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Choosing the Best Clear Wood Finish is not an easy task. Wood finishes are available in many different forms and textures, so it can be tough deciding which one to use on your project. It’s important to know what you want before you start shopping around for a product because there are plenty of options out there that might end up being too expensive or completely wrong for your needs. To help make this process easier, we’ve reviewed 8 of the best clear wood finishes on the market today – here they are.
When it comes to purchasing the best clear wood finish, you must first comprehend how long it will take to dry, the toxicity of the solution, the ease of application, and how quickly the wood becomes yellow. While a clear coat for wood may improve the grain and appearance, the durability of the finish must also be considered.
Many clear wood finishes are available in water or oil base and both have their unique properties that may benefit your project. Water-based products tend to dry faster, which can reduce bubbles and brush marks but they’re not as durable when compared to oil-based options. Oil is a more traditional method for finishing wood and it provides a high-gloss shine that is easy to apply. However, oil-based products take longer to dry and can yellow with time.
Summary Of The 8 Best Clear Wood Finishes
1. General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, 1 Quart, Satin
2.Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish, Clear Satin,
4. Spar Varnish Exterior Clear Wood Finish
5. Epoxy Resin 1 Gallon Kit For Bar Tops
6. Watco 63281 Lacquer Clear Wood Finish Spray, 11.25 oz, Clear Satin
7. Liberon Pure Tung Oil, 250 ml
8. Varathane 200241H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane – Wood Finish Clear Old Masters Ascend Water-Based UV Protective Finish
9. Old Masters Ascend Water-Based UV Protective Finish
Choosing a Clear Wood Finish
Choosing a clear wood finish that is resistant to scratches and stains will ensure that your project looks great for a long time. To prevent the wood from yellowing, you should avoid products containing polyurethane. Instead of choosing a clear oil or water-based finish, opt for an alkyd resin that has a better resistance against ultraviolet rays and humidity while also providing the same protective coating.
When choosing the best clear wood finish for your project, you should know that each product will have its unique properties. Drying time and resistance to yellowing are just two of many characteristics that vary widely between products so it’s important to do some research before making a purchase decision. The most trusted brands in this industry produce quality products that will last for years, so make sure to take your time when shopping around.
The Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wood Finish Clear
1. The Type of Project
The use of a clear protective finish on a project that will be subjected to plenty of usage, such as a tabletop, is more important than on one that will experience less wear and tear. Make certain you opt for a transparent protective finish that is appropriate for your project.
2. Exposure to sunlight and humidity:
Doors, windows, bathroom cabinets, kitchen countertops, and outdoor pieces can all be subjected to sunshine, temperature changes, and humidity. You’ll need a finish with ultraviolet absorbers and innovative oils that expand and contract as the temperature rises and lowers.
3. Crystal clear or amber tone
Many clear finishes, such as shellac and varnish, provide a warm, golden amber hue to the wood. Others are completely transparent. You may choose whatever aesthetic your project needs. If your project is a light color—whether stained or unfinished wood—you should utilize a completely transparent finish.
4. Ease of application
With a cloth, any clear finishes may be applied simply and without drips or brush marks. Some dry quickly and can be cleaned with soap and water, while others need mineral spirits.
5. Note for hardwood floors
Floors can be protected with any number of general-purpose transparent protective finishes. Minwax Corporation also produces topcoats that are designed specifically for hardwood floors. They have application advantages, making them ideal for large-area applications.
How To Apply A Wood Finish
The brushwork is the most typical way to apply a clear finish, working against the grain of the wood. Sand lightly once it has dried. After that, wipe away all of the sanding dust and apply another coat. A third coat can provide increased durability if applied correctly. The product you’re using should be followed by the label instructions.
1. Before and during usage, thoroughly mix the transparent finish
Add all materials and mix them thoroughly. Mix occasionally to avoid some materials settling at the bottom.
2. Do not shake the can
Bubbles may be formed in the wood finish clear if it is agitated.
3. Always apply thin layers of the finish
Thick coats take longer to dry and are more prone to lop the side.
4. Test before you sand
Sand a little, inconspicuous region to ensure that the finish is dry enough to be sanded. If the finish begins to “ball up,” STOP. It isn’t dried enough yet to be sanded. Wait at least 30 minutes before testing again.
RELATED: Types of Wood Finishes: A Complete Guide By A Professional
Best Wood Finish Clear Products: Top 8 on Amazon
Here are my picks for the top 8 clear wood finishes, based on my years of woodworking expertise:
1. General Finishes High-Performance Water Based Topcoat, 1 Quart, Satin(Best Clear Wood Finish)
- This product has a high-gloss finish.
- It is easy to apply with no brush marks, drips, or sags when used correctly.
- It does not require wax or varnish to be applied on top of it once dried.
- Water-based, easy to clean up with soap and water.
- Manufactured by a reputable company with over 40 years of experience in the industry.
- This product features a high-gloss shine and is highly durable, resisting yellowing and damage from stains and solvents.
Manufactured by General Finishes, the Urethane provides a high-gloss shine that resists yellowing and damage. Application is easy with no brush marks or drips when used correctly. It is a water-based product that can be cleaned up with soap and water. This finish has been manufactured by General Finishes for over 40 years, making it a reliable choice to consider when shopping around.
Pros
- Dries fast
- Easy to clean
- Easy to sand
- Reliable
- Beautiful finish
Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor use.
2.Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish, Clear Satin,
- This product is water-based.
- It has an easy spray application that provides a clear, smooth finish without brush marks or drips.
- Polycrylic is a low VOC, water-based finish that will not yellow over time and is easy to apply.
- It is a great product to use if your project does not need heavy-duty protection and durability.
- This finish has been tested by General Finishes and is suitable for indoor applications when applied correctly.
This product has a low VOC and does not require sanding or other preparation before you can apply another coat. It is suitable for indoor applications but should be avoided if the furniture might come into contact with water as it will cause damage to the wood finish clear. The polyacrylic provides an even application that dries quickly without brush marks or drips.
It’s water-based and easy to clean up with soap and water, making it friendly for the environment as well as your furniture. A quick drying time means you can apply another coat quickly after applying the first one. It is also suitable for indoor applications such as cabinets and other pieces of furniture.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean up.
- Dries quickly
- No brush marks or drips when used correctly.
- Beautiful finish that is perfect for light-duty use.
- The water-based product that is low VOC and easy to clean up with soap and water.
- Consistent finish.
- Does not provide heavy-duty protection and durability.
- Not suitable for outdoor use.
- Requires multiple coats to be effective against stains and solvents.
Cons
- May yellow over time, which may not be ideal for some projects.
- Spray application is susceptible to running and dripping
3. Polycrylic Wood Finishes
- This product is a water-based finish that provides a high gloss shine.
- One of the best things about this product is its ability to be used on a wide variety of surfaces, including plastic.
- Can be used as a sealer, primer, or top coat depending on the project you are working on.
- Water-based and low VOC.
- Provides UV protection and is non-yellowing over time.
A polyacrylic is a water-based, low-toxicity paint that is simple to use and dries quickly in ideal (low humidity) circumstances.
If you are looking for a less noxious clear wood finish then using polyacrylic is a great option for more noxious oil-based finishes. And, this finish is DIY-friendly.
This product provides a beautiful finish that is perfect for light-duty use. Although, it may yellow over time which may not be ideal for some projects.
The polyacrylic has been tested by General Finishes and is suitable for indoor applications when applied correctly. It also dries quickly without brush marks or drips if used correctly.
Pros
- Water-based product.
- Low VOC.
- Easy to clean up with soap and water.
- Dries quickly.
- Beautiful finish for light-duty use.
- Consistent finish.
- Will not yellow over time.
Cons
- May require multiple coats to be effective.
- Spray application is susceptible to running and dripping.
- Not suitable for outdoor use.
4. Spar Varnish Exterior Clear Wood Finish
- Non-yellowing and UV protective
- Spar varnish is a clear wood finish that provides excellent protection against the elements.
- It is a quick-drying, oil-based varnish that is designed with outdoor use in mind.
- Water-based.
- Easy to apply without brush marks or drip.
- High gloss shine that resists yellowing and damage.
Spar Varnish Exterior is a water-based, easy-to-apply clear wood finish without brush marks or drips. It is designed for outdoor use and provides a high gloss shine that resists yellowing. It also has excellent protection against the elements including rain, snow, sun damage, mildew, salt water air conditioners.
The spar varnish exterior clear wood finish will not yellow over time which makes it perfect for any weather conditions or projects where you want to keep the natural color of the wood.
Pros
- Water-based.
- Easy to apply without brush marks or drip.
- High gloss.
- Resists yellowing and damage from the sun, rain, snow, etc.
- Will not yellow over time.
Cons
- Not suitable for indoor use.
- Requires multiple coats to be effective against most stains and solvents.
5. Epoxy Resin 1 Gallon Kit For Bar Tops
- Non-yellowing and UV protective
- Provides excellent protection against the elements.
- It comes in a kit that is ready for either indoor or outdoor use.
- Water-resistant and durable clear wood finish that provides excellent protection.
- Self-leveling finish that is perfect for bar tops or other heavy traffic areas.
- Resistant to most stains including wine, fruit juice, coffee, etc.
- However, cannot withstand solvents such as nail polish remover or thinners so make sure you wipe up spills as soon as possible.
Epoxy resin is a clear wood finish that provides excellent protection against the elements and comes in a kit that is ready for either indoor or outdoor use. This high gloss, self-leveling epoxy resin has UV and water resistance and will not yellow over time. It resists most stains including wine, fruit juice, and coffee.
However, this clear wood finish is not resistant to solvents so make sure you wipe up spills as soon as possible. This product comes in a kit that includes resin, hardener, roller tray, and spreader for easy application without any mess or clean-up needed afterward. It also provides an even finish that is ready to use with only one coat.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Durable finish.
- Self-leveling for bar tops or other heavy traffic areas.
- Resists most stains including wine, fruit juice, coffee, etc.
- Resistant to solvents.
Cons
- Not suitable for indoor use.
- Cannot withstand solvents such as nail polish remover or thinners so make sure you wipe up spills quickly.
6. Watco 63281 Lacquer Clear Wood Finish Spray, 11.25 oz, Clear Satin
- Fast dry time for quick turnaround.
- Provides excellent protection against the elements including rain, snow, sun damage, mildew, etc.
- Easy to apply without brush marks or drip.
- Will not yellow over time.
- Dries quickly and has a consistent finish for a fast turnaround.
Watco 63281 is a clear wood finish that provides an easy-to-apply, even coat without brush marks or drips and has a fast dry time for quick turnaround. This product is designed with outdoor use in mind and provides excellent protection against the elements including rain, snow, sun damage, mildew, etc.
The lacquer clear wood finish spray dries quickly and has a consistent finish that allows it to be easily applied without any clean-up needed after finishing an area.
Pros
- Fast dry time for quick turnaround.
- No brush marks or drips.
- Consistent finish with each application without clean-up needed afterward.
- Provides excellent protection against the elements including rain, snow, sun damage, etc.
Cons
- Not suitable for indoor use and must be applied in a well-ventilated area.
- Can be difficult to remove if not applied correctly or allowed sufficient drying time between coats for proper adhesion.
7. Liberon Pure Tung Oil, 250 ml
- Easy to apply with a brush or cloth.
- Non-toxic
- Non-yellowing and UV protective.
- Provides excellent protection against the elements including water, sun, heat, etc.
- Long-lasting finish that is easy to apply and maintain.
Liberon Pure Tung Oil provides an excellent wood finish that protects against the elements including water, sun, and heat.
This pure Tung oil is non-yellowing and UV protective so it does not turn an ugly yellow color over time, allowing you to use this product year after year without having to worry about the finish turning a different color or degrading in quality with age. It also provides excellent protection against water, sun damage, etc., making it a great choice for furniture or wood paneling in your home.
This non-toxic oil is easy to apply and maintain, with no sanding needed between coats which can be reapplied as often as you would like without having to worry about the surface becoming tacky or sticky over time. It dries quickly and does not yellow over time.
Pros
- Non-yellowing and UV protective.
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply and maintain
- No sanding is needed between coats.
- Non-yellowing and UV protective.
- Long-lasting finish
- Easy to reapply without sanding in between coats or cleaning up afterward.
Cons
- Not suitable for indoor use such as furniture, floor, etc., due to the oil’s strong smell which can permeate through your home if not allowed to fully dry.
8. Varathane 200241H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane – Wood Finish Clear
- Odor and solvent-free
- Dries in under an hour.
- Easy to apply with no brush marks or drip.
- Resistant to stains and wear.
Varathane 200241H is a water-based polyurethane that provides an easy to apply, even coat with no brush marks or drips and a fast dry time of under an hour.
This Varathane is odor-free and solvent-free, allowing it to be easily applied indoors without any worry about the strong smell that comes from other products on this list such as Liberon pure wood finish oil which can permeate through your home if not allowed to fully dry as well as other products such as Watco clear wood finish which contains acetone and mineral spirits.
The polyurethane is resistant to stains and wear, so it will protect your furniture from damage over time without becoming damaged itself or worn away after years of use. It also provides protection against water and heat for outdoor wood such as fencing or outdoor furniture.
Pros
- Odor and solvent-free.
- Quick-dry time of under an hour.
- Protects water.
- Resistant to stains and wear.
Cons
- Not suitable for indoor use since it is water-based.
- May need multiple coats in some cases.
9. Old Masters Ascend Water-Based UV Protective Finish
- Water-based and easy to apply.
- A water-based finish that can be applied easily with a brush or cloth and dries quickly.
- Protects all types of damage including water, sun exposure, heat, etc.
- UV protection with no yellowing over time.
- Long-lasting wood finish that leaves a bright, polished appearance.
Old Masters Ascend is a water-based UV protective finish that protects against all types of damage including water, sun exposure, and heat.
This product can be applied easily with a brush or cloth without leaving any streaks behind on the wood panel, and it dries quickly.
It also provides UV protection, so there is no worry about yellowing over time with this product- an issue that comes up in other products such as Tung oil or Watco clear wood finish which can turn a different color after years of use if not applied carefully. This polish will leave your piece looking bright and polished with a long-lasting finish.
Pros
- The water-based product can be applied quickly without streaking.
- Protects all types of damage including water, sun exposure, heat, etc.
- No need to worry about yellowing over time since it is UV protective.
Cons
- May require multiple coats for complete coverage.
- May require a protective layer such as wax or varnish on top of the finish to protect from damage if used outdoors.
Best Clear Wood Finishes Application Tips
At this point, I will assume that you have decided on a finish and will advise on how best to apply the finish.
Now comes the difficult part of ensuring that your wood project is finished. And you’ve got all of the necessary materials on hand to produce a stunning and polished project- now you just need to know how to do it.
We’ve got a few tips and tricks for ensuring the best results from your wood project.
1. You’ll need to apply a protective layer such as wax or varnish on top of the finish if it is going to be used outdoors since water-based finishes can wear away after heavy use in many environments like Watco clear wood finish which contains acetone and mineral spirits. This will ensure that your piece lasts for years to come.
2. If you are using a water-based finish like Old Masters Ascend that can be applied with either a brush or cloth without leaving any streaks behind on the wood panel and dries quickly, make sure your piece is completely clean before applying. Any dirt particles left behind will accumulate in the coat of polyurethane, so make sure the piece is free of debris for best results.
3. If you are looking to achieve a glossy finish like Watco clear wood finish which contains acetone and mineral spirits then it will take multiple coats of polyurethane to get the highest shine possible after applying your first coat. The more layers you apply, the more high-gloss your piece will be.
4. If you are using an oil-based product like Tung oil or Watco clear wood finish which contains acetone and mineral spirits then it is best to use a natural bristle brush for application since synthetic fiber bristles can leave behind residue that will collect in the oil and leave a dirty looking finish.
5. If you are applying multiple coats of a water-based product like Old Masters Ascend then it is best to wait for the first coat to dry before adding another layer so that there is no bleed-through from the new application on top of your previous one. For instance, let each coat dry for 24 hours before adding the next one.
What is your favorite wood finish? Why?
My favorite type of wooden finish would have to be a water-based polyurethane because it can protect from all types of damage while still allowing the natural beauty and durability of the piece to shine through. It also dries quickly and provides UV protection so there is no worry about yellowing over time with this product- an issue that comes up in other products such as Tung oil or Watco clear wood finish which can turn a different color after years of use if not applied carefully.
Best Clear Wood Finishes: Conclusion
Thanks for reading! I hope you found these tips and tricks helpful in your quest to finish a wood project. Remember that there is no one right answer when it comes to picking out the perfect product- what works best on some pieces might not work as well on others, so try different types of finishes until you find something that suits each piece.
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Reference: WikiHow
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