Best Water Based Wood Sealer

Peter | 30-12-2025

With so many great Best Water Based Wood Sealer to pick from, like those from brands such as Minwax,Varathane,Seal-Once,Thompson’s, it can be tricky for customers to decide what to buy. But after extensive research, we’ve discovered the stand-out Best Water Based Wood Sealer currently on the market.

Our team rigorously tested numerous products available to consumers. The one that stands at the top of our list is Minwax Best Water Based Wood Sealer, 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 Water Based Wood Sealer you’ll love.

Editor's Choice
Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish, Clear Satin, ½ Pint
Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish, Clear Satin, ½ Pint
Premium Pick
Varathane Water-Based Crystal-Clear Ultimate Polyurethane | Interior Wood Protection | Fast Dry Time
Varathane Water-Based Crystal-Clear Ultimate Polyurethane | Interior Wood Protection | Fast Dry Time
Budget Pick
Thompson's WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon
Thompson's WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon

Top 10 Best Water Based Wood Sealer

We researched and compared the top products in the Best Water Based Wood Sealer category to provide you with these recommendations.

1. Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish, Clear Satin, ½ Pint

  • PROTECT WOOD SURFACES Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish protects and adds beauty to your interior wood projects, including woodwork, furniture, doors and cabinets. The clear top coat protects against scratches, spills, dirt and more.
  • CRYSTAL CLEAR FINISH THAT LASTS The crystal clear finished offered in this protective coating is ideal for use over all Minwax Oil-Based and Water-Based Stains and colors, as well as all wood species including light woods like maple, ash and birch.
  • SATIN SHEEN Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this satin clear varnish. It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers an attractive, classic sheen for a modern and subtle look. Its non-yellowing, non-ambering and low odor.
  • ULTRA FAST DRYING Get more done with this protective poly coating. Its a fast-drying clear coat, which allows for quick recoats after 2 hours, letting you get projects done faster. Be sure to apply with a high-quality synthetic bristle brush.
  • EASY CLEAN UP This water-based wood finish allows for easy soap and water clean-up, so you dont have to stress about spills and big messes.
  • Water clean-up
  • Low odor, non-yellowing
  • Fast drying
  • Satin
  • 1/2 pint

2. Minwax 63333 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Satin, Quart, 1 Quarts (Pack of 1)

  • PROTECT WOOD SURFACES Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish protects and adds beauty to your interior wood projects, including woodwork, furniture, doors and cabinets. The clear top coat protects against scratches, spills, dirt and more.
  • CRYSTAL CLEAR FINISH THAT LASTS The crystal clear finished offered in this protective coating is ideal for use over all Minwax Oil-Based and Water-Based Stains and colors, as well as all wood species including light woods like maple, ash and birch.
  • SATIN SHEEN Give your wood projects a sleek finish with a satin clear varnish. It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers an attractive, classic sheen for a modern and subtle look. Its also non-yellowing, non-ambering and low odor.
  • ULTRA FAST DRYING Get more done with this protective poly coating. Its a fast-drying clear coat, which allows for quick recoats after 2 hours, letting you get projects done faster. Be sure to apply with a high-quality synthetic bristle brush.
  • EASY CLEAN UP This water-based wood finish allows for easy soap and water clean-up, so you dont have to stress about spills and big messes.
  • Water clean-up
  • Low odor, non-yellowing
  • Satin
  • 1 quart

3. Varathane Water-Based Crystal-Clear Ultimate Polyurethane | Interior Wood Protection | Fast Dry Time

Varathane Water-Based Crystal-Clear Ultimate Polyurethane | Interior Wood Protection | Fast Dry Time
9.1

Varathane

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  • Protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, 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 125 sq. ft., recoat after 2 hours
  • Durable formula provides outstanding stain and scratch resistance with excellent clarity
  • Matte sheen offers a non-reflective, crystal clear finish

4. SEAL-ONCE MARINE - 1 Gallon Penetrating Wood Sealer, Waterproofer & Stain. Water-Based, Ultra-low

SEAL-ONCE MARINE - 1 Gallon Penetrating Wood Sealer, Waterproofer & Stain. Water-Based, Ultra-low
8

Seal-once

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  • MARINE SEALANT: Our liquid formula creates a UV-stable coating for protection against the elements, saltwater spray, and water damage. Marine is a great protector for outdoor furniture, thermally modified wood, and boat docks. Marine is safe for use over open water and is non-hazardous to aquatic life.
  • DECK STAIN: It's water-based, ultra-low VOC, great for enhancing the extended life of your flooring, siding, and porch. The paint forms a water-resistant shield around wood fibers at the cellular level to help preserve the natural color.
  • WATERPROOF WOOD SEALER: The wood used on boat docks, decks, and retaining walls near rivers, lakes, oceans, and ponds is subjected to constant moisture. We crafted a sealer, remove stain, and finish all in one, specifically for these installations.
  • WOOD SEALANT: Our fast-drying protector penetrates wood below the surface, coating the wood fibers at the cellular level, which creates a long-lasting, flexible, breathable barrier. It provides a no-fuss, easy clean-up with soap and water.
  • SEAL-ONCE: Our user-friendly wood sealers and stains are an effective way to protect your lumber or concrete against water damage. When you use Seal-Once, you have the satisfaction of knowing our products will not harm pets, plants, or people.

5. Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon

Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon
8.7

Thompson's

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  • WATERPROOFING STAIN Bring out the beauty of your outdoors with Thompsons WaterSeal Clear Multi-Purpose Waterproof Stain. Proven to waterproof concrete, brick, exterior wood and other exterior surfaces.
  • CLEAR STAIN This outdoor wood stain and sealer provides a clear finish. It will hide the grain, but still allow the texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding enhancing the natural color.
  • FADE RESISTANT FINISH The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
  • EASY TO USE Whether youre refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new patio, this concrete, brick, wood sealer is easy to apply. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
  • THOMPSONS Protecting & maintaining all your exterior surfaces, can easily be simplified if you know where to start. Thompsons WaterSeal is here to take the edge off, thanks to our one-coat products, informative how-to guides & decades of expertise.

6. Thompson's WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon

Thompson's WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon
9.5

Thompson's

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  • Year-Round Protection in Just One Coat
  • Helps Prevent Water Damage
  • Exceeds Industry Standard ASTM-D4446 for Waterproofing Wood
  • Crystal-clear sealer and sunblock protects wood and prevents yellowing

7. Varathane Water-Based Crystal-Clear Ultimate Polyurethane | Interior Wood Protection | Fast Dry Time

Varathane Water-Based Crystal-Clear Ultimate Polyurethane | Interior Wood Protection | Fast Dry Time
9.8

Varathane

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  • Protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, 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 31.25 sq. ft., recoat after 2 hours
  • Durable formula provides outstanding stain and scratch resistance with excellent clarity
  • Satin finish provides a classic and natural look

8. Varathane 250241H Ultimate Water-Based Spar Urethane, Quart, Crystal Clear Satin

Varathane 250241H Ultimate Water-Based Spar Urethane, Quart, Crystal Clear Satin
8

Varathane

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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

9. Tried & True Original Wood Finish, 8 oz. - Linseed Oil & Beeswax Blend, Ideal for All Woodwork,

Tried & True Original Wood Finish, 8 oz. - Linseed Oil & Beeswax Blend, Ideal for All Woodwork,
7.9

Tried & True

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  • SUPERIOR BLEND OF LINSEED OIL & BEESWAX: Tried and True wood finish is a superior blend of linseed oil and beeswax. This time-tested combination of oil and wax provides a warm soft appearance and adds protection against water, liquids and daily use.
  • EFFICIENT CURING: This linseed oil for wood is polymerized for fast curing without the use of toxic drying aids found in boiled linseed products. No solvents means a little bit goes a long way. Safe to apply indoors with no PPE.
  • LONG-LASTING DURABILITY: Tried & Trues original oil finish provides long-lasting durability and the ability to touch-up or repair the finish without needing to strip or sand the wood. This makes a potential heirloom to pass down for generations.
  • SAFE & NON-TOXIC: This wood finish is ideal for many projects including food contact applications like cutting boards, knife handles, butcher block and wood cabinetry. It is also safe as a wooden toy finish and pet items.
  • EASY APPLICATION: Sand the piece up to at least 320, wipe it on, buff it dry, wait a day, burnish with 4/0 steel or synthetic wool, repeat as desired. See videos and product label for in-depth application instructions.

10. Olympic WaterGuard 1 gal. Clear Exterior Waterproofing Wood Sealer

Olympic WaterGuard 1 gal. Clear Exterior Waterproofing Wood Sealer
7.9

Olympic

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  • Ready to use clear wood sealant and waterproofer
  • Perfect for new wood, pressure-treated wood, weathered wood and wood with a weathered clear or semi-transparent stain
  • Durable water base sealant that provides waterproofing protection; Coverage up to 350 sq. ft. per gallon
  • Repels water
  • Provides SUNBLOCK UV protection
  • Provides a resistant coating
  • Use on exterior wood surfaces including decks, fences, siding, railings, outdoor furniture and other wood or previously coated wood with a weathered clear sealant or semi-transparent stain
  • Water based stain cleans easily with soap and water

Peter

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