The 11 Best Outdoor Polyurethane Finishes (2022 reviews)

outdoor polyurethane finishes
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Are you planning to buy outdoor polyurethane finishs, and are you confused about the options ? You have come to the right page.

Our review process:

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall:
Buy: Minwax Outdoor Polyurethane Finish
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Best For Stained Wood:
Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
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Best For Cabinet:
Buy: General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat
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Best For Marine:
Buy: Totalboat Outdoor Polyurethane Finish
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Best For Indoor Furniture:
Buy: Rustoleum Outdoor Polyurethane Finish
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Best For Outdoor Living Space:
Buy: Minwax Wood Varnish
READ REVIEW

Best For Handrail:
Buy: Varathane Satin Finish
READ REVIEW

Best For Spray Application:
Buy: General Finishes Outdoor Polyurethane Finish
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Best For Customer Service:
Buy: Rustoleum Satin Finish
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Best For Picnic Tables:
Buy: Varathane Outdoor Polyurethane Finish
READ REVIEW

Best For Coffee Table:
Buy: Zar Outdoor Polyurethane Finish
READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Minwax Outdoor Polyurethane Finish

Minwax Outdoor Polyurethane Finish
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If you often find yourself confused about good finish, Minwax Outdoor Polyurethane Finish should be your first option for buying. The minwax outdoor polyurethane finish can be used on both finished and unfinished wood projects, and is available in a variety of sheens. After final coat, allow 24 hours before light use. This oil - based clear sealer protective coating protects and adds long - lasting beauty to woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets and floors.

The finish is made with great quality, is very smooth and it is perfect for professional results. Moreover, it is one of the leading brands of interior wood stains in the united States. Lastly, the minwax outdoor polyurethane finish is desired, repeat step 6 before application.

Most customers agree that the finish is used for food or drink. Further, a few strongly agree that the finish is perfectly clear, no yellow tint or discoloration. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the polyurethane has other solvents that are very volatile and result in rapid drying. To sum up, 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 is for ease of use and it is non-toxic.
  • This is also a very important step that some people overlook.
  • Follow the sander manufacturer’s directions for your type of project.

Best For Stained Wood: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish

Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
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The features department is where Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish truly manages to shine. The totalboat gleam gloss varnish can be used on interior surfaces only, such as cabins, trim, and floors, because they don't protect against the sun's harmful rays. 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, it 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 finish is easy to apply, dries fast, and doesn't need sanding between coats. And, the finish dries very quickly, Read the instructions and it is great for a fair price. Above all, the totalboat gleam gloss varnish is great with yearly maintenance tip, has compared gleam to other varnishes and it has used 3 coats.

Almost all customers quickly discovered that the finish was suitable for clear coating on interior and exterior surfaces where maximum water and UV resistance is required. In addition, they say that polyurethane is used for a desk top. Further, they also found that the polyurethane looks like many more coats. Overall, most buyers agree that the finish suits best, and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is being applied to bare wood it does not.
  • This is easy to brush and doesn't dry with a strong amber color.
  • This can be used on a tiger wooden desk.
  • This is perfect for low humidity and it has a spray gun.

Best For Cabinet: General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat

General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat
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Next on the list, we've got yet another finish that manages to win our hearts. It's the General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient finishes you can buy. The general finishes durable consumer polyurethane top coat is the hardest, most durable consumer polyurethane top coat on the market today. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, it is very durable and it gives a nice. look.

Lastly, the general finishes durable consumer polyurethane top coat performs great, is dried quickly and it is great for bedroom furniture.

Almost all customers opine that the polyurethane is a spur of the moment decision, to paint the cabinets. Further, they also found that the finish will look like on poster paper.....you might want to try it on a scrap piece of the same type of paper first. Also, a few also found that this is a finish that is applied in many thin layers. In conclusion, for most buyers, General Finishes product was what they were looking for.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This comes in a plastic jug instead of a metal container.
  • This is easy to use as simple success, but it is an acceptable substitute.
  • The h.p will work fine as a finish over gel stain.
  • This will stick to any type of unfinished wood veneer.

Best For Marine: Totalboat Outdoor Polyurethane Finish

Totalboat Outdoor Polyurethane Finish
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For a low asking price, Totalboat Outdoor Polyurethane Finish has managed to overwhelm their customers by packing as many features as they could. The totalboat outdoor polyurethane finish is easy to apply by brushing, rolling or spraying. Satin finish comes in clear only. 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.

Most importantly, the totalboat outdoor polyurethane finish spreads evenly, went on smoothly and it is very forgiving.

Most customers found that the finish has design for deck coatings. Also, a few say that the finish is going to be a big hit. In addition, a few strongly agree that the finish does a great job when applied properly. Without any doubt, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is made for a porch walking area.
  • This is easy to apply and can be done in an hour.
  • This is great for craft projects and it has a spray gun.
  • It comes out nice and smooth.

Best For Indoor Furniture: Rustoleum Outdoor Polyurethane Finish

Rustoleum Outdoor Polyurethane Finish
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Compared with other finishes in this category, the Rustoleum Outdoor Polyurethane Finish has a convenient design. The rustoleum outdoor polyurethane finish is completely clear, applies easily and it is good for easy cleanup. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, this has great results, is pretty impressive and it looks much better.

Finally, the rustoleum outdoor polyurethanefinish is perfect for garden furniture and it is ideal for coffee table.

Almost all buyers find that the finish will act as a preservative for the original finish. And, they strongly agree that the finish will probably need several coats. Moreover, they strongly agree that this water based urethane will soak in and will likely raise the grain. In short, many customers have used the rustoleum outdoorpolyurethane finish for more than a few months without any issues, and it shows no sign of giving up.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This protects better as well.
  • This material is meant for wood.
  • This has protected the wood, but needs a new coat this year.
  • This is a great final coat for staining fiberglass doors.

Best For Outdoor Living Space: Minwax Wood Varnish

Minwax Wood Varnish
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The Minwax Wood Varnish is suitable and reliable and fits well with your regular use. The minwax wood varnish is more than enough and it has a beautiful shine. After 24 hours (dry time may be extended due to heavy application, low temperatures or high humidity), complete your project by applying a clear protective finish. The special oils in this wood varnish spray allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change.

The polyurethane provides excellent coverage and it works very well. And, it looks amazing, is very shiny and it works better. Most importantly, the minwax wood varnish is ideal for outdoor living space, has followed the instructions and it is made for quick delivery.

Most buyers find that the finish does an excellent job preserving teak furniture. Further, they say that the finish will add protection but may yellow over time. And, a few strongly agree that the finish is so.much much much much much much better, goes on smoothly and is durable. Overall, for most buyers, it was what they were looking for.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This can be used on metal outdoor light sconces and door hardware.
  • This is wiped super clean and it is bird safe when dried.
  • It looks good, but it's a bit bumpy to the touch.
  • This has always produced amazing - quality products.

Best For Handrail: Varathane Satin Finish

Varathane Satin Finish
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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 finish. The Varathane Satin Finish is exactly that - it's a simple finish that hits all the right notes. The varathane satin finish is very smooth and it is laminate. Varathane crystal clear water-based polyurethane is specially developed to let wood’s natural beauty show through with the highest clarity over other water-based polyurethanes. Moreover, the finish dries very quickly and it goes on milky.

Finally, the varathane satin finish protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, trim and more.

Most customers opine that the finish is safer to use than many other brands. And, a few strongly agree that the polyurethane is perfect to seal up the interior of a bamboo tea set case. Moreover, they strongly agree that the finish will be getting a lot of used. Overall, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the polyurethane suits the purpose.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is intended as an interior wood finish.
  • This is affordable and it has 3 coats.
  • This can leave paper fibers from application.
  • This does not absorb light, therefore it does not yellow.

Best For Spray Application: General Finishes Outdoor Polyurethane Finish

General Finishes Outdoor Polyurethane Finish
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The General Finishes Outdoor Polyurethane Finish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The general finishes outdoor polyurethane finish is fortified with UV absorbers to stabilize and protect the integrity of the finish but will not prevent the wood from changing color from sunlight. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, it has mildew growth and it is odorless.

Polyurethane makes for ease of use and it allows for easy water cleanup. Further, this is suitable for vertical exterior surfaces, such as fences, patio furniture, garage doors, entrance doors and interior windows. Finally, the general finishes outdoor polyurethane finish can be brushed, sprayed or rolled.

Most buyers quickly discovered that polyurethane is used several coats for added protection from the elements. And, they strongly agree that the finish is higher quality than polycrylic which is typically recommended. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the finish has direct sunlight on it, you may have to apply more coats over time. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is easy to apply with a brush, old teeshirt or sprayer.
  • This is designed for brush or spray application.
  • This is very durable and it comes with great stuff.
  • This is white .dries clear plus it is a thin, no odor top coat.

Best For Customer Service: Rustoleum Satin Finish

Rustoleum Satin Finish
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Rustoleum has been making great finishes for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. The Rustoleum Satin Finish provides maximum durability and allows for a more even finish. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, it is easy to mix, applies easily and it is great for a great price.

The finish is made with great stuff, is great for outdoors and it works awesome. In addition, the polyurethane provides excellent resistance against scratches, weathering, uv light, and more while expanding and contracting with weather conditions. Most importantly, the rustoleum satin finish protects outdoor wood from the elements.

Most buyers found that the polyurethanes are not 100% exposed to the elements. And, a few say that the polyurethane is like regular polyurethane in that respect. In conclusion, most buyers call the finish functionally comfort, and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This can be used on outdoor chainsaw art on top of stain and sealer.
  • This provides maximum UV protection to guard against sun damage.
  • This will protect the paint from UV rays.
  • This is a great sheen finish on many pieces of driftwood.

Best For Picnic Tables: Varathane Outdoor Polyurethane Finish

Varathane Outdoor Polyurethane Finish
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The Varathane Outdoor Polyurethane Finish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The varathane outdoorpolyurethane finish went on nice, is odorless and it is weather resistant. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, it works well for tons of bubbles, is ideal for coffee table and it can get very little odor.

Polyurethane is a great outdoor finish for picnic tables, potting benches, adirondack chairs and any other outdoor project. Lastly, the varathane outdoor polyurethanefinish is ceramic, dried clear and it is fade.

Most buyers find that the finish is good for foam airplanes, Make sure it is water-based. And, a few strongly agree that the finish is sold as working on painted surfaces outdoors. And, they strongly agree that the polyurethane has an uv blocker but this stuff is a wood sealer.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is highly recommended by Diyers.
  • It is easy to see where it is applied.
  • This will apply to the surface easily.
  • This is a great alternative to sparring.

Best For Coffee Table: Zar Outdoor Polyurethane Finish

Zar Outdoor Polyurethane Finish
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The Zar Outdoor Polyurethane Finish is the most suitable polyurethane on the market today. The zar outdoor polyurethane finish has great results and it has removed dust. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, the polyurethane is quick - dry and it is suitable for coffee table.

Finally, the zar outdoor polyurethane finish provides superior protection on exterior wood surfaces.

One customer says - "Store it in a cool place with the lid clamped down firmly if you are going to keep it on the shelf for a long time ". Almost all customers agree that the polyurethane can be used on new fiberglass doors and 6 months later it looks great.

Why We Like This:
  • Outperforms other exterior clear finishes by 2-1.
  • This comes dries in two hours and it has follow the instructions.
  • Delivers what they promise.