The 6 Best Polishing Spar Varnishes (2022 reviews)
It is important to have the well suited polishing spar varnish.
Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best polishing spar varnish for you.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Over Stain Spar Varnishes and Best Shellac Varnishes for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Epifanes Polishing Spar Varnish READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish READ REVIEWBest For Uv Protection: Buy: Minwax Polishing Spar Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Handrail: Buy: Varathane Polishing Spar Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Exterior Use: Buy: Totalboat Polishing Spar Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Food: Buy: Tried True Polishing Spar Varnish READ REVIEWBest Overall: Epifanes Polishing Spar Varnish
Buy on Amazon Epifanes offers a variety of varnishs for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Epifanes Polishing Spar Varnish is great for direct sunlight and one has to follow the instructions. Formulated with tung oil, phenolic and alkyd resins results in a finish that has superior flow, gloss, durability, and exceptional longevity. Also, this has saved time and is cost - effective. The varnish rock hard, is proprietary and it leveled out beautifully. Further, it turns white and it protects well. Most importantly, the epifanes polishing spar varnish comes at a high cost, dries clear and it has followed thinning.Most buyers quickly discover that the varnish is perfectly sealed from the rain and sun and it looks great. In addition, they strongly agree that the varnish is not inexpensive, it would cost quite a bit to use these products. In addition, they strongly agree that the varnish is superior to similar exterior polyurethanes like helmspar. To sum up, buyers found this to be one of the best varnish for daily purposes.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is great for surface prep and it is perfect for household or marine.
- This stuff really does create a beautiful, clear, shiny finish.
- This is of the phenolic resin variety.
- This protects really well but a bit of a pain to apply.
Best With Low Odor: Minwax Clear Finish
Buy on Amazon The Minwax Clear Finish is suitable and reliable and fits well with your daily use. The minwax clear finish felt shinny, went on easily and it went on well. Let dry at least 30 minutes between coats, then sand with very fine sandpaper (220 grit) to ensure an even finish and proper adhesion of additional coats. The crystal clear finish offered in this wood protection spray is ideal for use over all minwax oil - based and water - based stains and colors, as well as all wood species including light woods like maple, ash and birch. The varnish makes for great coverage and it works very well. In addition, the varnish dries fast, is made worth the money and it has achieved great results. Lastly, the minwax clear finish is flexible, can be trusted for good quality and it goes on easily.Almost all buyers found that the varnish is perfectly clear, is not shiny and feels nice. Also, a few strongly agree that the varnish can be used in this way for chalk paint. Moreover, they say that this finish will give it a shine, even though it 's satin.Top Customer Quotes:
- Good if it's not a display piece you're putting the top coat on.
- A hard crystal clear, ultra fast-drying protective finish.
- This is good for indoors or outdoors.
- This has a nice shine, dried clear and it is made for satin sheen.
Best For Uv Protection: Minwax Polishing Spar Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Minwax Polishing Spar Varnish is capable of outshining several other varnish featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The minwax polishing spar varnish is pvc and it is very evenly. 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 varnish has 3 coats, is made for a professional look and it allows for ease of application. Moreover, it is good for several coats and it is made for quick delivery. Finally, the minwax polishing spar varnish is made for direct sunlight and it holds up well.Almost all customers found that the varnish would need to be dry enough to not smear. Further, they strongly agree that the varnish is a good paint store for sure. In addition, they also found that this counter top is made of. In conclusion, buyers found this to be one of the best varnish for daily purposes.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is great for wood working projects.
- This is perfectly prepared, gloss will look good.
- This has seen some use and been out in the elements a bit more.
- This will depend on many other factors, like.
Best For Handrail: Varathane Polishing Spar Varnish
Buy on Amazon Best part: Varathane Polishing Spar Varnish costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The varathane polishing sparvarnish protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, trim and more. Varathane provides outstanding scratch and stain resistance to keep your interior wood projects looking great longer. Further, the varnish is ideal for interior projects like furniture, doors, cabinets and trim. Most importantly, the varathane polishingspar varnish has used 3 coats and it does the trick.Most buyers agree that the varnish does not absorb light, therefore it does not yellow. And, they say that the varnish is intended as an interior wood finish. Moreover, a few say that this finish is great for dining tables and surfaces that need extra protection. To sum up, many customers have used the varathane polishing spar varnish for more than a few months without any issues, and it shows no sign of giving up.Top Customer Quotes:
- This will give you a soft sheen.
- The best scratch and stain protection available.
- This will definitely yellow over paint.
- This will mar the varathane but a third coat makes the scratches disappear.
Best For Exterior Use: Totalboat Polishing Spar Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Totalboat Polishing Spar Varnish is capable of outshining several other varnish featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The totalboat polishing sparvarnish is needed, For brushing, use 5-10% totalboat special brushing thinner 100. Creates a stable foundation for 1-part marine varnish, includingtotalboat Lust, totalboat Gleam or totalboat halcyon. This clear amber wood sealer emphasizes the wood grain and natural color, and wo n’t muddle the color of marine filler stains applied to bare wood. The varnish is used for interior and exterior use under 1-part varnish or polyurethane. Moreover, it dries faster and it works well. Finally, the totalboat polishingspar varnish has used 3 coats, has followed the instructions and it packaged well.Almost all customers opine that the varnish can be used on a custom motorcycle trailer. And, a few also found that the varnish is used to seal wood and improve grain quality and to fill in any blemish. Further, they strongly agree that the varnish is great for butcher block countertops. Overall, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the varnish suits the purpose.Customers say that getting a marine spar varnishes with uv protection and gloss spar varnish, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- The sealer is always going to be your finishing coat to protect you from water.
- This will happily answer any question you might have.
- Prevents wood from cracking and checking, and ensures varnish won't peel or delaminate.
- This is perfect for hot stir sticks and it is good for excellent flow.
Best For Food: Tried True Polishing Spar Varnish
Buy on Amazon The tried - true polishing spar varnish's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The tried - true polishing spar varnish is environmentally safe and it is used for great products. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The ultimate hand rubbed finish that gets harder and more durable as it ages. The varnish looks amazing, comes with good stuff and it is water resistant. And, it has three coats and it is good for several coats. Finally, the tried - true polishing spar varnish has excellent abrasion, scratch resistance and durability.Most customers agree that the varnish is not for outdoor use but would work well on indoor trims. Also, a few strongly agree that the varnish is good for the wood too. Further, they say that the finish will have cured in 24 hours, leaving a nice dry surface. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Top Customer Quotes:
- This will eventually start to flake off.
- This is dried off at a reasonable time.
- This is a great varnish for fine interior furniture.
- This is a completely food safe night out of the can.