The 10 Best Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finishes (2022 reviews)

water based polyurethane wood finishes
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There are plenty of options available while buying water based polyurethane wood finishs in the market right now, and if you're confused regarding which one to go for, You have come to the right page.

Our review process:

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall:
Buy: Totalboat Satin Finish
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Best With Low Odor:
Buy: General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat
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Best For Worth The Money:
Buy: Minwax Clear Coat
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Best For Superior Durability:
Buy: Minwax Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
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Best For Handrail:
Buy: Varathane Satin Finish
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Best For Cabinet:
Buy: General Finishes Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
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Best For Indoor Furniture:
Buy: Varathane Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
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Best For Stair:
Buy: Zar Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
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Best For Stain Resistance:
Buy: Rustoleum Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
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Ideal For Marine:
Buy: Totalboat Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
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Best Overall: Totalboat Satin Finish

Totalboat Satin Finish
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Totalboat satin finish is the epitome of what a great polyurethane should be. The Totalboat Satin Finish comes in clear or amber colors. Satin finish comes in clear only. 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 finishes very evenly, making it easy and it is made with great customer service.

Almost all customers quickly discovered that the finishes are very quick to respond and suggested thinning. Also, a few strongly agree that the finish will not last more than 3-4 seasons without some overcoats though. Moreover, a few also found that the floorboards get. This is a varnish and intended for above the waterline use, but it is also for interior and exterior applications, so it does have some water resistance.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is great for the lakeside adirondack chair restoration.
  • This is great for easy application and it is perfect for new woods.
  • It is great to find a varnish that can be applied one coat per hour.
  • This is not available in a 4 quart kit.

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

General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat
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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention general finishes, durable consumer polyurethane top coat for regular use. The General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat is great with end result, works very well and it can shop for great products. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, it has a nice shine, does the job and it is quickly dry.

The water is made with little prep time, went on smoothly and it is great for customer service. Moreover, the water is odorless and it goes on well. Finally, the general finishes durable consumer polyurethane top coat is great with great stuff and it is made with great customer service.

Almost all customers quickly discovered that the polyurethane looks cloudy when wet but it goes clear again when dry. And, a few say that polyurethane is great for protecting newly refinished kitchen cabinets. Further, a few strongly agree that the high - performance top coat is added to the list of " loves. ".

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This takes a few extra minutes but is worth it during the process.
  • It has very little odor whatsoever, and as it dries, it actually smells pleasant.
  • This comes with its pure polyurethane durability, it can even be used on floors.
  • This gives a nice, look, is good for several coats and it maintains its sheen.

Best For Worth The Money: Minwax Clear Coat

Minwax Clear Coat
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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 Minwax Clear Coat is exactly that - it's a simple finish that hits all the right notes. The minwax clear coat is America's leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. Keep interior wood projects looking beautiful with a minwax polycrylic protective finish. This protective wood top coat not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers a shiny, sleek sheen for a bright, modern look.

Lastly, the minwax clear coat is ultra flat and it goes on smoothly.

Most buyers found that the finish looked great and really brought out all the shades of purple in the wood. Further, they strongly agree that the finish is good for indoor or outdoor. In addition, they strongly agree that water is not the most durable finish for tabletops or cabinet shelves. In short, many customers have used the minwax clear coat for more than a few months without any issues, and it shows no sign of giving up.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This can be used in this way for chalk paint.
  • This is easy to use, dries quickly, and has a low odor.
  • This is good for outdoor furniture, allows for pretty easy application and it works well.
  • This is used to seal art projects.

Best For Superior Durability: Minwax Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish

Minwax Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
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Not everyone likes to purchase water for their daily purpose, but the Minwax Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish would be an anomoly. The minwax water based polyurethane wood finish allows for quick recoats in 2 hours, and because it’s water-based, it has a low odor and easy cleanup with warm water. Manufacturer says: Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to keep on finishing. The water - based clear top coat combines superior durability with the beauty of traditional polyurethane.

Finally, the minwax water based polyurethane wood finish is quick dry and it works well.

Almost all customers quickly discovered that the water has a milky color to it when applied but dries clear. Also, a few strongly agree that water is a good choice for foam board since it so readily warps/cups if over exposed to moisture. And, a few also found that this water - based polyurethane dries very quickly, which is a blessing and a curse. In conclusion, for almost all customers, it was the most suitable.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Thoroughly wipe clean with a damp cloth.
  • This can leak in shipment and ruin a wooster brush as it rattles around.
  • This offers a great finish to furniture.
  • This is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects.

Best For Handrail: Varathane Satin Finish

Varathane Satin Finish
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The Varathane Satin Finish's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The varathane satin finish is good for several coats and it drys quickly. Crystal clear finish that never yellows. Also, this is best for scratch resistance and it dries clear.

The water is best for ease of application and it goes on milky. Above all, the varathane satin finish is perfect for good coverage and it looks great.

Almost all buyers found that the finish is perfect to seal up the interior of a bamboo tea set case. And, a few also found that the water can be painted on any surface as long as you use sand and primer first. Moreover, a few also found that this glaze leaves a beautiful, glossy finish to polymer clay sculptures. In short, most customers call polyurethane functionally comfortable and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This will definitely yellow over paint.
  • This is intended as an interior wood finish.
  • It will look glossy and beautiful after a few coatings.
  • This looks like and don’t overbrush it even though it looks like snot.

Best For Cabinet: General Finishes Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish

General Finishes Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
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Next on the list, we've got yet another water that manages to win our hearts. It's the general finish water - based polyurethane wood finish and it's widely considered as water that has the most suitable features. The general finish water based polyurethane wood finish is great with the end result, It works great and it works perfectly. 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. In addition, this is permanent, wiped clean and it is ready to use.

The finish comes with application tools and it is super durable. Lastly, the general finish water basedpolyurethane wood finish gives a nice, look has followed the instructions and it is very flat.

Most buyers quickly discovered that the polyurethane is made for indoor use only. And, a few say that the finish makes a marine varnish with a flat finish. Also, a few also found that the fusion has a matte finish and is very nice looking.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This will scratch the surface if the table is used a lot.
  • This protects chalk or milk paint from changing color.
  • This top coat is extremely thinny and runny.
  • Preserves the look, feel and color of chalk paint and milk paint.

Best For Indoor Furniture: Varathane Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish

Varathane Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
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If you often find yourself confused about convenient and suitable polyurethane, Varathane Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish should be your first option for buying. The varathane water based polyurethane wood finish went on nice and it protects well. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, the finish goes on easily, is made with tons of bubbles and it fits perfectly on the coffee table.

Finally, the varathane water based polyurethanewood finish goes on well and it does the trick.

Almost all customers agree that the finish can be used on boat decks, so it probably could be applied to a painted step stone. And, a few say that polyurethane is great for outside decor, too. Also, they also found that the polyurethane is easy to see where it is applied. In conclusion, many buyers have used the varathane waterbased polyurethane woodfinish for more than a few months without any problems, and it shows no sign of giving up.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This has a UV blocker but this stuff is a wood sealer.
  • This is a great alternative to sparring.
  • This is good for foam rc airplanes, Make sure it is water-based.
  • This is highly recommended by Diyers.

Best For Stair: Zar Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish

Zar Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
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The Zar Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish might be a relatively new release, but it's still nothing short of impressive this year. Moreover, the ideal finish to use over light colored or white stains. An environmentally safe, non-yellowing, interior clear wood finish specially formulated to protect and beautify your cabinets, furniture, wall paneling and woodwork. Lastly, the zar water basedpolyurethane wood finish has low-odor, holds up well and it is made with household chemicals.

Most customers quickly discovered that the polyurethane can, but to stir the contents gently. Also, a few also found that the finish is easy to use and easy to clean up. In conclusion, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the water suits the purpose.

Why We Like This:
  • Aqua zar water-based polyurethane meets all environmental standards for low emission of solvent vapors.
  • Delivers what they promise.

Best For Stain Resistance: Rustoleum Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish

Rustoleum Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
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The Rustoleum Water Based Polyurethane Wood 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 water based polyurethane woodfinish is designed to let wood's natural beauty shine through, This formula provides maximum scratch and stain resistance on indoor furniture, doors, etc. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, it is ideal for interior projects like furniture, doors, cabinets and trim. Lastly, the rustoleum waterbased polyurethanewood finish makes for easy water clean-up and it is good for the country of the manufacturer.

One customer says - "based paint so I needed a water based polyurethane. ". Almost all buyers opine that the finish has worked out perfectly for floors. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Why We Like This:
  • In a water base-with rust-oleum varathane crystal clear water-based polyurethane.
  • Low odor and easy water clean-up.
  • One of the newcomers and featured product.

Ideal For Marine: Totalboat Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish

Totalboat Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
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The Totalboat Water Based Polyurethane Wood Finish gives the top-tier finish a run for their money by offering flagship specs at a much more affordable price. The totalboat water based polyurethane wood finish is eco-friendly, is used for outdoor furniture and it is perfect for great coverage. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. 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 finish makes for great protection and it is good for exterior use. Finally, the totalboat water based polyurethane wood finish comes in clear or amber colors.

"Darkened the chairs a little but what an amazing coat. " - says, one customer. Overall, for most buyers, it was what they were looking for.

Why We Like This:
  • For a satin finish, use gloss for building coats and satin for the finishing coats.
  • This looks amazing and it is ideal for marine.
  • This provides superior protection from sun damage, rainy weather, abrasion and scratches.
  • This is not available in a 4 quart kit.