The 8 Best Polyurethane Water Based Varnishes (2022 reviews)
It is important to have the best polyurethane water based varnish.
Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best polyurethane water based varnish for you.
Also check our buying guide on Best Polyurethanes Over Varnish, which will help you understand market quickly.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Minwax Warm Water READ REVIEWBest For Handrail: Buy: Varathane Polyurethane Water Based Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Cabinet: Buy: Minwax Polyurethane Water Based Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Customer Service: Buy: Rustoleum Polyurethane Water Based Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Outdoors: Buy: Decoart Polyurethane Water Based Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Superior Durability: Buy: Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish READ REVIEWBest For Polymer Clay: Buy: Venus Creator Polyurethane Water Based Varnish READ REVIEWIdeal For Marine: Buy: Totalboat Polyurethane Water Based Varnish READ REVIEWBest Overall: Minwax Warm Water
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself confused about good water, Minwax Warm Water should be your first option for buying. The minwax warm water is permanent and it makes it easy. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. This spar urethane water - based formula protects the natural beauty of the wood while providing a crystal clear finish. The water is ideal for direct sunlight and it is great for fine mist. Moreover, it is ideal for use on doors, windows, trim, bathroom cabinets, bar tops, kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture and more. Most importantly, the minwax warm water is used for quick dry time, is great with beautiful results and it is subtle.Almost all buyers agree that the water will absorb moisture and swell. In addition, they also found that the varnish does start to become tacky rather quickly. In addition, a few say that the water has seen some use and been out in the elements a bit more. Overall, for almost all buyers, the polyurethane was just what they wanted.Customers also found that its helpful to buy a paintbrushes for water based paint, along with this polyurethane.
Top Customer Quotes:
- It contains UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects.
- This is best for foot traffic. is going to be some sort of epoxy finish.
- This spray is so easy to use and protects wood wonderfully.
- This is safe, there is something to remember.
Best For Handrail: Varathane Polyurethane Water Based Varnish
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another polyurethane that manages to win our hearts. It's the Varathane Polyurethane Water Based Varnish and it's widely considered as polyurethane that has the most suitable features. The varathane polyurethane water based varnish is great for high quality and it is very happy. Varathane provides outstanding scratch and stain resistance to keep your interior wood projects looking great longer. Further, it is ideal for interior projects like furniture, doors, cabinets and trim. Above all, the varathane polyurethane water based varnish dries clear, dries very quickly and it works perfectly.Most customers found that the varnish is not matte like wax, however. Furthermore, a few also found that the polyurethane looks like and don’t over brush it even though it looks like snot. Moreover, a few say that the polyurethanes are both chock full of teeny, tiny bubbles. In short, buyers found this to be one of the best varnish for daily purposes.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is great on table tops applied with a foam brush.
- This comes out really well. To add to that, it has held up really well.
- This does not absorb light, therefore it does not yellow.
- This can be used on polymer clay beads.
Best For Cabinet: Minwax Polyurethane Water Based Varnish
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Minwax Polyurethane Water Based Varnish for regular usage. The minwax polyurethane water based varnish is made for new floors or floors that need to be refinished, minwax fast-drying polyurethane or minwax super fast-drying polyurethane for floors should be used. 1 pt hand rubbed beauty with polyurethane protection easy water clean-up applied with a cloth. This product must be sure to allow wood that has been stained to dry completely before top coating with minwax wipe - on poly. The varnish allows for ease of application and it offers $1 for good reviews. Also, the varnish is user-friendly, works very well and it protects you well. Finally, the minwax polyurethane waterbased varnish is the benefit of using minwax wipe-on poly versus a traditional polyurethane.Almost all customers quickly discovered that the water is not a durable finish and does not hold up well to abrasions and weather. And, a few say that the water is designed to eliminate brush application. Further, a few strongly agree that note: if the water soaks in, the poly will go in as well.Top Customer Quotes:
- This has lasted for months with no problems.
- This can be used on boat decks which are very durable.
- It dries fast and it is suitable for direct sunlight.
- This is stronger and better at repelling rain, weather, etc.
Best For Customer Service: Rustoleum Polyurethane Water Based Varnish
Buy on Amazon Rustoleum is known for creating pragmatic and minimalist polyurethane for people on the go, and its line of Rustoleum Polyurethane Water Based Varnish definitely falls in line with that reputation. The rustoleum polyurethane water based varnish dries clear and it dries very quickly. It provides outstanding scratch and stain resistance to keep your interior wood projects looking great longer. Moreover, the polyurethane is manufactured in the United States. The varnish is made with low odor, goes on evenly and it is resilient. Moreover, this works so far, is best for direct sunlight and it dries fine. Above all, the rustoleum polyurethanewater based varnish works great and it does the trick.Most buyers agree that the varnish is used to be called diamond finish, so there is some confusion while searching for it. And, they say that the polyurethane is the usual spray easy coating process. Further, they strongly agree that this is water - based, and while it takes more coats to get the glassy finish on the surface, it dries much smoother than the oil - based spray from varathane. Overall, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Top Customer Quotes:
- This will offer protection, but spar urethane is better for outdoor use.
- This will extend the life of the pendant.
- This is used to house a record player.
- This is much easier to work with since it's water - based.
Best For Outdoors: Decoart Polyurethane Water Based Varnish
Buy on Amazon We know from years of feedback from readers, amazon sellers, and family and friends what most people want in a convenient and appropriate water. The Decoart Polyurethane Water Based Varnish is exactly that - it's a simple water that hits all the right notes. The decoart polyurethane water basedvarnish can be used on most hard craft surfaces, both interior and exterior. Manufacturer says: As a company, we focus on three key concepts when developing and supporting new products. In addition, it dries clear, is non-toxic and it has no odor. The polyurethane gives a nice, is nontoxic and it allows for very little odor. Lastly, the decoart polyurethane waterbased varnish has a nice shine, is very flat and it is used for paper mache.Most buyers quickly discovered that the varnish can be used on wood painted with water - based acrylic paint. And, they strongly agree that the varnish is not recommended for use on the putty. Overall, for almost all customers, Decoart product was the most suitable.Few customers got oil based clear gloss varnish and masterline polyurethanes in satin, along with the varnish.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is ideal for doll faces.
- Forms a weatherproof, protective seal on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
- This works well over acrylics on wood and leaves a nice flat finish.
- This went on easily, is made with good stuff and it is available in satin.
Best For Superior Durability: Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself scrambling for appropriate and satisfactory water, Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish is your end point. The rustoleum crystal clear finish is rock hard, cleaned up with simple soap and it can get very little odor. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, the water went on easily and it is great for easy application. The water looks beautiful, dried hard and it is ideal for coffee table. Lastly, the rustoleum crystal clear finish is gallon sat wb flr finish.Most buyers agree that the varnish is not a thick 'gel' that fills in surface pores or surface bumps. And, they strongly agree that the water will be shipped in a carton is quantity 2, so that's why they call it a 2-pack. In addition, a few also found that the water is used to buy at lowes/home depot but they no longer carry it in store. In conclusion, buyers found this to be one of the best varnish for daily purposes.Customers say that buying a waterborne polyurethane floor finish, with this polyurethane made their life much easier.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This can be used on oil - stained paper floors over concrete.
- This has a great sheen, works very well and it works great.
- This is easy to apply, and gives good coverage.
- This maintains the color of the wood without yellowing.
Best For Polymer Clay: Venus Creator Polyurethane Water Based Varnish
Buy on Amazon The Venus Creator Polyurethane Water Based Varnish gives the top-tier water a run for their money by offering flagship specs at a much more affordable price. The venus creator polyurethanewater based varnish works well with low odor and it is coated with wind proof. 30 minutes for varnish to dry and apply for the second coat of varnish. The water - based varnish made with polyurethane, provides a gloss finish the coating. It is ideal for furniture, wall paneling, doors, cabinets, consoles, display storage and wood interiors and all the other products made of wood, fabric and paper. The water is scratch resistant and it has no odor. And, it provides its appearance like its new. Most importantly, the venus creator polyurethane water basedvarnish is water soluble and it works great.Most customers found that the polyurethane can be used on the hull of ship model San Francisco cross section. Further, they strongly agree that the polyurethane comes in a container with a replaceable plastic seal under the screw on the cap.Why We Like This:
- This makes a thick coat on the surface to make an intact finish.
- For wood, fabric and paper, the varnish provides its appearance like its new.
- The application of venus creator varnish stays glossy, shiny.
- Excellent abrasion and scratch resistant. Small scratch auto self recovery and repair.
Ideal For Marine: Totalboat Polyurethane Water Based Varnish
Buy on Amazon Totalboat lines of water come in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The Totalboat Polyurethane Water Based Varnish provides superior protection from sun damage, rainy weather, abrasion and scratches. Based marine varnish limits exposure to harmful chemicals and makes soap and water cleanup easy. 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. Above all, the totalboat polyurethane water based varnish allows for great coverage and it looks amazing."Darkened the chairs a little but what an amazing coat. " - says, one customer. In short, many buyers have used the totalboat polyurethane water based varnish for more than a few months without any issues, and it shows no sign of giving up.Why We Like This:
- This is easy to clean and it is ideal for marine.
- This is not available in a 4 quart kit.
- This is eco-friendly and it has excellent adhesion.
- It comes in clear or amber colors.