There are several advantages of having a water based finish for wood. Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best water based finish for wood for you.

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Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish READ REVIEW

Best For Uv Protection: Buy: Totalboat Satin Finish READ REVIEW

Best With Low Odor: Buy: General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat READ REVIEW

Best For Handrail: Buy: Varathane Water Based Finish For Wood READ REVIEW

Best For Superior Durability: Buy: Minwax Water Based Finish For Wood READ REVIEW

Best For Cabinet: Buy: Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish READ REVIEW

Best With Polyurethane: Buy: General Finishes Water Based Finish For Wood READ REVIEW

Best For Bare Wood: Buy: Saman Water Based Finish For Wood READ REVIEW

Best With Foam Brush: Buy: Aqua Coat Water Based Finish For Wood READ REVIEW

Best For Easy Cleanup: Buy: Rustoleum Water Based Finish For Wood READ REVIEW

Best For Window Sills: Buy: Old Masters Water Based Finish For Wood READ REVIEW

Ideal For Marine: Buy: Totalboat Water Based Finish For Wood READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Minwax Clear Finish

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The finish is a must have addition for your regular use. The Minwax Clear Finish is used for relatively low in fumes, has removed dust and it has a beautiful shine. This water-based wood finish allows for easy soap and water clean-up, so you don’t have to stress about spills and big messes. The crystal clear finish offered in this wood protection spray is ideal for use over all minwax oil - based and water - based stains and colors, as well as all wood species including light woods like maple, ash and birch.

The finish is resistant to chipping and it is made for pretty easy application. Also, this is ceramic and it is made for worth the money. Most importantly, the minwax clear finish has a nice shine and it has protected wood surfaces.

Most customers quickly discovered that the finish is used to seal art projects. Furthermore, a few also found that the water will not dry as cristal clear as the regular transparent varnish. And, they say that this finish will give it a shine, even though it 's satin. Overall, many buyers have used the minwax clear finish for more than a few months without any complaints, and it shows no sign of giving up.

• On unfinished wood, apply sufficient material to seal, open joints, edges and end-grain.
• This is suitable for craft projects, looks nice and it is great for acrylic paintings.
• Apply a thin coat of polycrylic finish spray to avoid runs and sags.
• A hard crystal clear, ultra fast-drying protective finish.

Best For Uv Protection: Totalboat Satin Finish

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Compared with other water in this category, the Totalboat Satin Finish has a convenient design. The totalboat satin finish is perfect for direct sunlight and it is great for customer service. 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.

Finally, the totalboat satin finish is not available in a 4 quart kit.

Most buyers opine that the finish is made for floor application.to slippery. In addition, they say that the finish is easy to apply and can be done in an hour. And, they also found that the satin is the type of finish and does not impact the color.

• There is no sanding between coats for wood purposes.
• This went on easily, makes it easy and it is designed for kitchen countertops.
• It is easy to sand and re-apply more layers.
• This is a good choice for any outdoor finish.

Best With Low Odor: General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat

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Compared with other products in this category, the General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat has a convenient design. The general finishes durable consumer polyurethane top coat never goes back, does the job and it works OK. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, the finish looks amazing and it is designed for professional results.

The water is great with great stuff and it works very well. Most importantly, the general finish durable consumer polyurethane top coat is good for several coats and it comes with great customer service.

Most buyers quickly discovered that the water would help someone else too and that made everything look good. And, they strongly agree that the water 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. Further, they strongly agree that the water takes a few extra minutes but is worth it during the process. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the finish suits the purpose.

• This is great for protecting newly refinished kitchen cabinets.
• This looks like a high end table now.
• This can be used as a top coat for painted cabinets.
• This comes with its pure polyurethane durability, it can even be used on floors.

Best For Handrail: Varathane Water Based Finish For Wood

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Varathane Water Based Finish For Wood for regular use. The varathane water based finish for wood is ideal for interior projects like furniture, doors, cabinets and trim. Varathane crystal clear water-based polyurethane is specially developed to let wood’s natural beauty show through with the highest clarity over other water-based polyurethanes. And, it is made for quick delivery, went on nice and it leaves a nice.

The finish is for ease of application and it does the trick. Also, the water is non-toxic, dried clear and it has repeated the process. Most importantly, the varathane water based finish for wood is made for great protection, is odorless and it works like a charm.

Most buyers opine that the finish does not absorb light, therefore it does not yellow. Also, a few say that the water can be used on polymer clay beads. Moreover, they say that the water are both chock full of teeny, tiny bubbles. In conclusion, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the finish suits the purpose.

• This looks like and don’t overbrush it even though it looks like snot.
• This is good for several coats, has used 3 coats and it goes on milky.
• The Satin finish provides a classic and natural look.
• This looks really good on polymers.

Best For Superior Durability: Minwax Water Based Finish For Wood

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If you want nothing but water that is reliable, this Minwax Water Based Finish For Wood is certainly a wise investment. The minwax water based finish for wood is much better. It is very glossy and it is dried strong. Apply a thin coat of oil-modified polyurethane using a high quality synthetic bristle or foam brush. The water - based clear top coat combines superior durability with the beauty of traditional polyurethane.

The finish is very shiny, is best for interior use and it is made for satin sheen. Most importantly, the minwax water based finish for wood allows for quick recoats in 2 hours, and because it’s water-based, it has a low odor and easy cleanup with warm water.

Most buyers found that the finish is good as the old marine spar varnish, but pretty good. Moreover, they also found that the water looks and feels great and will leave brush strokes. Moreover, they say that this is a siphon - type spray gun, not a gravity fed. In short, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the water suits the purpose.

• This has a large 2.0mm nozzle.
• It is a bit damp or huumid in the house.
• This can easily wait 8 hours after staining, before applying oil-modified polyurethane.
• Manufacturer says: since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to keep on finishing.

Best For Cabinet: Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish for regular usage. The rustoleum crystal clear finish is great for the end result and it has 3 coats. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, it has a great sheen and it is great with great stuff.

The finish is cleaned up with simple soap and it comes with good stuff. Moreover, the water dries hard and it is ideal for coffee table. Lastly, the rustoleum crystal clear finish is ceramic, went on easily and it is used for smooth application.

Almost all customers quickly discovered that the finish is not a thick 'gel' that fills in surface pores or surface bumps. In addition, they say that the water is a light milky white in color, but dries to a clear finish. Also, they also found that the finish is easy to apply, and gives good coverage. As a result, buyers were very happy to recommend it to friends and families.

• This can be used on oil - stained paper floors over concrete.
• The product is manufactured in the United States.
• This is a great finish for any type of wood.
• This is water resistant but it's not water proof.

Best With Polyurethane: General Finishes Water Based Finish For Wood

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General Finishes offers a variety of water for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The general finish water based finishfor wood flows beautifully, is brushable and it is very forgiving. Enduro clear poly topcoat is a self - crosslinking polyurethane that dries water white. Moreover, it comes in a plastic jug instead of a metal container.

Finally, the general finish water based finish for wood is worth the money and it provides excellent durability.

Most customers found that the finish is easy to sand off a lot of the finish, it's really hard. Also, a few also found that the water is easy to brush as the target, which general finishes doesn't recommend anyway. And, they also found that this finish applied with foam brushes is a very durable interior waterbased top coat for cabinetry and other wood products where a natural finish is desired. Without any doubt, this water passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

• This is more on the glossy side, but a very good look.
• tried other poly finishes and the satin came out high gloss.
• This works for wide open fluid flow and it works perfectly.
• This is easy to apply and clean up .paint brush after application.

Best For Bare Wood: Saman Water Based Finish For Wood

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The Saman Water Based Finish For Wood should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The Saman water basedfinish forwood is made for all types of interior woodwork, doors, furniture, cabinets and mouldings. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, this allows for easy use, is safe for the earth and it makes a nice.

Above all, the Japanese water - based finish for wood dries fast and it is safe for people.

Most customers quickly discovered that the water is best with a 6 inch high density foam lint free roller. And, they strongly agree that the water matches with calibamboo flooring. Also, a few say that the finish is great with a subtle sheen. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

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

Best With Foam Brush: Aqua Coat Water Based Finish For Wood

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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 water. The aqua coated water based finish for wood is exactly that - it's a simple water that hits all the right notes. The Aqua Coat Water Based Finish For Wood is extremely clear and it has a rubbed effect. Aqua coat clear lacquer is a water-based, premium - grade, non-yellowing, clear acrylic top coat. This product may be thinned with water and forms an excellent finish that can be re - coated in 30.

Above all, the aqua coat water based finish for wood is suitable for musical instruments and it works great.

Almost all buyers found that the finish is darned good and much easier to apply, without all of the voc odors. And, they say that the finish is easy to clean up and waaaaay less stinky. Moreover, a few say that this will make the aqua thane more durable, water resistant, scratch resistant. Overall, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the water suits the purpose.

• This is great with up to 5% water if needed.
• This is self sealing so it will work as a sealer and a topcoat.
• The aqua coat clear lacquer can be used on a dining room table.
• This dries pretty quickly, has extreme clarity and it is suitable for direct sunlight.

Best For Easy Cleanup: Rustoleum Water Based Finish For Wood

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The Rustoleum Water Based Finish For Wood's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The rustoleum waterbased finishfor wood is manufactured in the United States. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, it provides a crystal clear finish.

The water has superior durability, abrasion resistance and scuff resistance. And, this is gallon sg wb flr finish. Lastly, the rustoleum water basedfinish forwood is cleaned up with simple soap and it has foam brushes.

Most customers agree that the finish is easy to apply, nice hard finish, packaging is not great. Further, they say that the water is easy to clean the brush like new with soap and water. And, a few also found that the first coat is the most difficult as it is quickly absorbed into the thirsty wood. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

• I want a water-based finish for hardwood floors.
• This can be used on family room floors.
• This looks better, it is more than enough and has an elegant design.
• This went on easily and it dried clear.

Best For Window Sills: Old Masters Water Based Finish For Wood

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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 Old Masters Water Based Finish For Wood is exactly that - it's a simple finish that hits all the right notes. The old masters water - based finish for wood is much better and it is good for window sills. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The surface should be sanded to remove imperfections and gloss using fine sandpaper.

Most importantly, the old masters water based finish for wood is ideal for outdoor furniture, is used for previously finished surfaces and it is ideal for direct sunlight.

Almost all customers agree that the water is well worth it in time savings.

• This cleans easily with soap and water.
• Superior UV protection in an easy-to-apply, water-based formula.
• Do not use over shellac, lacquer, filler, stains, or sealers containing stearates.
• This is good for craft projects and it goes on smoothly.

Ideal For Marine: Totalboat Water Based Finish For Wood

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Totalboat 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 Totalboat Water Based Finish For Wood comes in clear or amber colors. For a satin finish, use gloss for building coats and satin for the finishing coat. This one part polyurethane wood varnish needs no mixing — just pour it out of the bag and it 's ready to apply by brushing, rolling or spraying.

The water provides great value, is great for great protection and it is best for exterior use. Moreover, the water is eco-friendly, is made for great coverage and it has excellent adhesion. Above all, the totalboat water based finish for wood is not available in a 4 quart kit.

"Darkened the chairs a little but what an amazing coat. " - says, one customer. So, buyers were eager to recommend it to friends and families.

• Dries fast so you can finish faster than with traditional varnishes.
• Satin finish comes in clear only.
• This provides superior protection from sun damage, rainy weather, abrasion and scratches.
• This is made for outdoor furniture, looks amazing and it is ideal for marine.