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

Ok, this product became one of my favorite, but not for the original intended use. I wanted to clear coat some counter tops in my sailboat, and wanted some UV resistance because you know, it's a boat, in Florida. However, as a clear coat on a very light uniform plastic surface (doesn't absorb the product) it was impossible to get rid if very tiny, hard to see (but still there) brush strokes). Most of the time the brush strokes weren't visible, but depending on the light, they would appear and I didn't like that. HOWEVER: I then tried the product on wood, and there was not the slightest brush stroke. PERFECT. Also, I love that it is indeed crystal clear and doesn't alter the color of the wood. I ended up using it on my teak and holly sole inside the boat, despite the fact that it is not recommended for flooring, for several reasons: - it is VERY EASY to apply. - it dries INSANELY FAST, at least in Florida. I could re-coat every 5 minutes. - no sanding required - doesn't alter the color of the wood, but beautifully enhances the grain (like when the wood is wet). - seals the wood / waterproofs the wood - doesn't yellow the holly wood (originally white) like teak oil or varnish or other clear coat would. The result is fantastic, took me less than 1 hour for a 30 foot boat, and can be redone anytime easily and quickly if needed. So who cares if it doesn't last 10 years, it is cheap, fast, easy, looks great, and requires no maintenance, no sanding, no mess when re-applying in the future, while protecting my teak&holly sole well. I highly recommend this to any boater who doesn't want to spend a week on varnishing or coating the sole and wants an easy 100% guaranteed perfect result (no strokes, no bubbles, no issues, apply right off the can as you want with a foam brush you CANT GET IT WRONG. LOVE IT.

provides the protection needed and easy to apply

Finally a product I can use outdoors that actually does what it says! I do a lot of birdhouses and Christmas decor for outdoors, and often use white paint. Others claim they do not yellow or discolor the paint, but this Varathane 250241H Ultimate water based actually works like it claims! I used it on a birdhouse and a fence peaked for outside that has a lot of white and it did not discolor at all. Also quick drying and got all three Coates on in one day😁 super happy and highly recommend!

Great drying time. Could be cut with water to help level finish during drying

Product is excellent. Seller not so much. They put tape on the can to secure the lid. Most companies put metal retainer clips. The tape covers the instructions and when you try to peel it off carefully it tears off the instructions. Not much of a issue for me as I am accustomed to this products usage. If you lack the knowledge to use this you will need to look up the instructions. Small point but a pain in the neck!

I came across this on my hunt for a sealant that was outdoor-rated, wouldn't add a yellow tint, and wasn't glossy. This is perfect. Very easy to apply and dries completely clear. I thought I preferred matte finishes, but the satin really brought my projects to the next level. Photos show chair, bench, and plant stand with just stain, compared to after 3 coats of the spar urethane had been applied and dried. I did feel like the sealant helped to draw out and enhance the color, resulting in a slightly darker tone (chair may have one additional coat of stain in the after photo, and the bench in the after photo is taken on a cloudy day instead of the sun-soaked first photo). Time well tell how well this protects, but after a month in the Denver sunshine and 90+ degree days, the wood looks as good as it originally did. Haven't dealt with too much rain in this dry climate, but the water definitely sits on the surface until it evaporates and isn't being absorbed into the wood.

Used this varnish on my oak front door. Loved how it turned out. It took 4 coats to cover bc it is a water based varnish. Haven't worked a lot with varnish so this was an easy compromise. Easy clean up too.

Drys clear, no yellowing. It also spreads easily.

Good

Not as good as expected for its very high cost. The color comes darker than that shown on the container. It may or may not protect the wood but it certainly spoiled the natural outer look of my teak doors and windows.