Best Marine Varnish of 2024 – Review & Buying Guide

Varnish is one of the best products ever created. This unique sealant is ideal for preserving the natural beauty of wood throughout the years. Different types of varnish are designed to keep the natural moisture and oils of wood trapped inside so your furniture pieces won’t dry out.

At the same time, this protective coating shields your wooden items from harsh elements such as UV sun rays, sea salt, minerals, wind, and impact.

Some varnishes are even designed to offer a certain amount of water protection, so your wooden furniture items won’t swell up or decay after contact with water.

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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

There are quite a few different types of varnishes available on the market, but in this buying guide, we are going to have a quick look at the best marine varnish to help you protect wooden items near the coastline. 

The 5 Best Marine Varnishes to Buy Now

A quality marine varnish will offer the needed protection from harsh UV rays, salts, and minerals – and these special coatings are even water-resistant. But before you dive in, you should know that varnish can only protect your wooden surfaces from water to a certain degree. 

If wooden items are exposed to or submerged in water for too long, then you can still experience damage. This is because even the toughest of varnishes will eventually become soft. 

A good water-resistant varnish, however, can keep your wooden items from becoming damaged in high humidity conditions or splashes. Here is a quick look at some of the best marine varnishes to buy right now. 

1. TotalBoat Lust Marine Varnish

TotalBoat-496608 Lust Marine Varnish, High Gloss and Matte Finish for...
  • MARINE GRADE VARNISH imparts a rich, clear amber tone that enhances wood grain; creates a durable, uv resistant, waterproof finish that won't fade; ideal for interior and exterior wood, brightwork on...
  • CLASSIC SPAR VARNISH WITH A MODERN TWIST: High-build, fast-drying formula allows rapid recoating, multiple coats per day and no sanding between coats; sand lightly before the final coat - be done in a...
  • FLEXIBLE COATING WON'T CRACK OR PEEL: Premium, oil-based marine polyurethane finish is not damaged when wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature; perfect for all types of wood

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The TotalBoat Lust Marine Varnish is loved by boat owners who want to protect natural wooden elements and even fiberglass from the harsh elements of the sea and sun. 

This varnish is clear, and you can get it in matte or high gloss. It can be used on all exterior wooden items and it will offer good UV and waterproof protection.

The varnish is an oil-based product, but it does dry off surprisingly fast. You can apply a fresh coat every hour and there is no need for you to sand between coats. 

Specifications

  • Weight – 8.33 pounds
  • Can qty – 1 gallon
  • Color – Clear
  • Finish – Matte or high gloss
  • Suitability – Outdoor wooden products
  • Protection – UV protection and waterproofing
  • Medium – Oil based
  • Dry time – 1 hour per coat
  • Coats required – 6 to 8
  • Included – 1 can of varnish

Pros:

  • No sanding required between coats
  • Offers a deep rich finish
  • Good UV protection
  • You can get it in high gloss or matt finish
  • You can also get the can in various sizes
  • Varnish dries quickly. You can recoat in just 1 hour
  • The varnish is clear and won’t alter the natural hue of your wood
  • It creates a waterproof finish
  • You can dilute it with thinners to avoid bubbles

Cons:

  • Lots of coats are required for adequate protection
  • The oil-based varnish can produce lots of fumes 
  • The liquid can be toxic to consume




TotalBoat-497712 Halcyon Marine Varnish (Gloss, Quart) | Water-Based...
  • DURABLE MARINE-GRADE VARNISH cures to a hard gloss or satin finish for beautiful brightwork; for interior and exterior use on wood trim, toerails, cockpits, doors, cabinets, chairs, outdoor furniture...
  • PROTECTS AGAINST DAMAGE FROM SUN AND WEATHER: Provides superior sun-blocking protection and maximum resistance to salt, abrasion and scratches; excellent adhesion and flexibility let wood expand &...
  • EASY TO APPLY, EASY TO CLEAN UP: Spar urethane is easy to apply by brushing, rolling or spraying; looks milky-white at first, but cures to a clear or clear amber color, depending on formula; for a...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you hate the strong smell of paint and varnishes, then you should consider this water-based varnish by TotalBoat. Unlike the other varnishes, this one can be thinned and cleaned off with water. It doesn’t have the same toxic fumes or smells, but it still offers adequate protection once fully dried.

The varnish is available in amber or clear color and you can also get it in gloss or matte. With about 5 coats of this varnish, your wooden items should be protected against damaging UV rays and moisture and your furniture will even be scratch-resistant.

The product is also very easy to apply since drying time is less than an hour and the cleanup is easy since you can wash your brushes in soapy water. 

Specifications

  • Can qty – 4 quart, 1 quart, or 1 pint 
  • Color – Clear amber and clear
  • Finish – Gloss or clear satin
  • Suitability – Outdoor wooden items
  • Protection – UV resistant, moisture resistant, scratch resistant, and abrasion
  • Medium – Water base
  • Dry time – 1 hour between coats
  • Coats required – 5 minimum
  • Included – 1 pack of varnish

Pros:

  • The fumes are not as bad as oil-based varnishes
  • A quicker dry time compared to most oil-based varnishes
  • You can dilute it with water
  • There is no need to sand your furniture between coats
  • The varnish offers good UV protection
  • It is water resistant 
  • The product also protects against scratches
  • You can get it in gloss or satin
  • You can get it in amber or clear color
  • Brushes and other tools are easier to clean, since you only need soap and water

Cons:

  • A minimum of 5 coats is required
  • Water based varnish isn’t as strong as oil-based varnish




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This varnish by Old Masters is a great one to consider if you need something clear and high gloss. The varnish offers good protection from UV rays and it is even water or weather-resistant.

You can apply this varnish to any wooden or fiberglass surface and it should protect the piece for many years to come. The dry time of this varnish is a little bit longer but you also require fewer coats since 3 coats usually are sufficient.

The only downside is that you might need to sand your furniture pieces between layers of varnish to ensure that no dust particles settled while you were waiting for it to dry off properly. 

The varnish is oil-based and can be diluted with thinners if you want to apply more thin coats without the risk of bubbles forming in your surface. 

Specifications

  • Can qty – 1 quart
  • Finish – Gloss
  • Suitability – Exterior wooden furniture and decorations
  • Protection – UV resistant, water and weather resistant
  • Medium – Oil based
  • Coats required – 3 minimum
  • Included – 1 can of varnish

Pros:

  • The varnish offers a beautiful sheen to wooden furniture
  • The varnish offers good UV protection
  • It is also water and weather resistant and will protect furniture from water damage
  • The varnish can be diluted in thinners to prevent bubbles
  • Fewer coats are required compared to some varnishes
  • The varnish is easy to apply
  • The clear color won’t alter the color of your natural wood items

Cons:

  • Oil-based varnish does have a very powerful smell
  • The cleanup is tough since you need to wash everything in thinners




Pettit Marine Paint Flagship Varnish 2015 Quart 28720108
  • Flagship Varnish, Qt. With 6 times more UV inhibitors, this blend of phenolic and alkyd resins combined with tung and linseed oils offers excellent performance and a warm, deep amber hue. This...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Lots of people love the Pettit varnish brand because of its rich amber hue. This varnish is ideal for bringing back some life to furniture pieces that have lost their shine and color because the colored varnish will recreate that reddish-brown color for you.

The varnish is good for outdoor furniture pieces since it offers good UV protection. It isn’t quite as waterproof but should also protect against humidity quieted well.

This varnish is also oil-based which means it can be diluted with thinners. You should also use this varnish in a well-ventilated area since the fumes can be quite overwhelming. 

Specifications

  • Weight – 2 pounds
  • Can qty – 1 quart
  • Color – Amber color
  • Finish – Gloss
  • Suitability – For outdoor wood surfaces above waterline
  • Protection – UV protection
  • Medium – Oil-based
  • Coats required – 3 to 10 depending on desired finish
  • Included – 1 can of varnish

Pros:

  • The varnish offers good UV protection
  • The amber color offers a rich and warm color to natural wood items
  • Thinners can be used to dilute the varnish to prevent bubbles
  • It is easy to apply
  • The varnish creates a beautiful gloss finish with a nice shine
  • Ideal for outdoor furniture pieces or decorations
  • You can use it on patios or decks

Cons:

  • Oil-based varnishes do have a very strong smell
  • The liquid is toxic to ingest
  • Tools are difficult to clean since you need to wash them in thinners
  • The varnish will alter the color of your wood




Rust-Oleum 207008 Marine Spar Varnish, Quart, Gloss Clear
  • 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.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for a clear, high gloss varnish, you can also consider this varnish by Rust-Oleum. The varnish offers good protection from harsh UV rays, salt deposits and will even protect your furniture from mold and growths.

The oil-based varnish can be diluted with thinners if you prefer a thinner coat or if you want to reduce your drying time between coatings. At 2 hours, the drying time is a bit longer compared to other varnishes.

For efficient coverage, you will need to apply a minimum of 3 coats of varnish, and sanding your wooden surfaces between applications is recommended due to the longer dry time of this varnish. 

Specifications

  • Weight – 1 pound
  • Can qty – 1 quart
  • Color – Clear
  • Finish – Gloss
  • Suitability – Exterior wood surfaces above waterline
  • Protection – UV, salt, mildew and water resistant
  • Medium – Oil-based
  • Dry time – 2 hours
  • Coats required – 3 coats are ideal
  • Included – 1 can of varnish

Pros:

  • The varnish offers good UV protection
  • It also protects your wood from salt and other minerals
  • The varnish protects furniture from mildew
  • It also offers a water-resistant coating to your furniture which prevents water damage
  • Fewer coats are required to create a protective layer over your furniture
  • The high gloss finish is very beautiful
  • The color is clear and as such won’t alter your furniture’s color
  • The varnish will bring out the natural colors of your wooden items
  • You can dilute the varnish in water to stretch your budget or to prevent bubbles in your surfaces

Cons:

  • 2-hour dry time between coats is a bit long
  • Oil-based varnishes do have quite a strong smell
  • It does take a while to clean the tools and brushes




Buying Guide

All of these varnishes are bound to give your furniture pieces a lot of protection from natural elements and humidity. If you have a tough time deciding on the very best one for your needs, this quick guide can help you decide:

The Best Water-Resistant Varnish

If your furniture pieces stand in the rain a lot or if you are varnishing the deck of a boat, then it is best to invest in a marine varnish that offers good water resistance. All of these varnishes do offer some degree of protection against moisture. 

We do, however, feel that the varnish by Rust-Oleum is a top pick when it comes to water resistance with the varnish by Old Masters at a close second-best option to consider. 

The Best Mildew-Resistant Varnish

If you want to protect your wooden items from icky mildew and mold growth, you should consider the Rust-Oleum marine varnish. But all of the varnishes reviewed above should offer a decent amount of mildew protection since all of these varnishes protect against water absorption. 

The Best Water-Based Varnish

If you cannot stand the smell of thinners or strong varnishes, look into the varnish by TotalBoat Halcyon Clear. 

This varnish is water-based and can be thinned with water. You can also clean up messes and spills with water or you can wash brushes in soap and water to get them clean. Water-based varnishes don’t have that same toxic smell either. 

The Best Clear Varnish

To preserve the natural colors of wooden furniture, you should invest in a clear varnish. We recommend the TotalBoat varnishes, Rust-Oleum varnish, or the varnish by Old Masters since these are all clear. 

The Best Colored Varnish

If your wooden items seem a bit dull and faded, consider the Pettit varnish with its rich amber color. This varnish is ideal for brightening up your wood a little bit with its amber hue. 

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has helped you find a good-quality marine varnish that will keep wooden items such as furniture, boats, and patio structures in great condition for many years to come. 

And if you are on the market for other woodworking equipment and tools, such as the best woodworking books, the best beginner table saw, or the best CNC machines, then you should hop over to some of our other guides. We cover all of the superior quality woodworking equipment and products that you need! 

Last Updated on January 30, 2021 by Tom Bradly

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Tom Bradly
 

My entrepreneurial journey started in 2006, when I dropped out of university. I wanted to work with my hands, to build things. Now I mix my background with computers with my first-hand experience with woodworking to provide insights into the tools I like best. I love everything about woodworking and have been building stuff for over 20 years of my life. I hope to pass some knowledge and expertise. See more at TomBradly.com

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