The 12 Best Water Based Satin Varnishes (2022 reviews)

water based satin varnishes
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There are several advantages of having a water based satin varnish. We are here to help you choose the right one for your needs from all the best available products in market today.

Our review process:

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall:
Buy: Totalboat Water Based Satin Varnish
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Best With Low Odor:
Buy: Minwax Clear Coat
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Best With Beautiful Results:
Buy: Minwax Water Based Satin Varnish
READ REVIEW

Best For Handrail:
Buy: Varathane Satin Finish
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Best For Spray Application:
Buy: General Finishes Deck Finish
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Best For Outdoors:
Buy: Decoart Water Based Satin Varnish
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Best For Cabinet:
Buy: Rustoleum Water Based Satin Varnish
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Best For Indoor Furniture:
Buy: Varathane Water Based Satin Varnish
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Best For Superior Durability:
Buy: Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish
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Best For Front Door:
Buy: Mccloskey Water Based Satin Varnish
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Best For Bare Wood:
Buy: Saman Water Based Satin Varnish
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Best For Stair:
Buy: General Finishes Water Based Satin Varnish
READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Totalboat Water Based Satin Varnish

Totalboat Water Based Satin Varnish
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Water is a must have addition for your daily use. The Totalboat Water Based Satin Varnish is weather resistant, makes it easy and it provides for ease of application. Based marine varnish limits exposure to harmful chemicals and makes soap and water cleanup easy. 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.

The water is eco-friendly, is made with great customer service and it is very forgiving. In addition, the water spreads evenly and it is suitable for craft projects. Above all, the totalboat water based satin varnish makes for easy application and it is great for customer service.

Most buyers opine that the water is great to find a varnish that can be applied one coat per hour. Further, a few say that the water can be used on steps for 2 years and it has been through salt and snow and rain and sun. And, a few strongly agree that the water does not self level and will leave every brush mark or bubble from a foam brush, bristle brush or foam roller.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • It comes out nice and smooth.
  • This has excellent adhesion and it is odor free.
  • This is made with great stuff and it goes on milky white.
  • This provides superior protection from sun damage, rainy weather, abrasion and scratches.

Best With Low Odor: Minwax Clear Coat

Minwax Clear Coat
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The Minwax Clear Coat should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The minwax clear coat comes with great stuff, dries very quickly and it is non-toxic. After final coat, allow 3 hours before light handling and 24 hours before normal use. This protective wood top coat not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers a semi - shiny, sleek sheen for a bright, modern look. look look look look look.

The varnish has used 3 coats, is easy to easily and it makes it easy. Most importantly, the minwax clear coat is great for art work, is best for ease of application and it went on smoothly.

Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish makes the whole thing uniform. Further, they strongly agree that the varnish is good for large areas. Moreover, a few also found that the is a tried and true sealer which creates a plastic coating over the surface.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is one of the few logical choices.
  • This is great for creating magic props out of.
  • This clear spray is exactly as described.
  • This is great for in - house stuff that requires maintenance like tables, floors etc.

Best With Beautiful Results: Minwax Water Based Satin Varnish

Minwax Water Based Satin Varnish
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The Minwax Water Based Satin Varnish's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The minwax water based satin varnish is permanent and it can spray with beautiful results. Manufacturer says: Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to keep on finishing. The special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change.

The Water is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. Above all, the minwax water based satin varnish is industrial, has used 3 coats and it is quickly dry.

Almost all customers quickly discovered that the water is coated with the helmsman rather than the yellow pine which has a slight golden tint to it. In addition, they say that the varnish is ideal for applying indoor.s. Further, they also found that the varnish can make application super easy. Overall, most buyers agree that the water suits them best, and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is used to give a flat appearance.
  • This will smell to high heaven, so be sure to ventilate well.
  • This will need to be dry enough to not smear.
  • This is best for foot traffic. is going to be some sort of epoxy finish.

Best For Handrail: Varathane Satin Finish

Varathane Satin Finish
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Next on the list, we've got yet another water that manages to win our hearts. It's the Varathane Satin Finish and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient water you can buy. The varathane satin finish protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, trim and more. Based formula dries fast and cleans up with soap and water. In addition, it is silky smooth, has great results and it is very smooth.

Lastly, the varathane satin finish gives a nice look and it does the trick.

Almost all customers opine that the varnish is the best glaze to use on projects even after acrylic paint. Further, a few say that the water is not matte like wax, however. Also, a few also found that this glaze leaves a beautiful, glossy finish to polymer clay sculptures. In conclusion, for most buyers, Varathane product was what they were looking for.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This comes out really well. To add to that, it has held up really well.
  • This looks really good on polymers.
  • The key is to make sure the first coat is even and consistent.
  • This is great with oil based, with no noticeable "tint" over off white.

Best For Spray Application: General Finishes Deck Finish

General Finishes Deck Finish
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For a low asking price, General Finishes Deck Finish has managed to overwhelm their customers by packing as many features as they could. The general finish deck finish is suitable for vertical exterior surfaces, such as fences, patio furniture, garage doors, entrance doors and interior windows. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, this is perfect for low humidity, has mildew growth and it is silky smooth.

Most importantly, the general finish deck finish is great for outdoors, looks amazing and it is odorless.

Most customers found that the varnish can be used on some custom interior doors. Moreover, a few say that the water has already withstood rain like a champ. In addition, a few strongly agree that the water is white .dries clear plus there is a thin, no odor top coat.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is out 3 years in all four seasons and held up very well.
  • This is easy to apply and gives a great smooth finish.
  • This has been about 2 months and has held up well so far.
  • This is for exterior doors, makes for ease of use and it has excellent results.

Best For Outdoors: Decoart Water Based Satin Varnish

Decoart Water Based Satin Varnish
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The Decoart Water Based Satin Varnish's superior materials make sure that it ages well with use. The decoart water based satin varnish can be used on most hard craft surfaces, both interior and exterior. Manufacturer says: As creators of paint, we find it difficult to answer that question. Moreover, it has a nice shine and it has no odor.

The water protects surfaces from chemicals such as alcohol and resists water stains or rings. In addition, the varnish comes with nice stuff, is nontoxic and it is perfect for paper mache. Above all, the decoart water based satin varnish gives a nice look and it allows for very little odor.

Most customers quickly discovered that water is recommended that any jewelry to be painted, be painted with water based acrylic paints. Moreover, they also found that the varnish can be used on wood painted with water - based acrylic paint. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Forms a weatherproof, protective seal on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
  • This is ideal for doll faces.
  • This comes with good stuff and it is available in satin.
  • This is non-toxic, goes on easily and it is very flat.

Best For Cabinet: Rustoleum Water Based Satin Varnish

Rustoleum Water Based Satin Varnish
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The Rustoleum Water Based Satin Varnish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The rustoleum water basedsatin varnish is very glossy and it allows for a very nice sheen. It provides outstanding scratch and stain resistance to keep your interior wood projects looking great longer. In addition, the varnish works so far and it dries very quickly.

The water is good for rust proof, goes on evenly and it dries fine. Lastly, the rustoleum waterbased satin varnish provides for ease of application and it is resilient.

Most customers quickly discovered that the water covers well, dries quickly and brings out the natural beauty of the the wood. In addition, a few say that the water is used to house a record player.s. And, a few strongly agree that the varnish is used to be called diamond finish, so there is some confusion while searching for it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is ceramic and it is dried quickly.
  • It is manufactured in the United States.
  • This will offer protection, but spar urethane is better for outdoor use.
  • Crystal clear finish that never yellows.

Best For Indoor Furniture: Varathane Water Based Satin Varnish

Varathane Water Based Satin Varnish
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The best part: Varathane Water Based Satin Varnish costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The varathane water based satinvarnish is good for flat surfaces and it goes on well. Enhances the natural beauty of the wood. In addition, it looks amazing and it is clean with soap.

The water is ideal for use on all interior wood surfaces, including furniture, doors, trim and more. Finally, the varathane water based satin varnish is suitable for first - time users and it is designed for ultimate durability.

Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish is well worth the extra work and $3 premium. Moreover, a few also found that the water is easy to apply on furniture. Overall, most buyers call the water functionally comfort, and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This will not be thicker at the lower end... and it is yellow.
  • This provides fast dry times as well as the convenience of soap and water clean-up.
  • It is easy to see missed spots.
  • This is perfect for wood staining and it does the job.

Best For Superior Durability: Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish

Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish
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The Rustoleum Crystal Clear Finish is capable of outshining several other water featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The rustoleum crystal clear finish has a great sheen, goes on easily and it is suitable for a coffee table. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, the varnish cleans up with simple soap and it comes with good stuff.

The water allows for great coverage and it has followed instructions. Finally, the rustoleum crystal clear finish is ceramic, dried hard and it is quick dry.

Most buyers found that the water provides a great finish over chalk paint. Moreover, they strongly agree that the varnish is 10 times easier to apply than oil based. In addition, they also found that the water is used to buy at lowes/home depot but they no longer carry it in store. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the water suits the purpose.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • The product is gallon sat wb flr finish.
  • This is clear, no yellowing at all.
  • This works very well and it can get very little odor.
  • Varathane gallon satin waterborne diamond floor finish.

Best For Front Door: Mccloskey Water Based Satin Varnish

Mccloskey Water Based Satin Varnish
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Best part: Mccloskey water based satin varnish costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The Mccloskey waterbased satinvarnish is great for use on wooden boats, outdoor furniture, doors, fences and trim. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, the water is built to resist weathering, salty air and water.

The varnish is turned white and it has a great smell. Lastly, the Mccloskey water basedsatin varnish is made with great stuff, comes with great quality and it has great results.

Most customers opine that the varnish works well and the benches look great now. Further, they also found that the varnish looks like this should last a number of years.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is also a humid area in general.
  • Water resistant/prevents weather damage - clear satin finish.
  • This works great, has used 3 coats and it is made with fast shipping.
  • This is day 2 with no response.

Best For Bare Wood: Saman Water Based Satin Varnish

Saman Water Based Satin Varnish
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Saman offers a variety of varnishs for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Saman water based satin varnish is ideal for all projects like wood surfaces, doors, furniture, cabinets, commercial or residential floors. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, the varnish comes for easy use and it is safe for the earth.

The varnish makes a nice, is nontoxic and it is safe for people. Also, this is made for all types of interior woodwork, doors, furniture, cabinets and mouldings. Lastly, the Japanese water based satin varnish dries fast and it is very forgiving.

Most customers quickly discovered that the varnish is best with a 6 inch high density foam lint free roller. Also, they also found that the water is great with a subtle sheen. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

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

Best For Stair: General Finishes Water Based Satin Varnish

General Finishes Water Based Satin Varnish
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The general finish water based satin varnish is suitable and reliable and fits well with your daily use. And, the varnish comes with a catalyst required. Perfect for tables or any other wood that you would like a durable top coat. Above all, the General Finishes Water Based Satin Varnish has followed the instructions and it is used for coffee table.

Almost all customers found that the water looked like the tables needed a recoat. Furthermore, a few also found that the varnish does take 3-4 coats as the directions indicate. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the water suits the purpose.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is built with some top carvings.
  • This has a more lacquer look but a bit thicker film.
  • This does not have that softer acrylic feel that poly has.
  • This is a 2-part varnish with a catalyst like epoxy.