The 11 Best Varnishes To Protect Wood (2022 reviews)
It is important to have the best varnish to protect wood.
Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best varnish to protect wood for you.
Also check our buying guide on Best Shellac Varnishes, which will help you understand market quickly.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Epifanes Varnish To Protect Wood READ REVIEWBest For Uv Protection: Buy: Totalboat Varnish To Protect Wood READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: Minwax Varnish To Protect Wood READ REVIEWBest With Beautiful Results: Buy: Preservation Solutions Varnish To Protect Wood READ REVIEWBest For Outdoors: Buy: Decoart Varnish To Protect Wood READ REVIEWBest For Creating An Invisible Protective Coating: Buy: Modern Masters Varnish To Protect Wood READ REVIEWBest For Front Door: Buy: Mccloskey Varnish To Protect Wood READ REVIEWBest For Outdoor Furniture: Buy: System Three Varnish To Protect Wood READ REVIEWBest For Food: Buy: Tried True Varnish To Protect Wood READ REVIEWBest For Rock Painting: Buy: Delta Creative Varnish To Protect Wood READ REVIEWBest For Exterior Wood: Buy: Polyvine Varnish To Protect Wood READ REVIEWBest Overall: Epifanes Varnish To Protect Wood
Buy on Amazon Compared with other varnish in this category, the Epifanes Varnish To Protect Wood has a design with broader appeal. The epifanes varnish to protect wood has a beautiful shine and it allows for good flow. Formulated with tung oil, phenolic and alkyd resins results in a finish that has superior flow, gloss, durability, and exceptional longevity. Also, it is made for very nice results and it provides excellent durability. Most importantly, the epifanes varnish to protect wood is great with the end result and it holds up well.Almost all customers quickly discovered that the varnish is a marine varnish. One would think so. In addition, they say that the varnish can be used on antique dresser tops for bathroom.s. In addition, they say that the varnish is great for UV protection over fiberglass.Top Customer Quotes:
- A bit of a pain to go through the 7 steps, but great finish.
- This can be used as a topcoat on an outdoor bench.
- This is to make a finish for bamboo walking sticks.
- Protect from moisture and rain, shows wood color with a nice clear coat.
Best For Uv Protection: Totalboat Varnish To Protect Wood
Buy on Amazon The Totalboat Varnish To Protect Wood's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The totalboat varnish to protect wood is eco-friendly, is easy to clean and it went on easily. 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. Most importantly, the totalboat varnish to protect wood goes on milky, is good for several coats and it works well.Most buyers agree that the varnish is easy to push all the air out of the bag before sealing for re-use. In addition, they say that the varnish can be used on steps for 2 years and it has been through salt and snow and rain and sun. Moreover, they also found that the varnish has design for deck coatings. In conclusion, for almost all customers, it was what they were looking for.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is not available in a 4 quart kit.
- It is warm out, it dries quicker than an hour.
- Dries fast so you can finish faster than with traditional varnishes.
- It comes in clear or amber colors.
Best With Low Odor: Minwax Varnish To Protect Wood
Buy on Amazon Compared with other varnish in this category, the Minwax Varnish To Protect Wood has a convenient design. The minwax varnish to protect wood can minwax wipe-on poly be applied over minwax wood finish or other stains. Minwax wipe-on poly is easily applied with a cloth, without any drips or brush marks. 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 looks great, drys very fast and it provides excellent durability. Most importantly, the minwax varnish to protect wood provides a durable layer of topcoat protection but it is thinner than regular polyurethanes.Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish is more work than typical canned urethanes and often requires an extra coat or two, but it's worth the effort. Further, they strongly agree that the varnish is safe for food. Moreover, a few also found that the later the coat, the more chance for build - up, lines, and runs.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is also fast drying plus it takes at least 5 coats.
- This is the perfect choice for furniture, interior doors, trim and other woodwork.
- This is for fine finishes where you wipe on thinly and build up thickness.
- This is designed to eliminate brush applications.
Best With Beautiful Results: Preservation Solutions Varnish To Protect Wood
Buy on Amazon The preservation solution varnish to protect wood's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The Preservation Solutions Varnish To Protect Wood is perfect for first - time users and it has the following instructions. Pentacryl will leave your wood looking clean and bright while also making woodworking, turning, and carving easier as it lubricates the tools. And, the varnish has a nice shine, works great and it is effective on softwood. The varnish is perfect for your small or large green woodworking project. Above all, the preservation solutions varnish to protect wood is ready to use—no mixing required.Almost all customers quickly discovered that the varnish can be used by museums and restoration specialists to restore their waterlogged wooden artifacts. In addition, they say that the varnish will help keep them from cracking. Further, they also found that the varnish will harden the wood but it will stop it from splitting. Overall, most buyers agree that the varnish suits best, and no one questions it.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is perfect for wooden shops and it reduces drying time.
- It has only been 7 months, but so far no split.
- This can be sanded, stained, glued, wood burned, sealed, and/or finished including epoxy.
- It takes a long time to see if it does not split in the middle.
Best For Outdoors: Decoart Varnish To Protect Wood
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Decoart Varnish To Protect Wood for regular usage. The decoart varnish to protect wood protects surfaces from chemicals such as alcohol and resists water stains or rings. Manufacturer says: Our creative team develops products, projects, and techniques that inspire and educate our customers and achieve our ultimate goal of improving people's lives. And, it is available in satin and it has no odor. The varnish works great and it is nontoxic. Also, the varnish gives it a nice look and it is furnished with nice stuff. Most importantly, the decoart varnish to protect wood has a nice shine, is perfect for polymer clay and it went on easily.Most buyers opine that the varnish works well over acrylics on wood and leaves a nice flat finish. Also, a few say that the varnish is not recommended for use on the putty. Moreover, they say that the varnish is recommended that any jewelry to be painted, be painted with water based acrylic paints. In conclusion, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the varnish suits the purpose.Customers say that getting a poly varnishes for wood and clear matt finishes for wood, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Brush-on polyurethane, non-yellowing varnishes that form a tough, flexible, clear finish that dries quickly.
- This is ideal for doll faces.
- Manufacturer says: as creators of paint, we find it difficult to answer that question.
- This can be used on wood painted with water - based acrylic paint.
Best For Creating An Invisible Protective Coating: Modern Masters Varnish To Protect Wood
Buy on Amazon If you want nothing but a varnish that is reliable, this Modern Masters Varnish To Protect Wood is certainly a wise investment. The modern master varnishto protect wood is labor intensive and it is perfect for high - end furniture. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, it looks great and it is very dry. Above all, the modern master varnish toprotect wood has great results, is permanent and it is good for several coats.Most customers opine that the varnish will take the shine off of a gloss or satin polyurethane. Moreover, they say that the varnish is perfect over the stain, too. Moreover, they say that the varnish is dead flat, which looks fantastic and is amazingly durable. In short, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the varnish suits the purpose.Customers discovered that getting a brushes to apply polyurethane on wood and varnishes for wood window, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This can even be applied over a glossy paint to make it flat.
- This is made to withstand weather.
- This dries very fast and it protects well.
- This is a good one that has nice, soft polyester bristles.
Best For Front Door: Mccloskey Varnish To Protect Wood
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Mccloskey Varnish To Protect Wood for regular usage. The Mccloskey varnish to protectwood looks great and it turned white. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, this is perfect for high quality and it works great. The varnish looks beautiful and it is great for garage doors. Moreover, the varnish is great for use on wooden boats, outdoor furniture, doors, fences and trim. Lastly, the Mccloskey varnish to protect wood has used 3 coats and it is made with fast shipping.Almost all customers quickly discovered that the varnish is used for marine vehicles. In addition, they say that the varnish looks like this should last a number of years. Also, a few strongly agree that the varnish is strong and scratch resistant. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Customers discovered that getting a varnishes for wood window, with this varnish made their life much easier.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This looks like fine furniture, almost too good to be outside.
- This works well and the benches look great now.
- This works great and it is perfect for window sills.
- It is built with great quality and it has a great smell.
Best For Outdoor Furniture: System Three Varnish To Protect Wood
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention System Three Varnish To Protect Wood for daily purpose. The system three varnish to protect wood offers excellent protection from salt air and water. 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. In addition, it is exceptionally durable, is very glossy and it is wonderful in application. Lastly, the system of three varnishes to protect wood is designed for marine epoxy and exterior wood surfaces such as railings, doors or any surface where a clear, durable finish is desired.Most buyers quickly discover that the varnish is more work, but caution is important. And, a few strongly agree that the varnish will last a long time. And, a few say that the main reason the varnish is used is to protect the epoxy from UV rays. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Top Customer Quotes:
- Designed for marine and exterior wood surfaces.
- This is good for several coats and it works great.
- This is wonderful and very durable in that application.
- This has excellent resistance to sunlight/ultraviolet rays.
Best For Food: Tried True Varnish To Protect Wood
Buy on Amazon Compared with other varnish in this category, the tried - true varnish toprotect wood has a convenient design. The tried - true varnishto protect wood has excellent abrasion, scratch resistance and durability. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The ultimate hand rubbed finish that gets harder and more durable as it ages. The varnish is commonly used by woodworking professionals for application to bare wood or over-top an already-stained piece. Above all, the tried - true varnish to protectwood has a glossy look and it works great.Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish can be used on numerous things, including a kitchen table that gets daily use. And, they strongly agree that the varnish is completely food safe on night out of the can. Also, a few say that the varnish is designed to treat and help preserve the wood. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Few customers bought child friendly wood varnish, along with the varnish.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This has a nice shine, is environmentally safe and it has three coats.
- This is ideal for high-quality, interior furniture, tables and counter tops.
- Coverage rate: up to 1000 square feet per gallon, applied with lint-free clothes.
- This is 100% solids, so there are no toxic solvents.
Best For Rock Painting: Delta Creative Varnish To Protect Wood
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself confused about appropriate and satisfactory varnish, Delta creative varnish to protect wood is your solution. The Delta creative varnish to protect wood is ceramic and it is for rigid plastic. The manufacturer says: We generously support a variety of organizations that are committed to making the world a better place, including the American cancer society, the Gwinnett County women’s shelter, children’s healthcare of Atlanta, and the united Way. In addition, this works great and it works great. The varnish allows for painting on almost any surface. Moreover, the varnish applies easily, works perfectly and it leaves a beautiful. look look look look look. Lastly, the Delta creative varnish to protect wood has been a global manufacturer in the art and craft industry, providing high-quality products that make art and crafting easier and more fun.Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish would be hanging outside in New England weather. Moreover, they also found that the varnish is not intended to be used on flexible canvas surfaces. In short, for most customers, the varnish was what they were looking for.Customers found that buying a child friendly wood varnish, along with varnish is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Super-tough polyurethane brush-on varnish for indoor and outdoor protection over ceram coat acrylic paint.
- This is great for even outdoor projects and rock painting.
- This is used to transform an old plastic doll.
- And it’s easy to clean up with soap and water.
Best For Exterior Wood: Polyvine Varnish To Protect Wood
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself scrambling for a convenient and suitable varnish, Polyvine Varnish To Protect Wood should be your first option for buying. The polyvine varnish to protect wood protects exterior wood against ultraviolet light and rain damage with a durable clear satin finish. Protects the color and beauty of your exterior wood with a clear satin finish. This clear varnish allows the natural beauty of the wood to show through. Above all, the polyvine varnish to protect wood is easy to apply and brushes can be cleaned in water.Why We Like This:
- Shields against the effects of UV rays while resisting blistering and cracking.
- Covers 375 square feet per 2.5-liters, dries in 1-2 hours (recoat in 4 hours).
- Lot of satisfied buyers.