The 9 Best Oil Based Clear Polyurethanes (2022 reviews)

oil based clear polyurethanes
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We consider a oil based clear polyurethane to be a worthy investment in the long run. In the following post, we will help you to select the best oil based clear polyurethanes.

Our review process:

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall:
Buy: General Finishes Oil Based Clear Polyurethane
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Best For Uv Protection:
Buy: Totalboat Oil Based Clear Polyurethane
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Best With Low Odor:
Buy: Minwax Clear Finish
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Best For Stain Resistance:
Buy: Rustoleum Oil Based Clear Polyurethane
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Best For Front Door:
Buy: Zar Great Varnish
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Best For Stained Wood:
Buy: Zar Oil Based Clear Polyurethane
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Best For Desk:
Buy: Old Masters Oil Based Clear Polyurethane
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Best For Superior Durability:
Buy: Rustoleum Water Based Varnish
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Best For Container Size:
Buy: Minwax Oil Based Clear Polyurethane
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Best Overall: General Finishes Oil Based Clear Polyurethane

General Finishes Oil Based Clear Polyurethane
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We are personally inclined towards General Finishes Oil Based Clear Polyurethane, It is not so pricy, but it overachieves its purpose and is outstanding in important aspects. The general finish, oil based clear polyurethane, goes smooth and it is more durable. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. These oil-based finishes are formulated to be wiped on with a cloth or applied with a foam brush, and they penetrate to provide deep-down protection for that "natural" look.

The Polyurethane never goes back and it is good for several coats. Above all, the general finish, oil based clear polyurethane, is made with only the highest quality urethane resin.

Most customers agree that the polyurethane is easy to apply and leaves a glass-like finish after the 3rd coat. In addition, a few also found that the polyurethane is easy to work with and it results in a professional finish. Also, a few also found that the oil / urethane top coat would not work over a general finish gel stain. In short, many customers have used the polyurethane for more than a few months without letup, and it shows no sign of giving up.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • These topcoats are extremely durable and long - lasting.
  • This is a great wipe on finish, but not for heavy traffic applications like floors.
  • This is much nicer looking and does not peel.
  • This is best for outdoor use and it leaves a nice.

Best For Uv Protection: Totalboat Oil Based Clear Polyurethane

Totalboat Oil Based Clear Polyurethane
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Compared with other polyurethanes in this category, the Totalboat Oil Based Clear Polyurethane has a convenient design. The totalboat oil based clear polyurethane is great with great stuff and it is very happy. A total of 4-6 coats will give the best finish and depth. Moreover, this 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.

The polyurethane is worth the money and it is slightly pricey. In addition, the polyurethane dries quickly, is perfect for new wood and it is laminate. Most importantly, the totalboat oil basedclear polyurethane goes on nice, it looks great and it goes on smoothly.

Most buyers agree that the polyurethane is 3 coats of black acrylic, with sparkles tossed over the 3rd coat, then eight layers of what is claimed to be high gloss polycrilic finish over. Further, a few say that polyurethane is made of heart pine. And, a few also found that the polyurethane is definitely thinner than cetol and captains varnish.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is suitable for clear coating applications.
  • This was used on the front door last year.
  • This is super easy, is good for several coats and it has 3 coats.
  • Self-leveling varnish dries fast—recoat in as little as 1 hour at 72°f.

Best With Low Odor: Minwax Clear Finish

Minwax Clear Finish
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The Minwax Clear Finish's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The minwax clear finish clean again, is more durable and it does the job. Stir oil-modified polyurethane before and during use to eliminate settling on the bottom of the can. The water - based clear top coat combines superior durability with the beauty of traditional polyurethane.

Lastly, the minwax clear finish has little odor, cleans up easily with soap and water and can be done in only 2 hours.

Almost all buyers found that polyurethane offers a great finish to furniture. Further, they also found that the polyurethane is a lot more work than anticipated. In addition, a few say that this poly lends a beautiful rich golden finish to whiteboard or even better with pine.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This will hold up to daily dog use.
  • This is easy to use, and should last a long time.
  • After final coat, allow 24 hours before light use.
  • This will flake and take the poly with it.

Best For Stain Resistance: Rustoleum Oil Based Clear Polyurethane

Rustoleum Oil Based Clear Polyurethane
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The Rustoleum Oil Based Clear Polyurethane's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The rustoleum oilbased clear polyurethane is made with great stuff, is made for great protection and it works well. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, the polyurethane provides maximum durability and allows for a more even finish.

The polyurethane provides a classic and natural look. In addition, polyurethane protects wood more than two times better than traditional wood finishes. Finally, the rustoleum oil based clearpolyurethane provides outstanding stain and scratch resistance with ultra fast dry time.

Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the polyurethane would most likely cause a yellow tint. Further, they strongly agree that polyurethane is promoted as being safe for cutting boards.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This offers the best scratch and stain resistance available.
  • This went on smoothly and it looks like glass.
  • This is plenty enough to cover 10 stair treads with extra left over.
  • This does not self level, so every brush mark shows and can be felt.

Best For Front Door: Zar Great Varnish

Zar 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 polyurethane. The great varnish is exactly that - it's a simple polyurethane that hits all the right notes. The Zar Great Varnish went on smooth and it works well for interior use. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, this leaves a nice and it is super fast.

Most importantly, the zar great varnish dries very fast, is very clear and it reads the instructions.

Most buyers found that polyurethane can be used as a hair drier to get rid of bubbles... Youtube on how. In addition, they strongly agree that the polyurethane looks like a quality oil finish but is a highly durable urethane finish. And, they also found that the polyurethane provides a true flat matte finish to your surface.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • It looks a bit more like eggshell, but leaves a beautiful finish.
  • This has low-odor and it has excellent results.
  • This can be used on the interior of new oak stairs.
  • It will look like you left a dry spot.

Best For Stained Wood: Zar Oil Based Clear Polyurethane

Zar Oil Based Clear Polyurethane
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Compared with other polyurethanes in this category, the Zar Oil Based Clear Polyurethane has a convenient design. The zar oil basedclear polyurethane went on smoothly, is perfect for exterior use and it was super fast. Zar ultra exterior polyurethane is an incredibly fast-drying, oil-based, clear wood polyurethane finish that dries in only 2 hours. And, the polyurethane provides superior protection on exterior wood surfaces.

Finally, the zar oilbased clear polyurethane has a glossy look, comes dries in two hours and it is perfect for direct sunlight.

Most customers opine that polyurethane will work equally well on indoor or outdoor furniture. In addition, they strongly agree that polyurethane is used to topcoat lighter colors. Overall, many customers have used the zar oil based clearpolyurethane for more than a few months without any complaints, and it shows no sign of giving up.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Outperforms other exterior clear finishes by 2-1.
  • It looks good and it is really good.
  • This will stay looking fantastic for a while.
  • This will stiffen and lift the paint, hope that helps.

Best For Desk: Old Masters Oil Based Clear Polyurethane

Old Masters Oil Based Clear Polyurethane
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The Old Masters Oil Based Clear Polyurethane is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your daily purpose. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, the polyurethane is manufactured in the United States. To sum up, with a 4.8 rating and more than 128 buyers, the old masters oil based clear polyurethane stands as the best choice.

"Delivery was prompt and the product worked as advertised. " - says, one customer. In conclusion, buyers found this to be one of the best polyurethanes for daily purposes.

Why We Like This:
  • Purpose of use for painting supplies, household-wood-stains.
  • This product is manufactured in the United States.
  • New and hot releases.

Best For Superior Durability: Rustoleum Water Based Varnish

Rustoleum Water Based Varnish
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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Rustoleum Water Based Varnish for daily usage. The rustoleum water based varnish looks great, is perfect for long - lasting beauty and it is made with household chemicals. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, the polyurethane delivers great scratch and it works well for good quality.

Most importantly, the rustoleum water based varnish looks better and it is perfect for professional results.

Almost all buyers opine that the polyurethane is used to restore original hardwoods. Further, a few say that the polyurethane is really dry first, plus it will adhere to old finishes. Moreover, they also found that polyurethane is great for all wood surfaces and especially hardwood floors and stairs.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Oil-based wood floor finish - classic clear gloss.
  • This has excellent flow and has self - leveling properties.
  • It looks like milk until it dries again.
  • Delivers great scratch & mar resistance.

Best For Container Size: Minwax Oil Based Clear Polyurethane

Minwax Oil Based Clear Polyurethane
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The Minwax line of polyurethane comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The features department is where Minwax Oil Based Clear Polyurethane truly manages to shine. Also, the polyurethane is good for container size and it is great for brand name. The polyurethane is easy to maintain and gels well with your regular use.

Why We Like This:
  • Good brand reputation.
  • Delivers what they promise.