Customer Reviews for Varathane 1 qt. Clear Satin Water-Based Interior Polyurethane

Coated a piece on 24"x24" Ash 6 times with a paint brush. Sanding between every 2 coats. It did well. I would use again on small projects.

I had a bunch of maple furniture that needed refinished and we really like the way this Varathane Poly gave us a fresh clean surface. We sanded with 220 to get the surface smooth first. I applied with a good brush and even wetting the brush before starting we did get some slight tiny bubbles while brushing. I suspect that is a user issue as I don't do much painting.

I was leery of trying this after reading reviews of water-based varnishes. So far, I'm glad I did. While it's too soon to gauge the long-term quality and yellowing of it, the application and appearance are beyond 5 stars. Yes, you can sand it after only 2 hours without it balling up and loading up your sandpaper. I refinished our oak dining table with this, applying with a paint pad for the main surface. It appears milky white when first applied, but dries clear.

I, only, appled it 7 days ago. So, I will have no idea how it will last. But it did go on very easy and looked beautiful after 2 coats.

I purchased this product based on a recommendation as a floor finish by a Home Depot employee during a time when inventory was limited. I discovered after the fact that this product is not recommended for use on floors. This product frequently left distorted white areas and over time, a white haze on the treated areas. I noticed white marks on the floor. I needed to re-sand, re-stain and re-finish the entire room. I ended up finishing the last room with Minwax with excellent results.

Very nice finish grt

I'm using Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane to smooth and seal some oak-stained wainscoting in the bedrooms and closets of my vacation home -- for some reason the previous owner left off any sort of finish. The stuff is consistent -- minimal stirring gets it ready for use, and applies evenly with a brush. The material is kind of thin, so I did need to take extra precautions against spatters, runs, and drips. It dries to the touch in about an hour, and to sand and recoat in about 4 hours. At least three coats are required (two gloss coats and a final satin coat - using only satin for all coats tends to get a bit too cloudy.) That's too long to leave a dirty brush, so I've gotten some experience with cleaning brushes. My poly bristle brushes clean up very easily with an initial rinse and kneading under warm water, a brief soak in the sink with warm water and 2 oz of ammonia, and a final rinse or two. I can honestly say I've never had a brush clean up this easily! The resulting finish looks great!

I used the Satin and was happy, until I needed to get a second can to complete the project. The second can, with the same exact date code, had a completely different level of shine - one can was almost a semi-gloss , and the other can produced a matte.

This is an excellent top coat. It flows evenly to give you a smooth tough wear surface. I used a paint roller and it looks like its been sprayed!

I bought this product because i wanted something water based, fast drying and easy to use. This product filled all of those requirements. I used it on a carpetball table i was building. It goes on with a milky look but dries perfectly clear. On a warm, low humidity day it dries really fast. I will probably use this product on most of my projects BECAUSE it is so easy to use and clean up after.

Dries quickly by 2 hours on project, and just soap and water used as instructed to remove residue from brush for later use.

Low order, quick drying. It worked great for my project, I whitewashed my hardwood floors and this was the perfect sealer for it. You do need to apply at minimum 3 coats. I used a brush for the job 3-4 inches wide, did the job beautifully. It doesn’t scratch and I would say it holds up just as good as an oil based sealer, but without the heavy smell and the yellow tone it has.

I bought a gallon of this and on my way home from Home Depot, it spilled all over my trunk. I was advised to reach out to Rust-Oleum customer support, and despite their frequent activity in this review section, it takes weeks to get a reply via email. Portions of my new vehicle's warranty were voided because of this product and the best they'll do is refund me for the gallon. Steer clear of Rustoleum, buy from anyone else.

This products is very easy to use. It goes on very smoothly. I sprayed it on and finished level and beautiful. I will definitely use the as my preferred topcoat from now on.

I used Varathane to re-coat a section of hardwood floor in my den that had worn away from the use of office chairs. I cleaned the area to be coated with a 1:10 solution of white vinegar and water. I used a sponge brush to apply 3 coats. The results were amazing. Cleanup is with soap and water. It couldn't be easier. I've added a plastic floor mat to the room to prevent the finish from future wear and tear.

Great stuff keeps wood looking natural love it.

Beautiful strong matte finish! Maintains super smooth touch after drying. I will use this product for many more projects in the future!

I use the outdoor ultimate spar urethane most of the time but wanted an indoor polyurethane finish for a dresser I was making and this stuff is great. It has great body for spraying. Seems a little thick at first to spray but it is not, it sprays great right out of the can. The spar urethane is slightly thinner, still spray well but will run easier. This polyurethane being thicker hold very well without running on vertical areas. Levels out great and gives a nice smooth hard crystal clear finish. If you are used to spraying finishes this is very similar to spraying a non water based pre cat lacquer except you can apply it quite as thick. I have many years experience as a finisher doing primarily country club, hotel public area custom items.

Excellent product

At first I was a little set aside by the milky shade almost like the urethane was bad or had been frozen after it had dried it gave a tough finish that looked wonderful Just be careful not to use a foam brush and leave bubbles

went on very easily self leveling no brush strokes were left behind did not leave a shiny finish which was the reason for the matte finish.

I was skeptical about using it at first because my experience was using oil based product, now that I've experience using the water based product will definitely recommend it and continue to use it.

Did very well on by paint projects

Great product that is easy to apply, obtain a very smooth finish, bring out the color in the wood, and proven durable. I build furniture on a regular basis and use this product, exclusively, for my final coats in most cases. In this case, I used the matte finish which is extremely easy to apply and get the desired results. The high gloss finish is requires more attention to preparing and cleaning (dust particles) from the surface before application but still much easier than other products I have used. Really superior...hope you find the same results. Cheers, BlueWaterSailor

Worked great on kitchen cabinets. Seems durable.

My rental stairs look like caramel. Love it!

I used a hvlp spray gun fo this product. It worked really well. Watery in the he cup but sprayed out very good. Dries extra fast and clear. I bought the satin. Looked nice when finished.

This product performed beautifully. Two coats and dried within two hours as stated with easy water clean up

Absolutely superior product. Never yellows, goes on smoothly, and provides a durable, long lasting finish. It’s the only poly top coat I’ll use and I refinish a lot of furniture for my small business. Highly recommend for all the qualities above but also the ease of soap and water clean up.

Excellent product, Brush marks layout and you don’t see them after they dry use a fine Scotch-Brite pad between coats And wiped down thoroughly. I don’t recommend more than three.