The 11 Best Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss (2022 reviews)
We consider a oil based polyurethane gloss to be a worthy investment in the long run.
Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best oil based polyurethane gloss for you.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Gloss Polyurethane Varnishes, Best Oil Based Polyurethane Sealers and Best Varnishes Of Oil Based for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: General Finishes Best Urethane Finish READ REVIEWBest With Beautiful Results: Buy: Totalboat Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: General Finishes Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss READ REVIEWBest For Uv Protection: Buy: Minwax Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss READ REVIEWBest For Cabinet: Buy: Varathane Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss READ REVIEWBest For Superior Durability: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish READ REVIEWBest For Front Door: Buy: System Three Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss READ REVIEWBest For Desk: Buy: Old Masters Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss READ REVIEWBest For Bare Wood: Buy: Zar Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss READ REVIEWBest For Stain Resistance: Buy: Rustoleum Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss READ REVIEWBest For Pine: Buy: Rustoleum Water Based Varnish READ REVIEWBest Overall: General Finishes Best Urethane Finish
Buy on Amazon The General Finishes Best Urethane Finish has the most appropriate features for the price point. The general finishes best urethane finish looks better and it has excellent results. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, it is ideal for first - time users and it comes with fool proof. The gloss has read directions, is great with beautiful results and it reads the instructions. Finally, the general finishes best urethane finish penetrate to provide deep - down protection and that "natural" look.Almost all customers agree that the gloss is important to use 100% cotton t-shirts. Further, they also found that the gloss is highly rated by fine woodworking magazine. Moreover, a few say that the old finish is heavily cracked, pealing or otherwise compromised. You will need to sand it down completely. As a result, buyers were eager to recommend it to friends and families.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is easy to touch up and does not have any flash points.
- This is set, to smooth out any dripping down the front.
- This is made with great stuff, has great results and it has bar none.
- It is best for that, reapply frequently.
Best With Beautiful Results: Totalboat Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss
Buy on Amazon Not everyone likes to purchase gloss for their daily usage, but the Totalboat Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss would be an anomoly. The totalboat oil based polyurethane gloss is easy to apply, dries fast, and doesn't need sanding between coats. Classic marine varnish contains premium tung oil, phenolic resins for a beautiful, warm, transparent amber finish on all types of interior and exterior wood. Moreover, this is great for easy application, has compared gleam to other varnishes and it reads the instructions. The polyurethane allows for great shine and it is thinner. In addition, the gloss is ceramic and it has 3 coats. Lastly, the totalboat oil based polyurethane gloss drys fast and it went on easily.Most buyers found that the gloss is mostly urethane based. Further, they also found that the polyurethane will be an easy decision as to which varnish to use next time. Also, they say that this is a varnish designed for the rigors of life at sea.Customers say that getting a water based marine varnish, along with polyurethane is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Self-leveling varnish dries fast—recoat in as little as 1 hour at 72°f.
- Compared to z spar captain varnish and flagship varnish, and epifanes clear varnish.
- This is a super water-resistant varnish, which is completely different.
- This is best for low humidity, is very happy and it cures quickly.
Best With Low Odor: General Finishes Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss
Buy on Amazon The features department is where general finish oil based polyurethane gloss truly manages to shine. The general finish, oil based polyurethane gloss, works very well and it is made for satin sheen. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, the gloss is odorless and it went on smoothly. The gloss is great with great stuff and it is very happy. Above all, the general finish oil based polyurethane gloss went on easily, drys quickly and it works OK.Most customers quickly discovered that the gloss can be used in kitchen cabinets, holding up well, easy to apply, easy to clean. Further, they also found that the polyurethane can be used in 35 years of woodworking. Moreover, they say that the paints are terrific, the top coat generates a little less enthusiasm though.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is great for protecting newly refinished kitchen cabinets.
- It looks cloudy when wet but it goes clear again when dry.
- The high performance top coat is added to the list of " loves ".
- This looks like a high end table now.
Best For Uv Protection: Minwax Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss
Buy on Amazon Minwax has been making great polyurethane for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. The Minwax Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. Manufacturer says: Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to keep on finishing. The special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change. The gloss has excellent results and it really works well. Finally, the minwax oilbased polyurethane gloss is best for direct sunlight and it is non.Most customers quickly discovered that the polyurethane is best for foot traffic is going to be some sort of epoxy finish. And, they also found that the polyurethane is milky in color but dries clear. And, a few strongly agree that the gloss is nice, the urethane levels out well when applied properly, it dries to touch quickly for oil - based.Customers discovered that getting a paintbrushes for oil based stain, along with polyurethane is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- It is better to take it off the hinges and lay it flat.
- This will curl up and peel or flake off over a short period of time.
- This is used to give a flat appearance.
- This is oil - based. It will turn your door yellow.
Best For Cabinet: Varathane Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss
Buy on Amazon The Varathane line of gloss comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The Varathane Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss is used for craft projects, is non and it is water soluble. Crystal clear finish that never yellows. Further, it holds up well, has a beautiful sheen and it fits perfect on the coffee table. Most importantly, the varathane oil basedpolyurethane gloss is ideal for interior projects like furniture, doors, cabinets and trim.Most buyers quickly discovered that the polyurethane allows things to slide easily and makes cleaning up of shop debris and saw dust easy. Also, they say that polyurethane is great for polymer clay artists. Further, they say that the paints with polyurethane in big letters on the label are actually alkyd resin with some polyurethane added to give heat resistance. Overall, most customers agree that the gloss is functionally comfortable and no one questions it.Top Customer Quotes:
- It’s goes on slightly milky but dries to a clear satin finish.
- This is not rated for high heat.
- This went on smoothly, has low-odor and it dries quickly.
- This is good stuff that cleans up with water.
Best For Superior Durability: Minwax Clear Finish
Buy on Amazon The Minwax line of gloss comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The Minwax Clear Finish is ideal for woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets & floors, and is available in a variety of sheens. Minwax polycrylic protective finish is a crystal clear, ultra fast-drying protective topcoat for use on interior wood surfaces including furniture, trim, doors, cabinets and paneling. The water - based clear top coat combines superior durability with the beauty of traditional polyurethane. The gloss protects and adds beauty to interior projects, including woodwork, floors & more. In addition, it is very glossy and it is very happy. Lastly, the minwax clear finish goes on quickly and it has protected wood surfaces.Most buyers found that the polyurethane provides a durable coating and cleans up with hot water. And, a few say that the polyurethane has a milky color to it when applied but dries clear. Further, they say that polyurethane is used to repair bruce hardwood floors. Overall, buyers found this to be one of the best gloss for daily purposes.Top Customer Quotes:
- Plus, you can get more done with this protective poly coating.
- It is very shiny, pink and it is good for interior use.
- This is easy to use, and should last a long time.
- This is true, unless there is a big section of white.
Best For Front Door: System Three Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss
Buy on Amazon The system three oil - based polyurethanegloss is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your daily purpose. The system three oil - based polyurethane gloss is exceptionally durable and it is wonderful in application. System three marine spar varnish contains state-of-the-art UV absorbers, which will keep wood looking beautiful even with constant exposure to strong sunlight. Moreover, this is designed for marine epoxy and exterior wood surfaces such as railings, doors or any surface where a clear, durable finish is desired. The polyurethane holds up well and it is non - toxic. In addition, the gloss offers excellent protection from salt air and water. Above all, the system three oil - based polyurethane gloss is great for easy application and it is very glossy.Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the gloss would fill them in, it is a liquid. Further, they strongly agree that the polyurethane will last a long time. Moreover, they say that this is a great finish and goes on easy and smoothly.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is wonderful and very durable in that application.
- This has excellent resistance to sunlight/ultraviolet rays.
- This is worth the money and it is non - - -.
- Designed for marine and exterior wood surfaces.
Best For Desk: Old Masters Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another polyurethane that manages to win our hearts. It's the Old Masters Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient polyurethanes you can buy. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, the gloss is manufactured in the United States. To sum up, with a 4.8 rating and more than 128 buyers, the old masters oil basedpolyurethane gloss stands as the best choice."Easy to use, may need to filter before using if you are looking for a really smooth finish. " - says, one customer. Without any doubt, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Customers discovered that getting a oil based polyurethane semi gloss, with this gloss made their life much easier.
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 Bare Wood: Zar Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss
Buy on Amazon The Zar Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The zar oilbased polyurethanegloss is an incredibly fast-drying, oil-based polyurethane that dries to a smooth finish on bare wood, in just two hours, with no brush marks. Featuring a tough, abrasion-resistant finish and self-leveling properties, it works beautifully on hardwood floors, cabinets, furniture, and woodwork. Moreover, it is great for floors and it is suitable for interior use. Above all, the zar oil based polyurethane gloss comes dries in two hours, is abrasion resistant and it has added depth.One customer says - "Finished The product looks great. ". Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the gloss is easy to apply, lasts a long time and most solvents won't harm it.Why We Like This:
- Delivers what they promise.
- One of the newcomers and featured product.
Best For Stain Resistance: Rustoleum Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss
Buy on Amazon The Rustoleum Oil Based Polyurethane Gloss should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The rustoleum oil based polyurethane gloss offers the best scratch and stain resistance available. It is more durable than varnish. will not crack, chip or peel. Also, this protects wood more than two times better than traditional wood finishes. Above all, the rustoleum oil based polyurethane gloss is ideal for multiple interior applications, including furniture, doors, cabinets and trim."You have to really work hard to avoid brush strokes. " - says, one customer. Overall, many customers have used the gloss for more than a few months without letup, and it shows no sign of giving up.Few customers bought paintbrushes for oil based stain and purified mineral oil, along with the polyurethane.
Why We Like This:
- adds a warm, golden glow to highlight the wood grain.
- Ideal for multiple interior applications, including furniture, doors, cabinets and trim.
- It is more durable than varnish. will not crack, chip or peel.
Best For Pine: Rustoleum Water Based Varnish
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Rustoleum Water Based Varnish for regular usage. The rustoleum water based varnish delivers great scratch and it is made with household chemicals. This product cannot be shipped to the following states. Moreover, it has excellent flow and self - leveling properties. Lastly, the rustoleum water based varnish can be trusted for good quality and it looks better.Most customers quickly discovered that polyurethane is used to restore original hardwood. Further, they also found that the gloss can dry quickly, so you can eliminate the possibility of tint variation, by continuing the same process throughout the job. Also, a few say 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, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the polyurethane suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- It looks like milk until it dries again.
- Delivers great scratch & mar resistance.
- This is great for all wood surfaces and especially hardwood floors and stairs.
- This is great for both outdoor applications and indoors.