Best Exterior Clear Polyurethane

Peter | 18-03-2025

With so many great Best Exterior Clear Polyurethane to pick from, like those from brands such as Rust-Oleum,TotalBoat,Minwax, it can be tricky for customers to decide what to buy. But after extensive research, we’ve discovered the stand-out Best Exterior Clear Polyurethane currently on the market.

Our team rigorously tested numerous products available to consumers. The one that stands at the top of our list is Rust-Oleum Best Exterior Clear Polyurethane, thanks to its impressive performance and features. Below you’ll find more of our top-rated picks, along with insightful analysis from our seasoned experts. Check out their thoughts before making your purchasing choice. With this guide backing your decision, you’re sure to end up with a Best Exterior Clear Polyurethane you’ll love.

Editor's Choice
Rust-Oleum 250241H Ultimate Spar Urethane Water Based, Quart, Satin Finish 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Rust-Oleum 250241H Ultimate Spar Urethane Water Based, Quart, Satin Finish 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Premium Pick
TotalBoat-520022 - Halcyon Marine Varnish (Gloss, Pint) | Water-Based Polyurethane Wood Finish |
TotalBoat-520022 - Halcyon Marine Varnish (Gloss, Pint) | Water-Based Polyurethane Wood Finish |
Budget Pick
Minwax 356100000 One Coat Polyurethane, Quart, Gloss
Minwax 356100000 One Coat Polyurethane, Quart, Gloss

Top 10 Best Exterior Clear Polyurethane

We researched and compared the top products in the Best Exterior Clear Polyurethane category to provide you with these recommendations.

1. Rust-Oleum 250241H Ultimate Spar Urethane Water Based, Quart, Satin Finish 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Rust-Oleum 250241H Ultimate Spar Urethane Water Based, Quart, Satin Finish 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
9.8

Rust-oleum

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  • Durable, poly for outdoor wood surfaces such as furniture, doors, windows, fences, trim and more
  • water based formula is easy to apply and cleans up with soap and water
  • Dries to the touch in 30 minutes and covers up to 87 sq. ft. per quart, recoat after 2 hours
  • supports the Weather and UV , top coat does not yellow and helps against natural elements
  • Crystal clear, satin finish provides a classic and natural look
  • Non-yellowing formula keeps your wood looking great longer
  • Outstanding UV and weather resistance
  • Low odor
  • No brush strokes
  • Extra fast drying apply 3 coats in a day

2. TotalBoat-520022 - Halcyon Marine Varnish (Gloss, Pint) | Water-Based Polyurethane Wood Finish |

TotalBoat-520022 - Halcyon Marine Varnish (Gloss, Pint) | Water-Based Polyurethane Wood Finish |
9.5

Totalboat

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  • DURABLE MARINE-GRADE VARNISH cures to a hard gloss or satin finish for beautiful brightwork; for interior and exterior use on wood trim, toerails, cockpits, doors, cabinets, chairs, outdoor furniture and more - on your boat or at home
  • PROTECTS AGAINST DAMAGE FROM SUN AND WEATHER: Provides superior sun-blocking protection and maximum resistance to salt, abrasion and scratches; excellent adhesion and flexibility let wood expand & contract naturally, without cracking or peeling
  • EASY TO APPLY, EASY TO CLEAN UP: Spar urethane is easy to apply by brushing, rolling or spraying; looks milky-white at first, but cures to a clear or clear amber color, depending on formula; for a satin finish, use gloss for build coats and satin for finish coat; easy soap & water cleanup
  • FINISH VARNISH JOBS FASTER: Dries fast so you can finish faster than with traditional varnishes; apply up to 5 coats in a day, no sanding between coats; apply at least 2-4 heavy coats for interior applications; 4-6 coats for exterior applications
  • CHOOSE FINISH AND COLOR: Gloss finish comes in Clear or Amber colors; Satin finish comes in Clear only; Kit Sizes: Pint, Quart and 4 Quart; Coverage: 40-50 sq ft/pint; 80-100 sq ft/quart; NOTE: Halcyon Satin is not available in a 4 Quart kit

3. Rust-Oleum 207008 Marine Spar Varnish, Quart, Gloss Clear

Rust-Oleum 207008 Marine Spar Varnish, Quart, Gloss Clear
8.3

Rust-oleum

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  • Ideal for use on exterior wood surfaces above the water line, including trim, railings and wood furniture
  • Oil-based formula expands and contracts with changing weather conditions
  • Dries to the touch in 2 hours and covers up to 150 sq. ft.
  • Durable coating provides excellent resistance to UV, salt and mildew
  • Crystal-clear varnish leaves a beautiful gloss finish with maximum protection
  • UV resistant
  • Salt and mildew resistant
  • Expands and contracts with changing weather conditions
  • Twice as durable as conventional wood finishes
  • This item is not for sale in Catalina Island

4. 1 qt Minwax 63005 Clear Fast-Drying Oil-Based Polyurethane, Semi-Gloss

  • Minwax Polyurethane Wood Finish protects interior projects like woodwork, furniture, floors and cabinets
  • Oil-based clear top coat is one of the most durable coatings for wood protection against scratches, spills and more
  • Clear finish provides long-lasting protection and warm beauty to both finished and unfinished wood projects
  • Protective coating is ideal for woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets and floors
  • Fast-drying clear coat allows for quick recoats after 3-4 hours

5. Varathane 250141H Water-Based Ultimate Spar Urethane, Quart, Semi-Gloss

Varathane 250141H Water-Based Ultimate Spar Urethane, Quart, Semi-Gloss
8.7

Rust-oleum

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  • Durable, protective poly for outdoor wood surfaces such as appliances, doors, windows, fences, trim and more
  • Low smell, water based formula is easy to apply and cleans up with soap and water
  • Dries to the touch in 30 minutes and covers up to 87 sq. ft. per quart, recoat after 2 hours
  • Weather and UV resistant top coat does not yellow
  • Crystal clear, semi-gloss finish creates a smooth and classy look

6. Rust-Oleum Varathane 242180H 1-Quart Classic Clear Oil Based Outdoor Spar 275 Voc Urethane, Gloss

Rust-Oleum Varathane 242180H 1-Quart Classic Clear Oil Based Outdoor Spar 275 Voc Urethane, Gloss
8.7

Rust-oleum

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  • Apply to outdoor wood projects
  • Expands and contracts with weather conditions
  • Protects outdoor wood from the elements
  • Easy application
  • Self-leveling and fast-drying

7. RUST-OLEUM 250081 12 oz Outdoor Clear Gloss Spray

RUST-OLEUM 250081 12 oz Outdoor Clear Gloss Spray
7.9

Rust-oleum

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  • Protects outdoor wood surfaces such as furniture, fences, boats, trim and more
  • Water based formula dries fast and cleans up with soap and water
  • Dries to the touch in 30 minutes with coverage up to 12 sq. ft. per can, recoat after 1 hour
  • Weather and UV resistant formula is non yellowing and protects the surface from sun damage
  • Gloss finish creates a polished and clean look
  • Non-yellowing formula keeps your wood looking great longer
  • Outstanding UV and weather resistance
  • Low odor
  • No brush strokes
  • Extra fast drying apply 3 coats in a day

8. qt Minwax 63333 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Satin

  • Protects and adds beauty to interior wood surfaces including woodwork, furniture, doors and cabinets
  • Crystal clear finish is ideal for use over light woods like maple, ash and birch as well as over Minwax Water Based Wood Stains
  • Dries quickly
  • Cleans up easily with warm water
  • Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish is a crystal clear, ultra fast-drying protective topcoat.Protects and adds beauty to interior wood surfaces including woodwork, furniture, doors and cabinetsCrystal clear finish is ideal for use over light woods like maple, ash and birch as well as over Minwax Water Based Wood StainsDries quicklyCleans up easily with warm waterApplication: Woodwork, Furniture, Doors and Cabinets

9. Deft Defthane Interior Exterior Clear Polyurethane Semi-Gloss, Quart

  • This high solids oil based polyurethane is formulated for hard use areas
  • Use on unfinished and stained wood, painted, varnished or lacquered surfaces
  • Excellent for interior and exterior wood surfaces including floors, doors, furniture cabinets and marine applications above the water line
  • Semi-Gloss Finish - One Quart
  • EPA Regulated: No shipments to AK, CA, HI, NH

10. Minwax 356100000 One Coat Polyurethane, Quart, Gloss

  • DRIES IN TWO HOURS Complete your wood projects 3x faster. Minwax One Coat Polyurethane Protective Finish is a crystal clear, protective top coat that dries in just two hours and cleans up easily with soap and water.
  • PROTECT WOOD SURFACES The advanced formulation in this clear top coat provides the same level of durability in one coat the is comparable to three coats of a conventional polyurethane. Use it to easily protect and add beauty to your wood projects.
  • GLOSS SHEEN Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this gloss clear varnish. It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers a shiny, sleek sheen for a modern look.
  • EASY CLEANUP Get more done with this protective poly coating. Its an ultra fast-drying crystal clear coat that is non-ambering, and cleans up easily with just soap and warm water.
  • A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST Minwax is Americas leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects. Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to Keep on Finishing. We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing need.

Peter

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