The 11 Best Water Based Polyurethanes For Exterior Use (2022 reviews)

water based polyurethanes for exterior use
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It is important to have the well suited water based polyurethane for exterior use. Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best water based polyurethane for exterior use for you.

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 All Types Of Marine And Household Woods:
Buy: Totalboat Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use
READ REVIEW

Best For Front Door:
Buy: Minwax Warm Water
READ REVIEW

Best For Handrail:
Buy: Varathane Satin Finish
READ REVIEW

Best For Cabinet:
Buy: Minwax Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use
READ REVIEW

Best For Spray Application:
Buy: General Finishes Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use
READ REVIEW

Best For Plywood:
Buy: Rustoleum Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use
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Best For Indoor Furniture:
Buy: Varathane Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use
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Best For Fence:
Buy: Zar Light Amber Finish
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Best For Coffee Table:
Buy: Zar Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use
READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Totalboat Satin Finish

Totalboat Satin Finish
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The Totalboat Satin Finish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The totalboat satin finish went on easily, is good for ease of application and it provides excellent durability. 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 satin finish is odor free and it is great for customer service.

Most buyers agree that the polyurethane is easy to push all the air out of the bag before sealing for re-use. In addition, they say that the polyurethane 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 polyurethane was designed 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: General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat

General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat
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Compared with other polyurethanes in this category, the General Finishes Durable Consumer Polyurethane Top Coat has a convenient design. The general finishes durable consumer polyurethane top coat is the hardest, most durable consumer polyurethane top coat on the market today. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, this has great results and it is great for diary projects.

Finally, the general finishes durable consumer polyurethane top coat goes on smoothly and it does the job.

Most buyers find that the water is not silky smooth from the top coat anymore. Furthermore, a few also found that the polyurethane looks cloudy when wet but it goes clear again when dry. And, they strongly agree that the polyurethane looks like a high end table now.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This protects like a champ and also a builder grade oak.
  • That is so I finally gave in and bought some.
  • Dry time between coats is only 1 to 2 hours.
  • This has used 3 coats, looks amazing and it works great.

Best For All Types Of Marine And Household Woods: Totalboat Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use

Totalboat Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use
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Totalboat offers a variety of water for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Totalboat Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use reduces the number of coats required. Start and finish your next varnish project in a single weekend. Moreover, it comes with a topcoat of lust matte, which can be thinned with totalboat special brushing thinner 100 for improved flow.

Above all, the totalboat water based polyurethane for exterior use is smooth and durable, with a gloss level so shiny it looks wet, even when it’s dry—making it ideal for brightwork.

Most customers found that the polyurethane is much more durable than traditional varnishes. Further, they also found that the polyurethane would give it an orangish tint. In conclusion, for most buyers, it was what they were looking for.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • It has a nice shine, has a beautiful effect and it goes on easily.
  • This can be done in as little as one hour at 72°f.
  • Lust high gloss dries fast, hard, and wet-looking.
  • This has a viscosity similar to traditional European varnishes.

Best For Front Door: Minwax Warm Water

Minwax Warm Water
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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Minwax Warm Water for daily usage. The minwax warm water is great for professional look and it has excellent results. Manufacturer says: Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to keep on finishing. This spar urethane water - based formula protects the natural beauty of the wood while providing a crystal clear finish.

The polyurethane is perfect for wood staining and it comes with great stuff. Most importantly, the minwax warm water cleans up easily with warm water.

Almost all customers opine that the polyurethane is oil - based. it will turn whatever your door is yellow. In addition, a few also found that the water is coated with the helmsman rather than the yellow pine which has a slight golden tint to it. Moreover, they strongly agree that polyurethane can make application super easy. In conclusion, most customers call the water suits best, and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This will depend on many other factors, like.
  • This is to apply and even more so, how easy it is to clean up.
  • It contains UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects.
  • This has amazing water repellency and beads up nicely with rain or dew.

Best For Handrail: Varathane Satin Finish

Varathane Satin Finish
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The Varathane line of water comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The Varathane Satin Finish gives a nice, is odorless and it works perfectly. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, it provides good coverage, is perfect for high quality and it is great with low odor.

Lastly, the varathane satin finish looks amazing and it is made for quick delivery.

Most buyers find that water is the best glaze to use on projects, even after acrylic paint. And, a few also found that the water is great with oil based, with no noticeable "tint" over white. Also, a few also found that this sealer/varnish is about the consistency of 2 percent milk. In conclusion, most buyers find polyurethane is functionally comfortable and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • The durable formula provides outstanding stain and scratch resistance with excellent clarity.
  • This is purely preference, If you would like a smoother finish, go with a sponge.
  • This is perfect to seal up the interior of a bamboo tea set case.
  • This will be getting a lot of use.

Best For Cabinet: Minwax Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use

Minwax Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use
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Minwax offers a variety of polyurethanes for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Minwax Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use provides a durable layer of topcoat protection but it is thinner than regular polyurethanes. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. This product must be sure to allow wood that has been stained to dry completely before top coating with minwax wipe - on poly.

Polyurethane is a great way to protect finished or unfinished wood. In addition, the water is made for new floors or floors that need to be refinished, minwax fast-drying polyurethane or minwax super fast-drying polyurethane for floors should be used. Above all, the minwax water based polyurethane for exterior use dries fast and it has removed dust.

Most customers quickly discovered that the water was as good as the regular poly. Further, they also found that the polyurethane does build a nice water resistant finish. Also, they strongly agree that note: if the cleaner removed the finish, then maybe applying finish to the area will make it look like the rest of the floor.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This has a nice shine and it comes with an application tool.
  • This will protect you from light water stains for a short time.
  • This is stronger and better at repelling rain, weather, etc.
  • This is easy to apply, and it leaves a fantastic finish.

Best For Spray Application: General Finishes Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use

General Finishes Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use
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The general finish water based polyurethane for exterior use's feels more premium than its price would suggest. The general finish water basedpolyurethane forexterior use is great for low humidity and it is best for high quality. It performs well as a clear coat or as an optional topcoat over general finishes milk paint. In addition, the water has mildew growth and it is best for interior use.

The polyurethane looks good and it has excellent results. Lastly, the general finish waterbased polyurethanefor exterior use has great results and it is great for use outdoors.

Most customers quickly discovered that the polyurethane is out for 3 years in all four seasons and held up very well. In addition, a few say that the polyurethane has direct sunlight on it, you may have to apply more coats over time. To sum up, most buyers agree that the water suits them best, and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This can be used on barstools over paint to use outdoors.
  • This can be used on chalk paint but it will change the sheen.
  • This is white .dries clear plus it is a thin, no odor top coat.
  • This makes for easy water cleanup and it is odorless.

Best For Plywood: Rustoleum Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use

Rustoleum Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use
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Rustoleum offers a variety of polyurethane for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Rustoleum Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use provides maximum durability and allows for a more even finish. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, this protects the surface from graying and sun damage.

The polyurethane is great for outdoors and it offers $1 for good reviews. Moreover, it is made with great stuff and it read the instructions. Finally, the rustoleum water based polyurethane for exterioruse is perfect for low humidity, is great for a fair price and it is great for a great price.

Most customers quickly discovered that the polyurethane would protect the paint from UV rays. Also, a few say that the polyurethane takes many days to totally cure, and hopefully the outside weather there is nice for awhile. Therefore, buyers were eager to recommend it to friends and families.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • They are not 100% exposed to the elements.
  • This is like polyurethane, it will discolor the paint.
  • This has an amber color, so it gives the wood a nice richer color.
  • This is perfect for use on furniture, trim, railing and more.

Best For Indoor Furniture: Varathane Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use

Varathane Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use
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The Varathane Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The varathane water basedpolyurethane for exterior use is ceramic, is best for high quality and it protects well. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, the polyurethane goes on easily and it is used for coffee table.

The water dried clear and it does the trick. Further, it works well for good quality and it goes on well. Above all, the varathane waterbased polyurethanefor exterioruse is odorless and it is perfect for tons of bubbles.

Most buyers quickly discover that the polyurethane will apply to the surface easily. Moreover, a few also found that polyurethane is highly recommended by diyers. Moreover, a few also found that polyurethane is a great alternative to spar varnish. Consequently, buyers were eager to recommend it to friends and would-be buyers.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is easy to apply with a synthetic brush.
  • This does one thing very well.
  • It went on nice and it is weather resistant.
  • This has a UV blocker but this stuff is a wood sealer.

Best For Fence: Zar Light Amber Finish

Zar Light Amber Finish
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The Zar Light Amber Finish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The zar light amber finish is ideal forexterior wooden surfaces, marine bright work surfaces (above water-line), stained exterior doors. Formulated exclusively to deliver superior performance on exterior wood surfaces, zar exterior water-based polyurethane contains ultraviolet radiation absorbers and antioxidants. Further, it is easy to clean and it looks amazing.

Lastly, the zar light amber finish is environmentally safe and it goes on milky.

Most buyers quickly discovered that polyurethane is for outdoor furniture or natural trim work. In addition, a few say that the water has held up well and gets wet every day. Overall, many customers have used the polyurethane for more than a few months without any complaints, and it shows no sign of giving up.

Why We Like This:
  • This is the ideal choice for surfaces that would benefit from a clear protective coating.
  • Delivers what they promise.

Best For Coffee Table: Zar Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use

Zar Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use
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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 Zar Water Based Polyurethane For Exterior Use is exactly that - it's a simple water that hits all the right notes. The zar water based polyurethane for exterior use dries in two hours and it has followed the instructions. Zar ultra exterior polyurethane is an incredibly fast-drying, oil-based, clear wood polyurethane finish that dries in only 2 hours. Also, it is quick - dry and it is suitable for the coffee table.

Finally, the zar water based polyurethane for exterior use has great results and it has removed dust.

One customer says - "gives a deeper, warmer glow to wood. ". Most customers quickly discovered that the water can be used on new fiberglass doors and 6 months later it looks great.

Why We Like This:
  • This provides superior protection on exterior wood surfaces.
  • Outperforms other exterior clear finishes by 2-1.
  • One of the newcomers and featured product.