The 12 Best Polyurethanes For Wood Furniture (2022 reviews)
It is important to have the well suited polyurethane for wood furniture.
Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best polyurethane for wood furniture for you.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Varnishes For Furniture, Best Wood Sealer Polyurethanes and Best Polyurethanes Over Varnish for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat READ REVIEWBest For Superior Durability: Buy: Minwax Polyurethane For Wood Furniture READ REVIEWBest For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods: Buy: Totalboat Polyurethane For Wood Furniture READ REVIEWBest For Front Door: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish READ REVIEWBest For Cabinet: Buy: Rustoleum Smooth Finish READ REVIEWBest For Stained Wood: Buy: Varathane Polyurethane For Wood Furniture READ REVIEWBest For Kitchen Table: Buy: General Finishes Polyurethane For Wood Furniture READ REVIEWBest For Worth The Money: Buy: System Three Polyurethane For Wood Furniture READ REVIEWBest For Deck: Buy: Rustoleum Polyurethane For Wood Furniture READ REVIEWBest For Exterior Use: Buy: Zar Great Varnish READ REVIEWBest For Stair: Buy: Zar Polyurethane For Wood Furniture READ REVIEWBest Overall: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish
Buy on Amazon Polyurethane is a must have addition for your daily life. The Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish is easy to apply, dries fast, and doesn't need sanding between coats. Remains flexible, expands and contracts with the wood during seasonal humidity and temperature changes. In addition, it is great with yearly maintenance tip, read the instructions and it has compared gleam to other varnishes. The polyurethane is easy to apply, with smooth flow out on bare wood, previously painted 1-part varnish in good condition, or over cured epoxy. Further, this is easy to apply, and creates a radiant, durable finish. Lastly, the totalboat gleam gloss varnish provides protection on exterior surfaces, too.Almost all customers found that the polyurethane is easy to brush and doesn't dry with a strong amber color. Further, they strongly agree that the polyurethane is great for tipping and levels perfectly. Moreover, they strongly agree that the polyurethane has an amber tint that darkens the overall look. In conclusion, buyers found this to be one of the best polyurethanes for daily purposes.Customers say that getting a marine grade clear coats for wood and marine paints for wood boat, along with polyurethane is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is designed for wooden boats and it is great for a fair price.
- This is a super water-resistant varnish, which is completely different.
- This is great for protecting wood from the sun.
- This is mostly urethane based.
Best With Low Odor: General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat
Buy on Amazon The features department is where general finishes, durable consumer polyurethane top coat truly manage to shine. The general finish durable consumer polyurethane top coat has a nice shine and it is perfect for great coverage. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Furthermore, this went on easily, looks amazing and it is great for daily projects. The polyurethane is great for the end result and it goes on smoothly. In addition, it applies easily, comes with great customer service and it is made for satin sheen. Finally, the General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat maintains its sheen and it does the job.Most buyers quickly discovered that the polyurethane was so finally gave in and bought some. In addition, a few say that the polyurethane takes about 3 coats to give a nice rich deep java look. Moreover, a few say that the high performance is water based and meant to only be used over a water based paint or stain. Overall, many customers have used the general finishes durable consumer polyurethane top coat for more than a few months without any complaints, and it shows no sign of giving up.Top Customer Quotes:
- It is easy to use and user-friendly.
- This protects like a champ and a builder grade oak.
- This looks like a high end table now.
- This goes on nice, covers well and it protects well.
Best For Superior Durability: Minwax Polyurethane For Wood Furniture
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Minwax Polyurethane For Wood Furniture for daily purpose. The minwax polyurethane for wood furniture is desired, repeat step 6 before application. Stir minwax fast-drying polyurethane before and during use to eliminate settling on the bottom of the can. This oil - based clear sealer protective coating protects and adds long - lasting beauty to woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets and floors. The polyurethane is ceramic and it sprays evenly. Also, the polyurethane is furnished with nice stuff, has followed the instructions and it is for professional results. Most importantly, the minwax polyurethane for wood furniture offers long - lasting beauty on both finished and unfinished wood surfaces.Most buyers opine that the polyurethane can be sprayed on rattan but brushing or ragging it on would be problematic. Also, a few say that polyurethane is great for making rock look wet. Moreover, they say that the polyurethane can use a fan to shorten the time. In conclusion, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the polyurethane suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is submersed in water. The lacquer will give way over time.
- It looks like high - end glossy furniture.
- Its superior durability makes it ideal for use on all your wooden surfaces.
- This is also a very important step that some people overlook.
Best For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods: Totalboat Polyurethane For Wood Furniture
Buy on Amazon If you want nothing but a polyurethane that is reliable, this Totalboat Polyurethane For Wood Furniture is certainly a wise investment. The totalboat polyurethane for wood furniture works well with elk antlers and it is great with prompt shipment. Start and finish your next varnish project in a single weekend. Moreover, the polyurethane is smooth and durable, with a gloss level so shiny it looks wet, even when it’s dry—making it ideal for brightwork. Polyurethane reduces the number of coats required. Moreover, the polyurethane comes with a topcoat of lust matte, which can be thinned with totalboat special brushing thinner 100 for improved flow. Above all, the totalboat polyurethane for wood furniture works perfectly and it is simple to apply.Almost all customers agree that the polyurethane works well, provides a great finish. Moreover, a few also found that polyurethane can be used on wooden sailboats and log houses to weather protect. Further, they strongly agree that the first coat is 50 % with xylene to penetrate and seal the grain. Overall, for most customers, Totalboat product was just what they wanted.Customers discovered that getting a marine paints for wood boat and marine grade clear coats for wood, along with polyurethane is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Available in high gloss or matte in pint, quart and gallon sizes.
- This will run if applied to thick, but not terrible.
- Marine grade varnish imparts a rich, clear amber tone that enhances wood grain.
- This varnish has been on the boat for 5 months without any problems.
Best For Front Door: Minwax Clear Finish
Buy on Amazon The Minwax Clear Finish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The minwax clear finish is best for craft projects, is very happy and it is super fast. Stir oil-modified polyurethane before and during use to eliminate settling on the bottom of the can. The water - based clear top coat combines superior durability with the beauty of traditional polyurethane. The polyurethane is safe and it is pink. Most importantly, the minwax clear finish is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects.Most buyers find that the polyurethane cleans up easily like water but has a stronger finish like oil - based poly. And, a few strongly agree that the polyurethane is mostly water based, but a little thick. In addition, a few strongly agree that the benefits of both water - based and oil - based polyurethanes without any of their disadvantages. In short, for almost all customers, polyurethane was the most suitable.Top Customer Quotes:
- After final coat, allow 24 hours before light use.
- Thoroughly wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- This is it definitely applies and dries smoother than traditional poly,s even with a brush.
- This can easily wait 8 hours after staining, before applying oil-modified polyurethane.
Best For Cabinet: Rustoleum Smooth Finish
Buy on Amazon The Rustoleum Smooth Finish might be a relatively new release, but it's still nothing short of impressive this year, thanks to multiple price cuts and added new features over the past few iterations. The rustoleum smooth finish protects interior wood surfaces such as cabinets, doors, trim and more. Rust-oleum ultimate polyurethane with soft touch is a durable and hard coating that feels softer to the touch than a traditional polyurethane. Moreover, it provides a durable, protective finish for various types of indoor wood surfaces. The polyurethane is very flat and it is super durable. Above all, the rustoleum smooth finish reduces the appearance of fingerprints and smudges.Almost all customers quickly discovered that the polyurethane is very runny, so pay attention to the drips. Moreover, they also found that the polyurethane is easy to brush, dries quickly to a nice satin finish though a little on the shiny side. Further, they strongly agree that the solid content of water based is n't the same as oil. Consequently, buyers were very happy to recommend it to friends and would-be buyers.Top Customer Quotes:
- This provides excellent scratch and stain resistance with a soft, smooth finish.
- This is the right question to ask really.
- This is a perfect sheen compared to other tiles.
- This is easy to use, durable and very forgiving.
Best For Stained Wood: Varathane Polyurethane For Wood Furniture
Buy on Amazon The Varathane Polyurethane For Wood Furniture has killer features for the price point. The varathane polyurethane forwood furniture has low-odor, is very shiny and it is ideal for kitchen countertops. Based formula dries fast and cleans up with soap and water. Moreover, it drys very fast, has followed the instructions and it has a beautiful sheen. Polyurethane protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, trim and more. Also, this went on smoothly, the food was safe and it is safe. Above all, the varathane polyurethane for wood furniture is tricky to apply, is very happy and it is water soluble.Most buyers agree that the polyurethane will not yellow since it is water based. In addition, they say that polyurethane is a great finishing coat for latex/acrylic interior paints. Further, a few strongly agree that the finish wo n't scratch & to achieve that glossy surface.Top Customer Quotes:
- This includes all that information, but in a very technical way.
- This is great for painted fireplace tiles.
- This looks quite nice on the baby's dresser.
- This does the job and it is scratch resistant.
Best For Kitchen Table: General Finishes Polyurethane For Wood Furniture
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention General Finishes Polyurethane For Wood Furniture for daily purpose. The general finish polyurethane for woodfurniture allows for great protection and it is safe. The very ingredient that gives these paints their velvety look and powdery feel works against them in the durability department, especially chalk paint that can at times rub off on you if you brush up against it. And, this has followed the instructions and it works perfectly. Most importantly, the general finishes polyurethanefor wood furniture is pink and it is super durable.Almost all customers quickly discovered that polyurethane is quite helpful in the summer. Also, they strongly agree that the polyurethane will look a bit yellowed where it pools. Moreover, a few strongly agree that this flat finish is absolutely amazing. In conclusion, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the polyurethane suits the purpose.Customers discovered that getting a polyurethanes for table, with this polyurethane made their life much easier.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Works as stated takes any and all sheen out of a finish.
- This will scratch the surface if the table is used a lot.
- This is easy to apply and quite fast to dry.
- This is easy to use, warm soapy water cleanup.
Best For Worth The Money: System Three Polyurethane For Wood Furniture
Buy on Amazon System Three offers a variety of polyurethane for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The System Three Polyurethane For Wood Furniture is very glossy and it holds up well. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, this is made worth the money, and it is wonderful in application. The polyurethane is exceptionally durable, has great results and it is non toxic. Lastly, the system three polyurethane for wood furniture offers excellent protection from salt air and water.Almost all customers found that the polyurethane will yellow at least some and over time it will yellow even more. And, a few also found that the polyurethane is wonderful and very durable in that application. In addition, they also found that the polyurethane is very clear and dries to a fine clear finish on most surfaces. To sum up, many buyers have used the system three polyurethane forwood furniture for more than a few months without any problems, and it shows no sign of giving up.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is easy to spray with the right equipment.
- This is a great finish and goes on easy and smoothly.
- This has excellent resistance to sunlight/ultraviolet rays.
- This will last a long time.
Best For Deck: Rustoleum Polyurethane For Wood Furniture
Buy on Amazon The Rustoleum Polyurethane For Wood Furniture is suitable and reliable and fits well with your daily purpose. The rustoleum polyurethanefor woodfurniture allows for quick and easy application. Varathane scratch repair polyurethane pen repairs minor scratches and scuffs on wood surfaces and hardwood floors. And, it is very glossy and it is very effective. Lastly, the rustoleum polyurethane for wood furniture is worth the money and it is laminate.Most customers found that the polyurethane is great for touch up or small item's. Moreover, they strongly agree that the polyurethane will withstand wear on a floor. Also, a few say that this clear coat adds shine, helping to disguise the touched up areas on satin finished wood floors, coating over the haze. In conclusion, most buyers call the polyurethane suits best, and no one questions it.Top Customer Quotes:
- Great for minor repairs on wood surfaces, including hardwood floors.
- It is very effective in covering scratches on a dresser with maple finish.
- Durable formula hides minor defects and blemishes.
- The Manufacturer says: solving challenges is the very foundation of who we are.
Best For Exterior Use: Zar Great Varnish
Buy on Amazon Not everyone likes to purchase polyurethane for their daily usage, but the greatest varnish would be an anomoly. The Zar great varnish comes dries in two hours, has low-odor and it is great for a fair price. Featuring a tough, abrasion-resistant finish and self-leveling properties, it works beautifully on hardwood floors, cabinets, furniture, and woodwork. Moreover, it is ultra flat and it went on easily. Finally, the Zar great varnish is abrasion resistant, is used for exterior use and it has removed the doors.Most customers opine that the polyurethane looks like a fine piece of woodworking. And, a few say that polyurethane can be topcoated with oil based poly urethane, You can use this. Also, a few say that this is an ideal finish for any painted furniture, including kitchen cabinets. Overall, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the polyurethane suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- This drys fast, turned out nice and it has excellent results.
- This is dead flat and it is great for floors.
- This is easier to use than the poly available in the bigbox stores.
- It will look like you left a dry spot.
Best For Stair: Zar Polyurethane For Wood Furniture
Buy on Amazon The Zar Polyurethane For Wood Furniture's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The zar polyurethane for wood furniture looks amazing and it is best for prompt delivery. Featuring a tough, abrasion-resistant finish and self-leveling properties, it works beautifully on hardwood floors, cabinets, furniture, and woodwork. Further, polyurethane is an incredibly fast-drying, oil-based polyurethane that dries to a smooth finish on bare wood, in just two hours, with no brush marks. Most importantly, the zar polyurethane for wood furniture is abrasion resistant, super fast and it is designed for kitchen countertops.Almost all customers opine that the polyurethane is easy to apply to stair treads. And, they strongly agree that the polyurethane is oil-based, over time, there will be a noticeable yellowing. So, customers were eager to recommend it to friends and would-be buyers.Few customers bought polyurethanes for wood furniture, along with the polyurethane.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Super fast drying, dries in 2 hours.
- This is applied, crack a window.
- Tough abrasion resistant finish for floors, doors and furniture.