The 9 Best Polyurethanes Over Varnish (2022 reviews)

polyurethanes over varnish
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Are you planning to buy polyurethane over varnishs, and are you confused about the options ? You have landed on the right page.

Our review process:

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall:
Buy: Totalboat Polyurethane Over Varnish
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Best For Cabinet:
Buy: General Finishes Polyurethane Over Varnish
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Best For Handrail:
Buy: Varathane Polyurethane Over Varnish
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Best For Stained Wood:
Buy: Minwax Polyurethane Over Varnish
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Best For Indoor Furniture:
Buy: Rustoleum First Coat
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Best With Beautiful Results:
Buy: Minwax Wood Varnish
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Best For Outdoors:
Buy: Decoart Polyurethane Over Varnish
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Best For Superior Durability:
Buy: Rustoleum Polyurethane Over Varnish
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Best For Worth The Money:
Buy: System Three Polyurethane Over Varnish
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Best Overall: Totalboat Polyurethane Over Varnish

Totalboat Polyurethane Over Varnish
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The Totalboat Polyurethane Over Varnish is the best fully-featured varnish on the market today. The totalboat polyurethane over varnish drys fast, went on easily and it provides excellent durability. For a satin finish, use gloss for building coats and satin for the finishing coat. 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.

The polyurethane is perfect for great protection, is ideal for marines and it is built with great customer service. Further, the varnish is eco-friendly and it goes on milky. Finally, the totalboat polyurethane over varnish is odor free and it is great for customer service.

Most buyers agree that polyurethane is recommended to use the high gloss finish as opposed to satin as the gloss has higher UV protection. Further, a few strongly agree that the varnish does not self - level and will leave every brush mark or bubble from a foam brush, bristle brush or foam roller. Further, they strongly agree that the polyurethane will not last more than 3-4 seasons without some overcoats though.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is easy to apply by brushing, rolling or spraying.
  • This is not available in a 4 quart kit.
  • It comes out nice and smooth.
  • This is a good choice for any outdoor finish.

Best For Cabinet: General Finishes Polyurethane Over Varnish

General Finishes Polyurethane Over Varnish
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The general finish polyurethane over varnish is capable of outshining several other varnish featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The general finish, polyurethane over varnish has a nice shine, is made with great customer service and it covers an area. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, polyurethane is great for high quality and it has great results.

Polyurethane is the hardest, most durable consumer polyurethane top coat on the market today. Moreover, this maintains its sheen and it is made for satin sheen. Finally, the General Finishes Polyurethane Over Varnish is great for daily projects and it is used for great products.

Almost all buyers found that the polyurethane is easy to apply, requires less sanding, gel is slightly less messy than liquid counterpart, the small can goes a long way, and the java is a gorgeous color. Moreover, they say that the polyurethane looks like a high end table now. Further, they say that the high performance is water based and meant to only be used over a water based paint or stain. Overall, for almost all buyers, General Finishes product was the most suitable.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Dry time between coats is only 1 to 2 hours.
  • That is so I finally gave in and bought some.
  • This can be used as a top coat for painted cabinets.
  • It works great, it looks great and it has used 3 coats.

Best For Handrail: Varathane Polyurethane Over Varnish

Varathane Polyurethane Over Varnish
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The Varathane Polyurethane Over Varnish is capable of outshining several other varnish featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The varathane polyurethane over varnish is affordable, is odorless and it is very shiny. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, it provides a classic and natural look.

The polyurethane is non-toxic and it allows for ease of application. Most importantly, the varathane polyurethane overvarnish has great results and it is very glossy.

Most customers opine that the varnish is about a medium shine, depending on how many coats. In addition, they strongly agree that the polyurethane is intended as an interior wood finish. And, a few also found that the varathane water based can be finished using pumice and rottenstone to give an excellent finish. With no doubts, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Low odor and fast, easy soap and water clean-up.
  • It will look glossy and beautiful after a few coatings.
  • This is purely preference, If you would like a smoother finish, go with a sponge.
  • This does not absorb light, therefore it does not yellow.

Best For Stained Wood: Minwax Polyurethane Over Varnish

Minwax Polyurethane Over Varnish
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The Minwax line of polyurethane comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The Minwax Polyurethane Over Varnish can be used on floors to touch up small areas that are worn or scratched. 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 polyurethane is odorless, is very smooth and it is great for a great price. In addition, the varnish is the benefit of using minwax wipe-on poly versus a traditional polyurethane. Lastly, the minwax polyurethaneover varnish is made with great stuff, Never go back and it offers $1 for good reviews.

Most buyers quickly discover that the varnish is the correct choice for your needs. Further, they also found that polyurethane is good, but keep in mind that if you apply it on other than wood it will yellow your color, especially if it is in a dark place. Also, they say that polyurethane is as good as regular poly.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This has lasted for months with no problems.
  • This works well because poly cures as much as it dries.
  • This looks good and it is for ease of application.
  • This is perfect for a guitar headstock refinish.

Best For Indoor Furniture: Rustoleum First Coat

Rustoleum First Coat
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The Rustoleum First Coat's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The rustoleum first coat is food safe, it looks great and it allows for short drying time. 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. And, the polyurethane has great results, is great for coffee tables and it is made for garage doors.

The polyurethane works very well, is very shiny and it dries completely clear. Also, the polyurethane is ceramic and it is great for wood stain. Lastly, the rustoleum first coat is designed for easy use and it should be used with caution.

Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish can be used in swimming pools. And, they also found that the polyurethane is easy to rinse brushes after use. Also, a few also found that polyurethane is a fast - drying urethane which should be fine after overnight drying.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This protects them, Some wood absorbs more than others.
  • This will act as a preservative for the original finish.
  • This will go more orangey as it ages.
  • This works with latex paint since it is much more flexible.

Best With Beautiful Results: Minwax Wood Varnish

Minwax Wood Varnish
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Next on the list, we've got yet another varnish that manages to win our hearts. It's the Minwax Wood Varnish and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient varnish you can buy. The minwax wood varnish includes minwax fast-drying polyurethane or water based oil modified polyurethane or helmsman spar urethane for exterior use. Manufacturer says: Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to keep on finishing. The special oils in this wood varnish spray allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change.

The varnish looks better and it has excellent results. Further, this holds up well, has used 3 coats and it takes practice. Lastly, the minwax wood varnish is designed for outdoor living space, is designed for outdoor use and it is great with the end result.

Most customers quickly discovered that the polyurethane is a satin or matte. Then it will be opaque until you stir it, then it will increase opaqueness. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the polyurethane has been holding up to water and plates well. Further, they strongly agree that the spray is applied in a broad manner, giving the project a good coat. Overall, for most customers, Minwax product was just what they wanted.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is bird safe when dry.
  • This can be used on metal outdoor light sconces and door hardware.
  • This goes on evenly and it is suitable for the coffee table.
  • This is an old dried out treated post, then possibly.

Best For Outdoors: Decoart Polyurethane Over Varnish

Decoart Polyurethane Over Varnish
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The Decoart Polyurethane Over Varnish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The decoart polyurethane over varnish is very flat and it is nontoxic. Manufacturer says: As a company, we focus on three key concepts when developing and supporting new products. Also, the polyurethane gives a nice look and it is available in satin.

Polyurethane protects surfaces from chemicals such as alcohol and resists water stains or rings. In addition, polyurethane can be used on most hard craft surfaces, both interior and exterior. Above all, the decoart polyurethane over varnish has a nice shine and it is non-toxic.

Most buyers agree that polyurethane can be used on wood painted with water - based acrylic paint. And, a few say that polyurethane works well over acrylic on wood and leaves a nice flat finish. Moreover, a few also found that the varnish is not recommended for use on the putty. Overall, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Manufacturer says: as creators of paint, we find it difficult to answer that question.
  • Forms a weatherproof, protective seal on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
  • Brush-on polyurethane, non-yellowing varnishes that form a tough, flexible, clear finish that dries quickly.
  • This is ideal for doll faces.

Best For Superior Durability: Rustoleum Polyurethane Over Varnish

Rustoleum Polyurethane Over Varnish
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The Rustoleum Polyurethane Over Varnish is capable of outshining several other polyurethanes featured in this list in overall features in its price range. The rustoleum polyurethaneover varnish is perfect for wood stain and it is made with great stuff. I want a water-based finish for hardwood floors. Also, the polyurethane has superior durability, abrasion resistance and scuff resistance.

Most importantly, the rustoleum polyurethane overvarnish is manufactured in the United States.

Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the varnish is because the wood will expand and contract in response to humidity, particularly across the grain, which inevitably opens small cracks along the board edges. Furthermore, a few also found that the varnish is used to buy at lowes or home depot, but they quit stocking. Further, they also found that the polyurethane is designed for staining decks. With no doubts, this varnish passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • It is easy to use and very green.
  • This provides a crystal clear finish.
  • This allows for great shine, it went on well and has an elegant design.
  • This resulted in damage to the finish that required sanding and refinishing.

Best For Worth The Money: System Three Polyurethane Over Varnish

System Three Polyurethane Over Varnish
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The System Three Polyurethane Over Varnish is capable of outshining several other varnish featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The system three polyurethane over varnish is exceptionally durable and it has great results. System three marine spar varnish contains state-of-the-art UV absorbers, which will keep wood looking beautiful even with constant exposure to strong sunlight. Moreover, it is very glossy and it holds up well.

Polyurethane offers excellent protection from salt air and water. Most importantly, the system three polyurethane over varnish is designed for marine epoxy and exterior wood surfaces such as railings, doors or any surface where a clear, durable finish is desired.

Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the polyurethane would yellow at least some and over time it would yellow even more. And, they strongly agree that the polyurethane is designed for a floor or deck coating is what will be the best option. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the main reason the varnish is used is to protect the epoxy from UV rays. Overall, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This has excellent resistance to sunlight/ultraviolet rays.
  • This is good for easy application and it is worth the money.
  • This is a wonderful application and it went on well.
  • This is more work, but caution is important.