We consider a water based spar varnish to be a worthy investment in the long run. Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best water based spar varnish for you.

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Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: Totalboat Water Based Spar Varnish READ REVIEW

Best For Stained Wood: Buy: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish READ REVIEW

Best For Superior Durability: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish READ REVIEW

Best For Handrail: Buy: Varathane Water Based Spar Varnish READ REVIEW

Best For Cabinet: Buy: Minwax Water Based Spar Varnish READ REVIEW

Best For Weather Resistance: Buy: Rustoleum Water Based Spar Varnish READ REVIEW

Best For Spray Application: Buy: General Finishes Water Based Spar Varnish READ REVIEW

Best For Plywood: Buy: Rustoleum Satin Finish READ REVIEW

Best For Window Sills: Buy: Mccloskey Water Based Spar Varnish READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Totalboat Water Based Spar Varnish

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The Totalboat Water Based Spar Varnish is long-lasting, rigid and fits well with your regular usage like a dream. The totalboat water based spar varnish is eco-friendly and it is perfect for new wood. This one part polyurethane wood varnish needs no mixing. 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 varnish is much more expensive and it provides excellent durability. In addition, this spreads evenly, is weather resistant and it goes on easily. Above all, the totalboat water based spar varnish is not available in a 4 quart kit.

Most customers agree that the water does a great job when applied properly. In addition, a few say that the varnish will look beautiful and be protected from the elements. Also, a few also found that the satin is the type of finish and does not impact the color.

• Satin finish comes in clear only.
• This is very shiny and it goes on milky white.
• It is great to find a varnish that can be applied one coat per hour.
• This is good as long as it isn't overworked and applied in adequately thick coats.

Best For Stained Wood: Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish

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The Totalboat Gleam Gloss Varnish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The totalboat gleam gloss varnish is easy to apply, dries fast, and doesn't need sanding between coats. The Manufacturer says: The members of our totalboat tech team are boat owners who really know their stuff. Moreover, the water provides protection on exterior surfaces, too.

Lastly, the totalboat gleam gloss varnish feels like glass, comes with good stuff and it makes for easy application.

Most customers agree that the water is easy to apply, and flows very well. Moreover, a few say that the water is great for tipping and levels perfectly. Moreover, a few say that the water is mostly urethane based. In conclusion, many buyers have used the totalboat gleam gloss varnish for more than a few months without any issues, and it shows no sign of giving up.

• This varnish dries much faster in warm weather, especially after thinning 10.
• This is built for quick dry time and it is great for a fair price.
• This is great for protecting wood from the sun.
• This is being applied to bare wood it does not.

Best For Superior Durability: Minwax Clear Finish

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The best part: Minwax Clear Finish costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The minwax clear finish goes on easily, is non-toxic and it is made with household chemicals. 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.

The varnish is built for quick drying time and it has follow directions for application. Moreover, the water is much more and it dries very fast. Above all, the minwax clear finish provides long-lasting protection and warm beauty to both finished and unfinished wood projects.

Almost all buyers found that the varnish can be used on an oak front door threshold, it will get lots of used. And, a few also found that the varnish is easy to clean up attitude of the water-based. Further, a few also found that the speed at which this water based poly dries, recoats and cures is especially nice on projects that require multiple steps, multiple coats and dry time in between.

• This is perfect with no issues.
• This is easy to use, and should last a long time.
• Keep interior wood projects looking beautiful with minwax oil-modified polyurethane wood finish.
• This has a large 2.0mm nozzle.

Best For Handrail: Varathane Water Based Spar Varnish

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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 Varathane Water Based Spar Varnish is exactly that - it's a simple water that hits all the right notes. The varathane water based spar varnish is good for scratch resistance and it works perfectly. 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. Further, the water allows for good coverage and it gives a nice.

The water drys quickly and it goes on milky. Above all, the varathane water based spar varnish protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, trim and more.

Most customers opine that the water can be painted on any surface as long as you use sand and primer first. Moreover, they also found that the varnish takes about 2 or 3 to get a good shine. Moreover, they also found that the water looks like and don’t over brush it even though it looks like snot. Overall, most buyers agree that the water suits them best, and no one questions it.

• This will give you a soft sheen.
• This is the best glaze to use on projects even after acrylic paint.
• It will look glossy and beautiful after a few coatings.
• This can leave paper fibers from application.

Best For Cabinet: Minwax Water Based Spar Varnish

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The Minwax Water Based Spar Varnish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The minwax water basedspar varnish is good for ease of use and it makes it easy. Manufacturer says: We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing project. This spar urethane water - based formula protects the natural beauty of the wood while providing a crystal clear finish.

The water is made with great stuff, is great for window sills and it is quickly dry. Further, it dries relatively quickly, holds up well and it is built with beautiful results. Finally, the minwax waterbased sparvarnish is odor free, has excellent results and it is made for quick delivery.

Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the varnish is a great durable finish for cornhole boards. Also, a few also found that the water has amazing water repellency and beads up nicely with rain or dew. Further, a few say that this spray is so easy to use and protects wood wonderfully.

• This can be used by the u.s. space shuttle program and on the r.m.s.
• This will help your varnish stick to the cabinets varnish the cabinet.
• It contains UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects.
• This works well over stained wood.

Best For Weather Resistance: Rustoleum Water Based Spar Varnish

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Rustoleum Water Based Spar Varnish for regular usage. The rustoleum water based spar varnish is designed for exterior doors and it allows for great coverage. The Non-yellowing formula keeps your wood looking great longer. In addition, the varnish is great for low humidity and it is designed for weather resistance.

The water goes on well and it sprays evenly. Above all, the rustoleum water based spar varnish provides a classic and natural look.

Almost all customers agree that the water is sprayed on pretty thick, though even then, it should turn clear when it dry. In addition, a few also found that the varnish is good for outdoors, but you will need to reapply once in awhile, maybe every couple of years. In conclusion, most buyers agree that the varnish suits best, and no one questions it.

• This is good for much other than a base coat that is clear.
• This protects outdoor wood surfaces such as furniture, fences, boats, trim and more.
• It is easy to apply thin, nearly invisible coats.
• This is great for sealing daily coir welcome mats.

Best For Spray Application: General Finishes Water Based Spar Varnish

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General Finishes 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 general finish water basedspar varnish is designed for easy water cleanup and it is odorless. It performs well as a clear coat or as an optional topcoat over general finishes milk paint. And, it is very clear and it is water resistant.

The water has great results and it looks amazing. Also, the water is for exterior doors and it is designed for low humidity. Finally, the general finish waterbased sparvarnish is fortified with UV absorbers to stabilize and protect the integrity of the finish but will not prevent the wood from changing color from the sun.

Almost all buyers opine that the water has been about 2 months and has held up well so far. In addition, they also found that the varnish is easy to apply and gives a great smooth finish. Also, they strongly agree that the water is easy to apply with a brush, old teeshirt or sprayer. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the varnish suits the purpose.

• This is out 3 years in all four seasons and held up very well.
• This can be used on barstools over paint to use outdoors.
• This is designed for brush or spray application.
• This is white .dries clear plus it is a thin, no odor top coat.

Best For Plywood: Rustoleum Satin Finish

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Rustoleum Satin Finish for daily purpose. The rustoleum satin finish provides excellent resistance against scratches, weathering, uv light, and more while expanding and contracting with weather conditions. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, this is used for good coverage, to really like this material and it goes on smoothly.

Most importantly, the rustoleum satin finish has great results, comes out for easy application and it is perfect for art work.

Most buyers agree that the varnishes are not 100% exposed to the elements. Furthermore, a few also found that the varnish will eventually become super hard. Without any doubt, this water passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

• This is where the spar urethane comes in.
• This provides maximum UV protection to guard against sun damage.
• This will protect the paint from UV rays.
• Weather and UV resistant formula protects the surface from graying and sun damage.

Best For Window Sills: Mccloskey Water Based Spar Varnish

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The Mccloskey water based spar varnish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The Mccloskey water based spar varnish is built to resist weathering, salty air and water. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, it is great with great quality and it is very clean.

The water has great results and it works well. Above all, the Mccloskey water based spar varnish is good for window sills and it has 3 coats.

Most buyers found that the water is day 2 with no response. Moreover, they say that the water is also a humid area in general.

• This is easy to install / clean up too.
• This takes polyurethane about a month to cure fully.
• It is strong and scratch resistant.
• This is great for use on wooden boats, outdoor furniture, doors, fences and trim.