 Best Marine Spar Varnishes (2022 reviews)

marine spar varnishes
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We consider a marine spar varnish to be a worthy investment in the long run. Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best marine spar varnish for you.

Our review process:

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall:
Buy: Rustoleum Marine Spar Varnish
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Best For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods:
Buy: Totalboat Marine Spar Varnish
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Best For Worth The Money:
Buy: Mccloskey Great Varnish
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Best For Front Door:
Buy: System Three Marine Spar Varnish
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Best With Polyurethane:
Buy: Pettit Marine Spar Varnish
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Best For Outdoor Wood:
Buy: Old Masters Marine Spar Varnish
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Best For Uv Protection:
Buy: Mccloskey Marine Spar Varnish
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Best For Water Resistance:
Buy: Duralux Marine Spar Varnish
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Best For Oak:
Buy: Cabot Samuel Inc Marine Spar Varnish
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Best Overall: Rustoleum Marine Spar Varnish

Rustoleum Marine Spar Varnish
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Rustoleum offers a variety of varnishs for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Rustoleum Marine Spar Varnish is used for semi-gloss, spreads nicely and it is very happy. Formulated to work in both fresh and salt water settings, these paints, primers and additives work hard to keep maintaining your vessel easier than ever. Also, this provides exceptional shine with ultimate resistance to common damaging elements.

The varnish is designed to slowly release copper for superior fouling protection. Above all, the rustoleum marine spar varnish is flat and it is transparent.

Most customers agree that the varnish is $35 a quart. In addition, a few strongly agree that the varnish can be used on a rocker at one of these home improvement shows. Moreover, they also found that this may be overkill as one coat may work, but 3 coats most certainly does the job. With no doubts, this varnish passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is specifically made to shrink and expand with the wood to protect it.
  • This is a good finish but it takes a long time to apply.
  • This has great results, is great for bare wood and it went on clear.
  • This will hold up for the next 30.

Best For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods: Totalboat Marine Spar Varnish

Totalboat Marine Spar Varnish
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Totalboat 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 Totalboat Marine Spar Varnish has a linseed oil modified polyurethane formula for smooth flow-out. Shown here on totalboat customer Eric Bohman 's ' 67 old town restoration. In addition, the varnish is not intended for use as a sealer (base) coat.

The varnish comes with a topcoat of lust matte, which can be thinned with totalboat special brushing thinner 100 for improved flow. Moreover, the varnish is the first true, one-part marine varnish that allows multiple coats in one day, with no sanding required in between. Finally, the totalboat marine spar varnish can be recoated in as little as one hour at 72°f.

Almost all buyers agree that the varnish will get a little better. In addition, they also found that the varnish is formulated for use on boats....kinda self explained. Moreover, a few say that the varnish is great seal on some boating items and outside garden items. Overall, for almost all buyers, the varnish was just what they wanted.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This can go on any finish, as long as you clean that surface well.
  • This varnish has been on the boat for 5 months without any problems.
  • This holds up well and it is ideal for interior.
  • It is perfect for patio chairs.

Best For Worth The Money: Mccloskey Great Varnish

Mccloskey Great Varnish
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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 Mccloskey great varnish is exactly that - it's a simple varnish that hits all the right notes. The Mccloskey great varnish provides excellent protection from weathering and the elements, including UV rays and salt water. Man o'war spar varnish should not be used on. And, the varnish is built to resist weathering.

The varnish is made for exterior doors and it goes on nice. And, this is perfect for high quality and it is worth the money. Finally, the Mccloskey great varnish is great for use on boats.

Most buyers agree that the varnish is leaking from the top of the lid. In addition, they say that varnish is generally impossible to add stain to Mccloskey's, because one of its greatest virtues is how well it brings out the best of the wood you are finishing. Further, a few strongly agree that the varnish will change the color quite a bit. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Don't trust your exterior wood doors, furniture and trim to anything but the best.
  • This has shown "no" signs of wear.
  • This is flexible and it is made for garage doors.
  • This provides a long - lasting finish.

Best For Front Door: System Three Marine Spar Varnish

System Three Marine Spar Varnish
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The System Three Marine Spar Varnish is capable of outshining several other varnish featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The three marine spar varnish is very glossy and it is very nice. System three marine spar varnish is also resistant to scratching and marring, as well as many cleaners and solvents. Also, the varnish is made with good stuff, is really good and it is made for easy cleanup.

The varnish looks beautiful and it is non toxic. Moreover, this is flexible and it is wonderful in application. Finally, the system three marine sparvarnish offers excellent protection from salt air and water.

Almost all buyers found that the varnish is not tough enough for the daily traffic that a floor coating is engineered for. Moreover, they say that the varnish is very clear and dries to a fine clear finish on most surfaces. Further, they say that the varnish will yellow at least some and over time it will yellow even more. Overall, for almost all buyers, System Three product was the most suitable.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • A high solids, voc compliant finish.
  • This will fill them in, It is a liquid.
  • This is exceptionally durable and it has great results.
  • This is worth the money and it is non - - -.

Best With Polyurethane: Pettit Marine Spar Varnish

Pettit Marine Spar Varnish
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The Pettit Marine Spar Varnish is capable of outshining several other varnish featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The pettit marine spar varnish is flexible and it makes for great protection. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, this is perfect for all interior and exterior brightwork applications.

The varnish went on smoothly and it has been reviewed for description. Also, it comes with great stuff and it comes with high-gloss. Lastly, the pettit marinespar varnish has great results and it is good for excellent flow.

Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the varnish is one great item and it is in weather all year round. In addition, a few also found that the varnish is used to finish exterior door.s. Moreover, a few say that the finish is very smooth and even one coat looks like it is an inch deep. Without any doubt, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is easy to apply and the gloss is excellent.
  • This looks 3d when looking at the fiddleback.
  • This is easy to use, has a great finish and a fair price.
  • This is best for direct sunlight and it has foam brushes.

Best For Outdoor Wood: Old Masters Marine Spar Varnish

Old Masters Marine Spar Varnish
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The Old Masters Marine Spar Varnish's superior materials make sure that it ages well with use. Moreover, it is good for exterior surfaces and it has follow the instructions. This product adds great value. Lastly, the old masters marine spar varnish can be used on interior windowsills and door frames for added ultra violet protection.

Most customers found that the varnish is "exterior oil based varnish", and in the directions, it is described as being formulated to resist rain and water. Also, they strongly agree that the varnish is recommended that three coats be applied, which you should take into account. To sum up, for almost all buyers, it was the most suitable.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Uv absorbers for advanced sun protection.
  • This product adds great value.
  • This looks very good but the final test will be how it looks next year.

Best For Uv Protection: Mccloskey Marine Spar Varnish

Mccloskey Marine Spar Varnish
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Mccloskey makes beautiful and great varnish with classic and smartly chosen materials. The Mccloskey marine sparvarnish is great for the outdoors and it is good for exterior surfaces. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, the varnish is good for use on exterior wood entry doors, wood shutters, outdoor furniture, interior windowsills and frames, planters and wood trim on boats above the water line.

Most importantly, the Mccloskey marine spar varnish is suitable for direct sunlight and it dries clear.

Most buyers opine that the varnish is great for hard weather exposed wood. Also, a few say that the varnish is best for your outside wood. Moreover, they say that the varnish is easy to clean and looks great. In conclusion, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the varnish suits the purpose.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This will hold up to the hot summer.
  • This is guaranteed to start flaking after 2-3 years.
  • It is flexible, is great quality and it is transparent.
  • It is pretty glossy for satin.

Best For Water Resistance: Duralux Marine Spar Varnish

Duralux Marine Spar Varnish
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Next on the list, we've got yet another varnish that manages to win our hearts. It's the Duralux marinespar varnish and it's widely considered as the varnish that has the most suitable features. The Duralux Marine Spar Varnish is available in colors to satisfy the most discriminating boat owner’s eye. Manufacturer says: Choose the right base coat marine primer paint with our duralux sub-trop red primer paint. And, the varnish can be used on equipment and it can spray with beautiful results.

Most importantly, the duralux marine spar varnish is also available in traditional camouflage colors like duckboat drab, progue green and dead grass green.

Most customers opine that the varnish has been two years and the finish is flawless. In addition, a few strongly agree that the varnish is now 2018, the finish has lifted and needs to be deep sanded. Furthermore, a few also found that the varnish is nice to use, but even tightly closed thickened quickly.

Why We Like This:
  • For use on commercial or personal boats.
  • This has excellent adhesion and it resists rust.
  • Used on equipment and oil rigs.

Best For Oak: Cabot Samuel Inc Marine Spar Varnish

Cabot Samuel Inc Marine Spar Varnish
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The Cabot samuel inc marine spar varnish's superior materials make sure that it ages well with use. The Cabot samuel inc marine spar varnish offers maximum UV protection and water resistance. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, it protects and beautifies interior and exterior wood surfaces. Most importantly, the Cabot Samuel Inc Marine Spar Varnish is ideal for use on exterior wood entry doors, wooden shutters, outdoor furniture, windowsills and frames, planters, and trim on boats.

Most buyers agree that the varnish is the best outdoor varnish on the market. In short, buyers found this to be one of the best varnish for daily purposes.

Why We Like This:
  • Uv protection and water resistant: it offers maximum UV protection and water resistance.
  • It resists cracking and peeling and also resists ocean salt spray.
  • Lot of satisfied buyers.