The 12 Best Polyurethane High Gloss Finishes (2022 reviews)

polyurethane high gloss finishes
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There are several advantages of having a polyurethane high gloss finish. We are here to help you choose the right one for your needs from all the best available products in market today.

Our review process:

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall:
Buy: Totalboat Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
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Best For Tumblers:
Buy: Crystalac Instrument Finish
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Best For Uv Protection:
Buy: Minwax Clear Finish
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Best With Low Odor:
Buy: General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat
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Best For Front Door:
Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
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Best For Cabinet:
Buy: Minwax Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
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Best For Handrail:
Buy: Varathane Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
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Best For Ease Of Application:
Buy: Crystalac Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
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Best For Superior Durability:
Buy: Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish
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Best For Table:
Buy: General Finishes Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
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Best For Exterior:
Buy: Sampson Coatings Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
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Best For Excellent Flow:
Buy: Rustoleum Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Totalboat Polyurethane High Gloss Finish

Totalboat Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
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Best part: Totalboat Polyurethane High Gloss Finish costs reasonable and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The totalboat polyurethane high gloss finish went on easily. is perfect for using on a ceader and it holds up well. The manufacturer says: So we took everything we knew from 35 years of customer feedback, combined that with our own boating knowledge, and after a few years of rigorous research, totalboat was born. And, this is not intended for use as a sealer (base) coat.

The gloss was suitable for direct sunlight and it went on easily. Also, it comes with a topcoat of lust matte, which can be thinned with totalboat special brushing thinner 100 for improved flow. Lastly, the totalboat polyurethane high gloss finish is great quality and it looks great.

Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the finish is easy to work with but high in price. Further, they strongly agree that the finish is great seal on some boating items and outside garden items. Further, they strongly agree that this varnish is easy to use and dries quickly without any problem of showing brush marks. Overall, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the polyurethane suits the purpose.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This will run if applied to thick, but not terrible.
  • This will take longer since it is an oil - based finish.
  • This has a linseed oil modified polyurethane formula for smooth flow-out.
  • It is easy to build up thick protection.

Best For Tumblers: Crystalac Instrument Finish

Crystalac Instrument Finish
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Not everyone likes to purchase clothes for their daily purpose, but the Crystalac Instrument Finish would be an anomoly. The crystalac instrument finish is a high - solids, waterbased polyurethane that will build with fewer coats than traditional top coats. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, it works well for flat surfaces, goes on smooth and it is great for acrylic paintings.

Most importantly, the crystalac instrument finish is definitely safe, allows for great shine and it is brushable.

Most buyers found that polyurethane can be applied to ceramic tiles, however, acrylic can be tricky. Furthermore, a few also found that the finish is very thin, even though it is high-solids and builds very quickly. And, they strongly agree that the gloss can be used as a finish on fine wooden violins, guitars, etc.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is great for tumblers and keychsins when following directions.
  • This makes quitting expensive easy, plus it will not hold up to a hot pan.
  • This can be used in place of epoxy and does have a really good shine.
  • Super hard & crystal clear protective finish.

Best For Uv Protection: Minwax Clear Finish

Minwax Clear Finish
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The Minwax Clear Finish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The minwax clear finish is one of the leading brands of interior wood stains in the united States. Manufacturer says: Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to keep on finishing. This oil - based clear sealer protective coating protects and adds long - lasting beauty to woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets and floors.

The finish can be used on both finished and unfinished wood projects, and is available in a variety of sheens. Moreover, it is very smooth and it is designed for a great price. Lastly, the minwax clear finish protects wood surfaces and it is paintable.

Most customers found that the gloss has other solvents that are very volatile and result in rapid drying. In addition, they also found that the gloss is oil based but you can use it over bare wood, oil based stain or water based paint. Also, a few say that the first coat dried with bubbles and imperfections in the finish.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Keep interior wood projects looking beautiful with a minwax polyurethane wood finish.
  • It has excellent products for finishing wood surfaces.
  • This is also a very important step that some people overlook.
  • This can produce different looks depending on the number of coats.

Best With Low Odor: General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat

General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat
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General Finishes has been making great finishes for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. The general finish, durable consumer polyurethane top coat rock hard and it is quick to dry. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, it is made with great stuff, is designed for interior use and it is made for satin sheen.

The finish is suitable for flat surfaces and it is perfect for coffee table. Most importantly, the General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat has a nice shine and it comes with good stuff.

Most buyers found that the polyurethane was so they finally gave in and bought some. Also, they strongly agree that the finish can be used in kitchen cabinets holding up well, easy to apply, easy to clean. Also, they also found that the gloss has very little odor whatsoever, and as it dries, it actually smells pleasant. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This takes a few extra minutes but is worth it during the process.
  • The high performance top coat is added to the list of " loves ".
  • This takes about 3 coats to give a nice rich deep java look.
  • This will help someone else, and make everything look good.

Best For Front Door: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish

Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
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The Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish is capable of outshining several other polyurethanes featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The totalboat gleam gloss varnish is easy to apply, and creates a radiant, durable finish. Whether you choose gloss or satin, gleam 2.0's fast-drying, easy-to-use formulas ensure a gorgeous amber finish with exceptional clarity and durability. Also, it is easy to apply, with smooth flow out on bare wood, previously painted 1-part varnish in good condition, or over cured epoxy.

Lastly, the totalboat gleam gloss varnish is very glossy and it went on easily.

Most buyers quickly discovered that the polyurethane has lasted three years without wear. Further, they strongly agree that the finish being applied to bare wood does not. And, they say that this varnish dries much faster in warm weather, especially after thinning 10.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Self-leveling varnish dries fast—recoat in as little as 1 hour at 72°f.
  • This is easy to brush and doesn't dry with a strong amber color.
  • This is easy to apply, dries fast, and doesn't need sanding between coats.
  • This is a good combination of reasonable cost, ease of application, and decent results.

Best For Cabinet: Minwax Polyurethane High Gloss Finish

Minwax Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
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Not everyone likes to purchase finish for their regular use, but the Minwax Polyurethane High Gloss Finish would be an anomoly. The minwax polyurethane high gloss finish has great results, is suitable for direct sunlight and it is great for kitchen countertops. Minwax wipe-on poly is a durable, clear finish that combines polyurethane protection with classic, hand-rubbed beauty. Further, this goes on easily and it went on clearly.

The gloss is applied with clothes and it works great. Also, the finish is great with the end result, makes for super easy cleanup and it is designed for a great price. Lastly, the minwax polyurethane high gloss finish provides a hand-rubbed look. Additionally, it is made of a high quality oil-based polyurethane.

Most buyers agree that the polyurethane is safe for food surface. Also, they also found that the gloss would fill in & seal/dry but not fully fill in the knot holes. Moreover, they say that the finish of choice requires a minimum of $ 400 turbine hvlp 4 - stage spray gun for professional results. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is great for furniture and oddly shaped items.
  • This will look more even if stained first.
  • This can be used on boat decks which are very durable.
  • This has lasted for months with no problems.

Best For Handrail: Varathane Polyurethane High Gloss Finish

Varathane Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
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The Varathane Polyurethane High Gloss Finish's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The varathane polyurethane high gloss finish is ideal for interior projects like furniture, doors, cabinets and trim. Based formula dries fast and cleans up with soap and water. Further, polyurethane is great for great protection and it drys quickly.

Above all, the varathane polyurethane highgloss finish looks great and it works perfectly.

Almost all buyers found that the polyurethane can leave paper fibers from application. In addition, they strongly agree that gloss is used to coat over newly painted cabinets. Further, a few say that the gloss is great with oil based, with no noticeable "tint" over off white. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This glaze leaves a beautiful, glossy finish to polymer clay sculptures.
  • It is effortless to achieve that thanks to this.
  • This looks like and don’t overbrush it even though it looks like snot.
  • The key is to make sure the first coat is even and consistent.

Best For Ease Of Application: Crystalac Polyurethane High Gloss Finish

Crystalac Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Crystalac Polyurethane High Gloss Finish for daily purpose. The crystalac polyurethanehigh glossfinish is a high - solids, waterbased polyurethane that will build with fewer coats than traditional top coats. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, the finish has a great sheen and it is non toxic.

Finally, the crystalac polyurethane high gloss finish does the job and it has a beautiful shine.

Almost all customers agree that the finish is easy to use", "durability" and "easy to clean. And, they say that the finish will produce a very clear high gloss shine. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This can be used on properly prepped glass.
  • This is recommended to seal before applying brite tone.
  • This dries faster and it is ready to use.
  • This is so much nicer to use on tumblers instead of epoxy.

Best For Superior Durability: Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish

Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish
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The Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The rustoleum crystal clear finish is great for the end result and it works very well. I want a water-based finish for hardwood floors. In addition, it does so quickly, cleans up with simple soap and it is perfect for smooth application.

The Polyurethane is manufactured in the United States. Lastly, the rustoleum crystal clear finish is great for floors and it dries hard.

Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the finish is 10 times easier to apply than oil based. Also, a few say that the finish maintains the color of the wood without yellowing. Moreover, they strongly agree that the finish is easy to apply, and gives good coverage. Overall, most buyers agree that the gloss suits best, and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This provides a great finish over chalk paint.
  • This is easy to apply and dry fast with little odor.
  • This is fast drying and I needed it.
  • This is clear, no yellowing at all.

Best For Table: General Finishes Polyurethane High Gloss Finish

General Finishes Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
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General Finishes offers a variety of glosses for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The general finish polyurethane highgloss finish drys very fast and it is suitable for interior use. Voc <275 g/l (2.25 lbs/gallon) excluding water. This acrylic and polyurethane topcoat will produce a beautiful furniture - quality finish on any project. Lastly, the general finish polyurethanehigh gloss finish is durable enough to be used on floors.

Almost all buyers opine that the polyurethane is completely sealed shut. Additionally, it is used to paint kitchen cabinets. Also, they also found that this stuff is freaky expensive, but it’s easier to use than most products and dries to a beautiful finish. In short, buyers found this to be one of the best polyurethanes for daily purposes.

Why We Like This:
  • Recommended uses: windows, bookcases, wall shelves, furniture, toys, dressers, stools, millwork,.
  • Acrylic brush, foam brush, paint pad applicator or spray.
  • Doors, kitchen cupboards, tables and more.

Best For Exterior: Sampson Coatings Polyurethane High Gloss Finish

Sampson Coatings Polyurethane High Gloss 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 polyurethane. The Sampson coatings polyurethane high glossfinish is exactly that - it's a simple polyurethane that hits all the right notes. Yield a tough clear finish for extra durability. Also, the polyurethane is ideal for use on all hardwood floors, paneling, cabinets, furniture & boat decks. The finish is easy to maintain and fits perfectly for your regular use.

Why We Like This:
  • Covers 400 - 500 sq.ft per gallon.
  • Exterior durability, heat, sun & rain resistance.
  • Tough clear finish for extra durability. Scratch & scuff resistance.

Best For Excellent Flow: Rustoleum Polyurethane High Gloss Finish

Rustoleum Polyurethane High Gloss Finish
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The Rustoleum Polyurethane High Gloss Finish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The rustoleum polyurethane high gloss finish delivers great scratch and it looks great. This product cannot be shipped to the following states. Further, it looks better and it is used for long - lasting beauty. Most importantly, the rustoleum polyurethane high gloss finish has excellent flow and self - leveling properties.

Almost all buyers agree that the gloss is oil - based so it has a strong chemical smell, but the smell will dissipate in 3-4 hours if the room is well ventilated. Moreover, a few say that the polyurethane is really dry first, plus it will adhere to old finishes. In addition, they 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. Overall, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the gloss suits the purpose.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is great for both outdoor applications and indoors.
  • Oil-based wood floor finish - classic clear gloss.
  • This is great for all wood surfaces and especially hardwood floors and stairs.
  • This will be slightly yellow in color, so then water based should be used.