The 10 Best Polyurethane Wood Finishes For Outdoor (2022 reviews)
Are you planning to buy polyurethane wood finish for outdoors, and are you confused about the options ?
You have landed on the right page.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Wood Sealer Polyurethanes, Best Polyurethane Sealers For Outdoor Wood and Best Outdoor Polyurethane Finishes for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Plywood: Buy: Decoart Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoor READ REVIEWBest For Front Door: Buy: Totalboat Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoor READ REVIEWBest For Cabinet: Buy: Varathane Final Coat READ REVIEWBest For Indoor Furniture: Buy: Rustoleum Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoor READ REVIEWBest For Stained Wood: Buy: Minwax Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoor READ REVIEWBest For Superior Durability: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish READ REVIEWBest For Handrail: Buy: Rustoleum Satin Finish READ REVIEWBest For Picnic Tables: Buy: Varathane Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoor READ REVIEWBest For Coffee Table: Buy: Zar Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoor READ REVIEWBest Overall: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
Buy on Amazon The finish is a must have accessory for your regular use. The Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish is designed for wooden boats, goes on smooth and it is used for exterior use. The Manufacturer says: Even our favorite products, the ones we'd come to rely on, have room for improvement. Further, the polyurethane is great for low humidity, is made for direct sunlight and it is perfect for window sills. The finish 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. And, it is available in gloss or satin (low-sheen), in pint, quart and gallon sizes. Most importantly, 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.Most buyers found that the finish is great for protecting wood from the sun. In addition, they strongly agree that the finish has an amber tint that darkens the overall look. Moreover, a few also found that this is a varnish designed for the rigors of life at sea. In short, many have used polyurethane for more than a few months without letup, and it shows no sign of giving up.Customers say that getting a polyurethane sealers for outdoor wood and marine paints for wood boat, along with finish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This can be used on a tiger wooden desk.
- Compared to z spar captain varnish and flagship varnish, and epifanes clear varnish.
- This is easy to apply, dries fast, and doesn't need sanding between coats.
- A total of 4-6 coats will give the best finish and depth.
Best For Plywood: Decoart Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoor
Buy on Amazon Compared with other finishes in this category, the Decoart Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoors has a convenient design. The decoart polyurethane wood finish for outdoors can be used on most hard craft surfaces, both interior and exterior. The manufacturer says: We just try to narrow down the infinite choices to capture what we can in our bottles. Further, this is non-toxic and it is good for a cheap price. Finally, the decoart polyurethane wood finish for outdoors is odorless, is clear when dry and it dries completely clear.Most buyers find that the polyurethane will stick well and hold up on surfaces that are clean and thoroughly dry. Furthermore, a few also found that the finish will prevent water stains/rings, etc. And, they strongly agree that the finish is a great varnish for small projects.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is dried super clear, is affordable and it is super durable.
- This goes on well and it does the job.
- This is made to seal paintings and protect your work though.
- Forms a weatherproof, protective seal on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Best For Front Door: Totalboat Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoor
Buy on Amazon Totalboat offers a variety of polyurethane for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Totalboat Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoors comes in clear or amber colors. Halcyon's forgiving formula flows smoothly, lays down evenly & dries fast so you can finish varnishing in hours, not days or weeks. 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 wood finish for outdoors provides superior protection from sun damage, rainy weather, abrasion and scratches.Most buyers quickly discover that the polyurethane was ready for a second and third coat within an hour of the previous application. And, a few strongly agree that the finish is a good choice for any outdoor finish. Further, a few also found that the floorboards get. This is a varnish and intended for above the waterline use, but it is also for interior and exterior applications, so it does have some water resistance. To sum up, for most buyers, it was just what they wanted.Top Customer Quotes:
- It looks funny in the cup, almost like milk.
- This is not available in a 4 quart kit.
- This will look beautiful and be protected from the elements.
- This is made for floor application.to slippery.
Best For Cabinet: Varathane Final Coat
Buy on Amazon The Varathane Final Coat's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The varathane final coat is very shiny and it does the job. Crystal clear finish that never yellows. In addition, it is ideal for interior projects like furniture, doors, cabinets and trim. The finish protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, trim and more. In addition, it is very clear, drys very fast and it went on smoothly. Lastly, the varathane final coat can settle for semi-gloss and it is great for craft projects.Almost all customers opine that the polyurethane looks quite nice on the baby's dresser. Further, they also found that the polyurethanes are more than helpful, courteous, professional, knowledgeable, etc.. You're best bet is to call them directly for customer service. Also, a few also found that this gives an odor - free - beautiful finish that is much more durable than wax. In conclusion, for most buyers, Varathane product was what they were looking for.Top Customer Quotes:
- These make a special food - grade oil finish for those.
- This is supposed to... but it is not for use with white.
- The finish wo n't scratch & to achieve that glossy surface.
- This match for dog nails and takes chalk paint 20.
Best For Indoor Furniture: Rustoleum Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoor
Buy on Amazon For a low asking price, Rustoleum Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoors has managed to overwhelm their customers by packing as many features as they could. The rustoleum polyurethane woodfinish for outdoors comes for easy use, suitable for direct sunlight and it is for interior use. Protective esc coating lasts longer, less work water clean-up, fast dry, low odor, maximum protection for exterior doors, furniture and boats lasts twice as long as exterior oil-based finishes used on exterior doors, furniture and boats satin finish 1 quart. In addition, it applies easily, is very shiny and it fits perfect on a coffee table. The finish works very well and it should be caution. And, this is pretty impressive, looks better and it dries completely clear. Finally, the rustoleum polyurethane wood finishfor outdoors looks much better and it has excellent results.Almost all buyers agree that the finish is easy to rinse brushes after use. Further, a few strongly agree that the polyurethane has protected the wood, but it needs a new coat this year. And, a few also found that the finish protects them, Some wood absorbs more than others. In conclusion, most customers find the finish suits best, and no one questions it.Top Customer Quotes:
- This protects better as well.
- This water based urethane will soak in and will likely raise the grain.
- This will make it last longer than it normally would.
- This is perfect for an old boat’s teak deck.
Best For Stained Wood: Minwax Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoor
Buy on Amazon The Minwax Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoors is capable of outshining several other finishes featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The minwax polyurethanewood finish for outdoors dries fast and it drys very fast. Minwax water based wipe-on poly is a durable, clear finish that combines polyurethane protection with classic, hand-rubbed beauty. look. This product must be sure to allow wood that has been stained to dry completely before top coating with minwax wipe - on poly. Above all, the minwax polyurethane woodfinish for outdoors can settle for semi-gloss, is user-friendly and it is great for the end result.Almost all customers opine that the finish has that great poly protection that the others lack. And, they strongly agree that polyurethane can be used on boat decks, which is very durable. Also, they also found that the later the coat, the more chance for build - up, lines, and runs. With no doubts, this polyurethane passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Top Customer Quotes:
- Should minwax wipe-on poly be sanded between coats ?.
- This is perfect for a guitar headstock refinish.
- This is the perfect choice for furniture, interior doors, trim and other woodwork.
- This comes with an application tool, is odorless and it provides excellent durability.
Best For Superior Durability: Minwax Clear Finish
Buy on Amazon The Minwax Clear Finish gives the top-tier finish a run for their money by offering flagship specs at a much more affordable price. The minwax clear finish provides long-lasting protection and warm beauty for both finished and unfinished wood projects. Plus, you can get more done with this protective poly coating. The water - based clear top coat combines superior durability with the beauty of traditional polyurethane. The finish is completely clear, is used for semi-gloss and it works well for interior use. Moreover, polyurethane protects wood surfaces and it works well. Above all, the minwax clear finish can easily wait 8 hours after staining, before applying oil-modified polyurethane.Almost all customers opine that the finish has a milky color to it when applied but dries clear. Further, they strongly agree that the finish is perfect with no issues. And, they strongly agree that the finish has a large 2.0mm nozzle.Top Customer Quotes:
- It is a bit damp or huumid in the house.
- It is silky smooth, comes with great stuff and it is odorless.
- This is nothing compared to regular oil - based polyurethane.
- This will flake and take the poly with it.
Best For Handrail: Rustoleum Satin Finish
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 finish. The Rustoleum Satin Finish is exactly that - it's a simple finish that hits all the right notes. The rustoleum satin finish protects outdoor wood surfaces such as furniture, fences, railings, trim and more. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, the finish is perfect for use on furniture, trim, railing and more. The finish provides excellent resistance against scratches, weathering, uv light, and more while expanding and contracting with weather conditions. Lastly, the rustoleum satin finish can settle for semi-gloss, back off and it goes on smoothly.Most customers opine that the finish will eventually become super hard. Also, a few say that the finish has a great sheen on many pieces of driftwood. And, they strongly agree that the polyurethane is where the spar urethane comes in. Overall, most buyers agree that polyurethane suits best, and no one questions it.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is like polyurethane, it will discolor the paint.
- The Satin finish provides a classic and natural look.
- This is used for art work and it works awesome.
- This goes on smoothly, is designed for a great price and it dries well.
Best For Picnic Tables: Varathane Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoor
Buy on Amazon The Varathane line of finish comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The Varathane Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoors comes out for easy application, goes on well and it protects well. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, it went on nice, is suitable for a coffee table and it does the trick. Lastly, the varathane polyurethanewood finishfor outdoors can have tons of bubbles and it can get very little odor.Almost all customers opine that the finish is easy to apply with a synthetic brush. Moreover, they also found that the finish is a great alternative to sparring varnish. To sum up, for most customers, Varathane product was just what they wanted.Customers discovered that getting a good brushes for polyurethane, along with finish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This has a UV blocker but this stuff is a wood sealer.
- This does one thing very well.
- It is easy to see where it is applied.
- This is sold as working on painted surfaces outdoors.
Best For Coffee Table: Zar Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoor
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 polyurethane. The Zar Polyurethane Wood Finish For Outdoors is exactly that - it's a simple polyurethane that hits all the right notes. The zar polyurethane wood finish for outdoors has great results and it has removed dust. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, it provides superior protection on exterior wood surfaces. Finally, the zar polyurethane wood finish for outdoors dries in two hours, suitable for direct sunlight and it has followed the instructions.One customer says - "Works as advertised, ready for second coat in about a half hour, in warm conditions. ". Most buyers quickly discovered that the polyurethane can be used on new fiberglass doors and 6 months later it looks great.Customers discovered that getting a exterior polyurethanes for wood, with this polyurethane made their life much easier.
Why We Like This:
- Outperforms other exterior clear finishes by 2-1.
- New and hot releases.