If you’re looking to enhance your outdoor furniture without altering its appearance, we have the perfect solution for you: the best exterior polyurethane. When applied to the surface, polyurethane provides a clear finish that enhances the natural look of your wooden furniture without affecting its color.
Moreover, exterior polyurethane contains a flattening agent that reduces excessive gloss and provides UV radiation protection. Thanks to this natural agent, exterior polyurethane offers a long-lasting finish. To help you discover the best options on the market, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7-rated exterior polyurethane products for this year. Choose the perfect one for your home.
- Our Top Choice: Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane
- Best Exterior Polyurethane For Big Projects: TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish
- Best for UV Protection: Rust-Oleum 9341
- Best Clear Exterior Polyurethane: Rust-Oleum 250241H Ultimate Spar Water-Based Urethane
- Best Exterior and Interior Polyurethane: Deft Interior Exterior Water-Based Polyurethane Finish
- Best Exterior Polyurethane for Extreme Weather: ZAR 34112 Ultra Fast Drying Exterior Polyurethane
- Best Water-Based Exterior Polyurethane: General Finishes Exterior 450 Water-Based Topcoat
Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane
What I love most about Minwax Helmsman is its ability to protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause wood furniture to deteriorate over time. With Helmsman, your furniture will look great year after year. It has a longer lifespan compared to other finishes and is water-resistant, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
I tested Minwax Helmsman Indoor/Outdoor Spar Urethane by applying it to a piece of wood and exposing it to direct sunlight and various weather conditions. It did an excellent job overall, protecting the wood from discoloration, cracking, and peeling. I highly recommend using Minwax Helmsman for your woodworking projects.
Can The Polyurethane Work on Materials Other Than Wood?
It depends on the material. Urethane can work on materials with properties similar to wood, such as resin or acrylic.
How Long Does It Take To Dry?
You should wait for at least 24 hours to ensure it dries before you start using any item coated with this urethane.
TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish
One of the things I liked most about TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish is its ease of application. It goes on smoothly, dries quickly, and leaves no streaks or bubbles. It can be applied using a brush, roller, or spray, providing versatility for different projects.
What truly sets TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish apart is its durability. After months of exposure to sun, rain, and other elements, my backyard furniture still looks great. It hasn’t faded, peeled, or cracked, showcasing the quality of this product.
In conclusion, I highly recommend TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish to anyone seeking a high-quality varnish capable of withstanding harsh environments. It’s easy to apply, durable, and provides long-lasting protection against the elements.
How Much Area Does The Polyurethane Coat Cover?
It covers an area of up to 250 square feet.
How Much of the Exterior Polyurethane Should I Apply on clean Wood?
As a general rule of thumb, you should apply 2 to 3 coats of polyurethane.
Rust-Oleum 9341 Ultimate Spar Oil-Based Exterior Urethane
I applied three coats of this urethane over a stained finish, and the results were pleasing. The first coat didn’t have an even sheen, but the final coat looked fantastic with a consistent satin gloss. It’s important to note that the product took some time to fully cure, even after exposure to high temperatures for several days.
Overall, Rust-Oleum 9341 Ultimate Spar Oil-Based Exterior Urethane is a decent product. While it has its drawbacks, it ultimately provides a beautiful finish. As always, thorough research is essential before purchasing to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences.
Can I Use This Polyurethane on Metal Items?
Yes, thanks to its somewhat thick consistency, this exterior polyurethane can be applied to metal items such as steel.
For How Long Do I Wait Before I Can Use The Coated Surface?
For light use, you want to wait for at least 24 hours. However, for regular use, you want to wait for at least 3 days.
Rust-Oleum 250241H Ultimate Spar Water-Based Urethane
Despite its focus on safety, it delivers excellent functionality and durability. The low-odor formula makes it easy to apply, and it dries in just 30 minutes, covering an area of up to 87 square feet. Its quick-drying profile allows for recoating in just 2 hours, and the non-yellowing formula is suitable for various wood types. It offers weather and UV resistance, protecting against UV rays and preventing mold and mildew buildup.
Can I Use This Exterior Polyurethane for Interior Furniture?
No, this urethane is specially formulated for exterior furniture due to its outdoor properties. It is not advised for use on interior furnishings.
How Do I Apply It?
It is advised to spray this exterior urethane rather than brush it or roll it, as it tends to be a little light.
Deft Interior Exterior Water-Based Polyurethane Finish
Using the latest technology, this water-based urethane offers a surface coating that is twice as durable. Available in a glossy finish, it gives any wooden surface a sleek and attractive look. Its UV protection prevents fading and disintegration, maintaining the surface’s appearance over prolonged periods. It also features a protective waterproof and dirt-proof barrier for extra preservation. Thanks to this durable formula, you can even use this polyurethane for marine applications on items such as boats, kayaks, or canoes.
How Do I Apply This Polyurethane Finish?
You can choose to apply polyurethane through three key methods: using a brush, a pad, or an HVLP spray applicator.
Can I Use It on Other Surfaces Than Wood?
No, it is advised against using this polyurethane on materials other than wood.
ZAR 34112 Ultra Fast Drying Exterior Polyurethane
This high-quality exterior polyurethane is designed to work with various materials, including wood, fiberglass, and steel. It can be used on wooden marine surfaces, exterior doors, and patio furniture. Despite its oil-based formulation, it dries in just 2 hours. Its UV treatment protects against UV rays, and its ability to adapt to rapid weather changes makes it perfect for the most extreme weather conditions.
Should I Thin the Polyurethane Before Application?
Yes, it’s a good idea to thin the polyurethane before application, especially if you are using the spraying method.
How Much Area Does the Polyurethane Cover?
Polyurethane covers up to 150 square feet of area.
General Finishes Exterior 450 Water-Based Topcoat
The clear satin finish retains the surface’s original color while providing a natural glow. Packed with UV absorbers, it stabilizes the coated finish and protects it from sunlight. Thanks to the water-based formulation, it dries quickly, although it should not be applied to white or light-painted surfaces as it may cause yellowing.
How Do I Apply This Topcoat?
You can choose between three application methods: brushing, spraying, or rolling.
Can the Topcoat Use it For Interior Items?
Yes, you can. This polyurethane is water-based; making it a low-VOC topcoat. Additionally, its odorless and toxic-free nature makes it ideal for indoor use.
Conclusion
Exterior polyurethanes provide an excellent way to maintain neat and attractive aesthetics for outdoor furniture and accessories. These polyurethanes are formulated to withstand outdoor conditions, surviving rapid weather changes and other environmental factors.
Polyurethanes like Rust-Oleum 9341 Ultimate Spar Oil-Based Urethane offer functionality tailored to the outdoors while maintaining durability. With advancing technologies, you can expect exterior polyurethanes that smoothly cover different types of materials beyond wood.