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Varathane Polyurethane Wood Finish

Internet # 100131610

Model # 200181

Store SKU # 279774

11.25 oz. Clear Semi-Gloss Water-Based Interior Polyurethane Spray Paint

Questions & Answers (76)
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  • Easy to spray superior poly protection for interior wood surfaces
  • Durable top coat protects the surface with a crystal clear finish
  • Fast dry poly does not yellow over time, covers up to 25 sq. ft.
  • View More Details

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Product Details

About This Product

Varathane 11.25 oz. Clear Semi-Gloss Water-Based Interior Polyurethane Spray is specially formulated to let wood's natural beauty shine through. High clarity protective coating for indoor wood projects provides a crystal clear finish. Premium polyurethane retains the same clear finish as the day it was applied and will not yellow with time.

Highlights

Product Information

Internet # 100131610

Model # 200181

Store SKU # 279774

Additional Resources

Shop All Varathane

Specifications

Container Size: 11.25 Ounce

Dimensions

Container Size

11.25 Ounce

Details

Application

Shellac, Lacquer & Polyurethane

Application Method

Aerosol

Base Material

Water Based

Color Family

Clear

Coverage Area (sq. ft)

25

Dry to Touch (min.)

30 min

Interior/Exterior

Interior

Number of coats recommended

4

Number per Package

1

Paint Product Form

Aerosol Spray

Paint/Stain Clean Up

Soap & Water

Paint/Stain Features

Dries Clear

Sheen

Semi-Gloss

Time before recoating (hours)

1

Transparency

Clear

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

Satisfaction guaranteed for full refund of purchase price

Questions & Answers

will this work over SamaN Interior Water Based Wood Stain
ByAug 10, 2026
1 Answer | 
Answer This Question

Happy to help, Allen! We recommend confirming with the stain manufacturer that their product can be topcoated and to let it dry per their recommendations before applying Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane Spray. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

By|Aug 10, 2026
    How do you stop the paint from spewing out of can in large droplets ? It’s not a fine mist. I have shaken and cleaned nozzles. Still happens. Lots of reviewers have had similar experiences.
    ByMay 29, 2026
    1 Answer | 
    Answer This Question

    Let's see if we can help. This sputtering issue is commonly due to larger pieces of resin being lodged in the dip tube of Rust-Oleum Varathane Ultimate Water-Based Polyurethane Spray. The best way to prevent this is to shake the can vigorously for at least 1 minute before applying, as well as throughout the application process. This will evenly distribute the resins that settle towards the bottom of the can and allow for a smooth passage through the dip tube keeping it clean. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

    By|May 29, 2026
      Can this be washed once dry
      ByApr 9, 2026
      1 Answer | 
      Answer This Question

      Great question, Jeremy! Yes, Rust-Oleum Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Spray can be washed once fully cured. We recommend waiting at least 7 days before washing. Make sure to avoid abrasive cleaners, as this can mar the finish. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

      By|Apr 14, 2026
        (2)
        Can this be used on acrylic based canvas art to seal
        ByApr 6, 2026
        1 Answer | 
        Answer This Question

        We appreciate your interest, Anna! Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane Spray is intended for use on wood surfaces only. We do not recommend it for use on canvases, as this product will cure to a harder finish and can start to crack if the surface flexes too much. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

        By|Apr 7, 2026
          Can I use this on air dry clay
          ByFeb 22, 2026
          1 Answer | 
          Answer This Question

          We apprecaite your interest! Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane Spray is intended for use on wood surfaces. We cannot guarantee full adhesion or performance on clay surfaces. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

          By|Feb 25, 2026
            Can you use this on paper and plastic
            ByJan 24, 2026
            1 Answer | 
            Answer This Question

            Terry, thanks so much for your interest! Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane Spray is specifically designed for use on bare or stained wood. Applying this product to paper or plastic is not a recommended application, as it will not cure properly on those surfaces. If you’d like to discuss your project further, feel free to call us at 800‑481‑4785. We’d be happy to review your needs and see if an alternative product might be a better fit. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10

            By|Jan 26, 2026
              Can I use this over WATCO Danish Oil Finish?
              ByJan 5, 2026
              1 Answer | 
              Answer This Question

              Great question, Tony! Yes, Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane Spray can be applied over Watco Danish Oil. Make sure to allow the Danish Oil to dry for at least 72 hours before applying any polyurethane over it. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

              By|Jan 5, 2026
                Can I use this spray on a paper wasp nest to preserve it?
                ByNov 22, 2025
                1 Answer | 
                Answer This Question

                We appreciate your interest! Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane Spray is suitable for use only on bare or fully cured painted wooden surfaces. Currently we do not offer a clear coat that we can recommend for this. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10

                By|Nov 24, 2025

                  Viewing 1-8 of 76

                  Customer Reviews

                  3.2 out of 5

                  • 3.2 out of 1,157 reviews
                  • 41% recommend this product
                  Filter by:
                  Showing 1-10 of 1,157 reviews
                  Mar 27, 2026
                  Don't buy, save yourself from a disaster!
                  Warning! Don't buy! Should have read the reviews on this terrible product. The spray is chunky to say the least! Even if you sand it down 600grit, leaves divits. Sprayed in a clean dust free tent, no wind, no dust, 81°, well shake, supper clean part, follow the direction! Even replaced the nozzle! Still came out bad, I could have thrown sand on a top and would end up smoother.. DONT BUY!
                  by
                  This review is from 11.25 oz. Clear Gloss Water-Based Interior Polyurethane Spray Paint
                  Response from Rust-OleumSupportMar 30, 2026
                  We want to gather more information to get to the bottom of this. Please give us a call at 800-901-0411 to talk with us further. When calling, please have your can of Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane Spray, so we can collect the batch codes. We hope you will give us a chance to try to make things right with you.
                  - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3 Rustoleum
                    Feb 1, 2026
                    I have a love hate relationship with this product. I love the way it protects and holds up over the years but…….the spray cans are a challenge. Each can acts different than the other and in most cases you need to use 1/2 of the can before it starts spraying properly. Before you comment, I shake it well, make sure it’s the right temperature, clean the tip but the first 1/2 of the can leaves water droplets and once it’s dry they are clearly visible. I combat this by going over the surface with a soft dry paint brush to smooth the surface. Then once you get down to 1/2 a can it sprays beautifully. I’ve used literally hundreds of cans so there has to be more love than hate.
                    by
                    This review is from 11.25 oz. Clear Satin Water-Based Interior Polyurethane Spray Paint (6-Pack)
                    • Verified Purchase
                    2 found this review helpful
                    Jan 8, 2026
                    DO NOT BUY OR USE VARATHANE SPRAY POLYURETHANE
                    One star is too generous! WARNING WARNING WARNING .. Do not buy or use this product! IT ONLY SPITS OUT BLOBS OF PRODUCT WHICH RUINED A HAND MADE PIECE THAT WILL TAKE CONSIDERABLE EFFORT AND TECHNIQUE TO REPAIR. PLEASE USE ANYTHING ELSE BUT VARATHANE SPRAY POLYURETHANE .. CRYSTAL CLEAR SATIN. THIS WAS MY WORST HOME DEPOT PURCHASE/EXPERIENCE EVER!!!
                    by
                    Response from Rust-OleumSupportJan 9, 2026
                    AJ, that definitely wasn’t the experience we hoped you'd have, and we understand how frustrating this is. We are here to help and would like to speak more with you about your application of Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane Spray. Please give us a call at 800-901-0411. When calling, have your can handy, as we'd like to collect the batch information from it. We hope you will give us a chance to try to make things right with you.
                    - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10 Rustoleum
                      1 found this review helpful
                      Nov 21, 2025
                      Very Disappointed
                      I purchased three cans of Varathane polyurethane refinish to refinish my bath cabinets. After significant prep time I applied this product and found the nozzle delivered a spray similar to the old Zolatone product. An inconsistent spray that at times left large drops. When dry the inconsistent spray resulted in a lumpy surface. Needless to say I returned the two unused cans for a refund. I’ve been refinishing wood products for 40 plus years and have never been more disappointed in a finish product than this Varathane product.
                      by
                      Response from Rust-OleumSupportNov 21, 2025
                      Mark, this is certainly not the experience we want to create for you. We are glad to hear Home Depot helped with the other two cans. However, we'd love to talk further with you and see how we can try to make things better with you. Please give us a call at 800-901-0411, and when calling in have your can of Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane Spray handy.
                      - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10 Rustoleum
                        1 found this review helpful
                        Jul 23, 2025
                        Great water based polyurethane. The reason for only 3 stars is that is doesn’t spray in a uniform pattern. So I just spray a good coat and use a high quality brush to spread it evenly. Leaves a nice satin, brush mark free finish.
                        by
                        This review is from 11.25 oz. Clear Satin Water-Based Interior Polyurethane Spray Paint (6-Pack)
                        Response from Rust-OleumSupportJul 24, 2025
                        Thank you for sharing your experience with Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane. For the smoothest spray application, be sure to shake the can vigorously for at least 1 minute before applying, as well as throughout the application process. This will evenly distribute any settled resins and allow for a smooth passage through the dip tube and nozzle.
                        -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14 Rustoleum
                        • Verified Purchase
                        Jun 10, 2025
                        Nozzle spits out milky product
                        After reading the reviews and Rustoleum's response, I shook the can for 2 full minutes before spraying the product. The nozzle spit out milky, large drops of product. I guess you could go back with a brush to smooth it out, but that isn't the point of buying a spray polyurethane. I never had this problem with Minwax spray polyurethane. I'll be returning it to Home Depot
                        by
                        This review is from 11.25 oz. Clear Satin Water-Based Interior Polyurethane Spray Paint (6-Pack)
                        Response from Rust-OleumSupportJun 11, 2025
                        We are here to help, and we do want to gather more details to get to the bottom of this! Please give us a call at 800-901-0411 for further assistance with your can of Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane Spray.
                        - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3 Rustoleum
                          2 found this review helpful
                          May 8, 2025
                          Trash product that ruined my project
                          I made sure that my stained wood was dry and ready for a top coat — only to have this stuff spurt out and splatter (not evenly spray out like a fine mist as it says on the directions) — caused my project to become spotted (I even tried to quickly brush it out, but was too far gone) and now I will have to sand down and start again. Not happy about this mess at all.
                          by
                          Response from Rust-OleumSupportMay 8, 2025
                          Let's see if we can help. To ensure the smoothest application of Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane, shake the can vigorously for at least 1 minute before applying, as well as throughout the application process. This will evenly distribute any settled resins and allow for a smooth passage through the dip tube and nozzle. We recommend sanding the surface smooth, waiting 12 hours, and then applying a new smooth finish coat.
                          -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14 Rustoleum
                            1 found this review helpful
                            Apr 23, 2025
                            This spray was a better way of sealing some woodwork I added to a nightstand. It saved time and the results were similar to the original coating which was the same product in a brush on application. I've had good luck with Varathane water-based coatings and intend to use it on future builds.
                            by
                            Mar 30, 2025
                            If you like orange peel texture, then this is the product you're looking for
                            To start, DO NOT BUY THIS! I went with the Varathane semi-gloss spray because I used Varathane stain for my project, and figured I'd just go with the same manufacturer for the semi-gloss clear coat. Big mistake. I know how to use spray paint, as I've done on it countless projects over the years. I read the directions to make sure there wasn't anything specific to this product that I might need to know. It was all pretty straight forward. Shook the can for a good amount of time. Sprayed a little on some paper to get the flow going, and then started to apply it to the wood. Immediately it looked like orange peel after a very light spray. I went back and sprayed more onto some paper to make sure that it was flowing properly. Went back and continued to apply to the wood. Same results. It's a relatively small area, so I figured I'd just complete the coat, and see if maybe it evened out. It didn't. It dried with the same orange peel it went on with. Again, this was a very light coat. It didn't matter whether I held the can back a bit or slightly closer. it just came out in little pellets (for lack of a better term). I thought I'd read the reviews to see if it was just me. Turns out it wasn't. This seems to be a common problem with this product. Rather than continuing with the Varathane, I took it back to the store and bought some Watco semi-gloss clear. Sanded down the orange peel from the Varathane, and applied the Watco instead. I got a beautifully consistent spray out of the Watco, which saved my project. To sum it up, don't buy the Varathane semi-gloss. Opt for the Watco instead, as it's a far superior product.
                            by
                            Response from Rust-OleumSupportApr 1, 2025
                            Bob, we can understand the frustration and appreciate letting our team know! We are glad the store was able to exchange the Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane Spray for the Rust-Oleum Watco Lacquer Wood Finish Spray. If further assistance is needed in the future, please reach our team at 800-901-0411.
                            - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10 Rustoleum
                              1 found this review helpful
                              Dec 15, 2024
                              Was foamy
                              Bought this to seal a bathroom vanity. The can sprayed out very foamy so we had to brush it all after spraying, which defeats the whole purpose of a spray verse a different product that requires to roll or wipe on. I gave a 2 because it at least didn’t ruin our homemade vanity my dad built and could be brushed on. I had 2 bottles and both were foamy and not spraying out correctly
                              by
                              This review is from 11.25 oz. Clear Gloss Water-Based Interior Polyurethane Spray Paint
                              Response from Rust-OleumSupportDec 19, 2024
                              Thank you for sharing your experience with Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane. To ensure for the smoothest spray, shake the can vigorously for at least 1 minute before applying, as well as throughout the application process. This will make sure all settled resins are evenly distributed, allowing for a smooth passage through the dip tube and nozzle.
                              -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14 Rustoleum
                                1 found this review helpful
                                Showing 1-10 of 1,157 reviews