The 9 Best Water Based Clear Finishes (2022 reviews)

Minwax water based clear finish is the epitome of what a great finish should be. The Minwax Water Based Clear Finish is perfect for good coverage and it looks nice. If desired, apply stain such as minwax water based wood stain or minwax wood finish stain to bare wood surfaces following label directions. This crystal clear protective finish protects and adds beauty to woodwork, furniture, and more.

The finish is great with great stuff, works very well and it has protected wood surfaces. Further, this is super easy and it has achieved great results. Finally, the minwax water based clear finish drys fast, dries hard and it is laminate.

Most buyers find that the finish is applied will activate something in the acrylic that enables bleeding. Furthermore, a few also found that the finish works well for sealing wood. Moreover, a few strongly agree that this finish is lightweight, clear, matte and cleans up very easily with water. Overall, for most customers, Minwax product was what they were looking for.

Top Customer Quotes:

This can be used on a bathroom cabinet and looks smooth over the surface.
It is great to find a water-based spray protector.
Apply a thin coat of polycrylic finish spray to avoid runs and sags.
This can be used in this way for chalk paint.

Best With Low Odor: Varathane Water Based Clear Finish

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The Varathane Water Based Clear Finish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The varathane water based clear finish is great for direct sunlight, makes for ease of application and it leaves a nice. look. Creates a polished and clean look. And, it is very glossy, very shiny and it is laminate.

Above all, the varathane water based clear finish looks great, went on nice and it is good for several coats.

Most customers agree that the finish can leave paper fibers from application. And, they strongly agree that the finish is perfect to seal up the interior of a bamboo tea set case. And, they strongly agree that the finish takes about 2 or 3 to get a good shine. Overall, buyers found this to be one of the best water for daily purposes.

Customers also found that its wise to buy a paintbrushes for water based paint, along with this finish.

Top Customer Quotes:

This is purely preference, If you would like a smoother finish, go with a sponge.
Low odor and fast, easy soap and water clean-up.
This is great on table tops applied with a foam brush.
Crystal clear finish that never yellows.

RELATED: Best _Fiddes_ Clear Waxes

Best With Polyurethane: General Finishes Water Based Clear Finish

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The general finish water based clear finish is suitable and reliable and fits well with your regular use. The general finish water based clear finish is great for wide open fluid flow and it works perfectly. Enduro clear poly topcoat is a self - crosslinking polyurethane that dries water white. And, the finish comes in a plastic jug instead of a metal container.

The water is brushable and it is very happy. Above all, the General Finishes Water Based Clear Finish can be used on any project where more solids (28%) and durability are desired.

Almost all customers agree that the water is made for spraying, brushing or rolling. And, they strongly agree that the finish allows for multiple coats in a single day. Moreover, a few strongly agree that this finish applied with foam brushes is a very durable interior water based top coat for cabinetry and other wood products where a natural finish is desired. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the finish suits the purpose.

Top Customer Quotes:

tried other poly finishes and the satin came out high gloss.
This is easy to spray and gives a nice finish.
It looks beautiful and it flows beautifully.
Water white in can (dries clear).

Best With Foam Brush: Aqua Coat Water Based Clear Finish

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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 aqua coat water - based clear finish is exactly that - it's a simple finish that hits all the right notes. The Aqua Coat Water Based Clear Finish is perfect for high quality and it is extremely clean. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. This water - reducible, self - seal interior product exhibits excellent stain and water - resistant properties on substrates such as wood and plastic.

The water has extreme clarity and it is ready to use. In addition, it dries pretty quickly, is used for musical instruments and it works great. Above all, the aqua coat water - basedclear finish suitable for direct sunlight and it allows for extremely clear film.

Most buyers opine that the water is great with up to 5% water if needed. And, a few strongly agree that the finish is self - sealing so it will work as a sealer and a topcoat. In addition, they say that the water is great with a foam brush leaving no brush marks, dries quickly and has very little odor. Obviously, this water passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

Top Customer Quotes:

This will make the aqua thane more durable, water resistant, scratch resistant.
This is darned good and much easier to apply, without all of the voc odors.
Aqua coat clear lacquer is a water-based, premium - grade, non-yellowing, clear acrylic top coat.
The aqua coat clear lacquer can be used on a dining room table.

Best For Easy Cleanup With Soap: Vermont Natural Coatings Water Based Clear Finish

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Not everyone likes to purchase finish for their regular use, but the Vermont natural coatings waterbased clearfinish would be an anomoly. The Vermont Natural Coatings Water Based Clear Finish looks beautiful, is furnished with nice stuff and it is good for easy cleanup. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. This professional, water - based polyurethane not only enhances the innate beauty of wood, it preserves it with a durable shield that is environmentally safe.

Most importantly, the vermont natural coatings water based clear finish is good for excellent flow and it is great for easy cleanup with soap.

Most customers quickly discovered that the water is a satin finish with only a very light sheen. Also, they strongly agree that the finish will last a long time. Moreover, they also found that the water is great with a good high turbine. In conclusion, most customers find the finish is functionally comfortable and no one questions it.

Few customers got paintbrushes for water based paint, along with the water.

Top Customer Quotes:

This does an excellent job and no smells.
The satin finish left a nice sheen on it without looking too glossy.
Easy cleanup with soap and water.
This cleans up well and really has almost no smell, especially after it has cured.

Best For Superior Durability: Rustoleum Water Based Clear Finish

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The Rustoleum Water Based Clear Finish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The rustoleum water based clear finish dries very quickly and it looks better. Highest solids of any water-based floor finish. Moreover, it is gallon sg wb flr finish.

Finally, the rustoleum water based clear finish looks great, has foam brushes and it is made with household chemicals.

Most buyers quickly discovered that the water is easy to apply with a large paintbrush, dries in one hour with almost no odor. In addition, they say that the water has no odor (or very very low odor) and it dries fast. Also, they strongly agree that the water can be used on family room floors. In conclusion, buyers found this to be one of the best water for daily purposes.

Top Customer Quotes:

It has a nice shine, dried clear and it is more than enough.
It is easy to clean the brush like new with soap and water.
I want a water-based finish for hardwood floors.
This provides a crystal clear finish.

Best For Stair: Zar Water Based Clear Finish

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For a low asking price, zar water - basedclear finish has managed to overwhelm their customers by packing as many features as they could. The Zar Water Based Clear Finish has low-odor and it is made with household chemicals. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The ideal finish to use over light colored or white stains. Most importantly, the zar waterbased clearfinish looks absolutely great, holds up well and it is best for high quality.

Almost all buyers agree that the finish is easy to use and easy to clean up. Furthermore, a few also found that the finish can, but to stir the contents gently.

Why We Like This:

Aqua zar water-based polyurethane meets all environmental standards for low emission of solvent vapors.
Good investment for the long term.

Best With Uv Protection: Old Masters Water Based Clear Finish

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Old Masters Water Based Clear Finish for regular usage. The old masters water - based clear finish is great for high quality and it is great for surface prep. Varnish and sand lightly between coats with fine sandpaper to produce a smoother finish. This product gives a soft wood amber that only becomes noticeable when applied over white or pastel paints and stains.

The water is suitable for direct sunlight and it goes on smoothly. Lastly, the old masters water based clear finish cleans easily with soap and water.

Most customers agree that the finish is well worth it in time savings.

Why We Like This:

Superior UV protection in an easy-to-apply, water-based formula.
Do not use over shellac, lacquer, filler, stains, or sealers containing stearates.
This protects the integrity of the substrate.
This has a spray gun and it is good for window sills.

Best For All Projects: Saman Water Based Clear Finish

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The Saman Water Based Clear Finish is capable of outshining several other water featured in this list in overall features in its price range. The Saman water based clear finish is made for all types of interior woodwork, doors, furniture, cabinets and mouldings. The self-leveling and non-yellowing formula dries fast to a crystal clear finish. Moreover, it is odor free and it is safe for pets.

Above all, the saman water based clear finish is perfect for great coverage and it is safe for people.

To sum up, buyers found this to be one of the best water for daily purposes.

Why We Like This:

Safe for the earth, safe for people and safe for pets.
More than twice as durable as traditional waterbased finishes.
The self-leveling and non-yellowing formula dries fast to a crystal clear finish.