Top 10 Best exterior polyurethane for wood in 2026

Main highlights

• •WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoors with Thompson’s 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 you’re 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.
• •THOMPSON’S – Protecting & maintaining all your exterior surfaces, can easily be simplified if you know where to start. Thompson’s WaterSeal is here to take the edge off, thanks to our one-coat products, informative how-to guides & decades of expertise.

Main highlights

• •PROTECTIVE CLEAR FINISH – Minwax Helmsman Water Based Spar Urethane is a crystal clear wood finish that is specially formulated to protect against nature’s toughest conditions.
• •EFFECTIVE YEAR ROUND – This wood varnish forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture to protect your projects and keep them looking their best. Special oils allow the finish to expand & contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change.
• •VERSATILE – Ideal for use on doors, windows, trim, bathroom cabinets, bar tops, kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture and more. It’s a versatile water-based spar urethane that dries quickly and cleans up easily with warm water.
• •SEMI-GLOSS FINISH – Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this semi-gloss clear varnish. It protects the natural beauty of the wood and offers a long-lasting, semi-shiny sheen for a modern look. It’s ideal for use over light colored woods & stains.
• •A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Minwax is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. 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.
• •Spar urethane
• •Specially formulated protective clear finish for exterior or interior wood that is exposed to sunlight, water or temperature changes
• •Contain UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects
• •Forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture
• •Special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperature changes

Main highlights

• •PROTECT WOOD SURFACES – Minwax Polyurethane Wood Finish protects interior projects like woodwork, furniture, floors and cabinets. The oil-based, clear top coat is one of the most durable coatings for wood protection against scratches, spills and more.
• •OIL-BASED DURABLE FINISH – 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 & floors, and is available in a variety of sheens.
• •SEMI-GLOSS SHEEN – Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this semi-gloss clear varnish. It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers a long-lasting, semi-shiny, sleek sheen for a modern look.
• •FAST DRYING – Get more done with this protective poly coating. It’s a fast-drying clear coat, which allows for quick recoats after 4-6 hours, letting you get projects done faster. Be sure to apply with a high-quality natural or foam brush.
• •A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Minwax is America’s 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.
• •It provides long-lasting protection and beauty to interior wood surfaces such as furniture, floors, doors and cabinets
• •Its superior durability makes it ideal for use on all your wood surfaces
• •Dries fast and offers long lasting beauty on both finished and unfinished wood surfaces

Main highlights

Main highlights

• •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.

Main highlights

• •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

Main highlights

• •Ideal for use on all interior wood surfaces including furniture, doors, trim and more
• •One-coat coverage, water-based formula provides excellent scratch and stain resistance
• •Dries to the touch in 2 hours and covers up to 50 sq ft
• •Ultimate durability and protection
• •Gloss finish enhances the natural beauty of the wood

Main highlights

• •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

Main highlights

• •Protects outdoor wood surfaces such as furniture, fences, railings, trim and more
• •Oil based formula provides maximum durability and allows for a more even finish
• •Dries to the touch in 2 hours with coverage up to 190 sq. ft., recoat after 8 hours
• •Weather and UV resistant formula protects the surface from graying and sun damage
• •Satin finish provides a classic and natural look
• •Apply to outdoor wood projects
• •Expands and contracts with weather conditions
• •Protects outdoor wood from the elements
• •Easy application
• •Self-leveling and fast-drying