Best Water Based Polyurethane Varnish of 2025

Mohammed Clark Avatar
Mohammed Clark
Last Updated: 9 Feb 2025

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Water Based Polyurethane Varnish is a type of varnish that is made with a water-based formula rather than a solvent-based one. It is a clear, protective coating that can be applied to wood, metal, and other surfaces to protect them from damage and wear. This varnish is known for its durability and resistance to scratches, stains, and chemicals. It dries quickly and has a low odour, making it a popular choice for indoor use. It is also environmentally friendly as it contains fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than traditional varnishes.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Rust-Oleum Varathane Crystal Clear Polyurethane Cover #TOP 1
Rust-Oleum Varathane Crystal Clear Polyurethane
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Extra Tough Wood Varnish - 250ml Clear Matt Cover #TOP 2
Extra Tough Wood Varnish - 250ml Clear Matt
ftb score rating icon 9.7
RUSTINS Quick Dry Clear Satin Varnish 500ml Cover #TOP 3
RUSTINS Quick Dry Clear Satin Varnish 500ml
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Water Based Polyurethane Varnish

#TOP 1

Rust-Oleum Varathane Crystal Clear Polyurethane

Varathane
200261H
Transparent
236 ml (Pack of 1)
Rust-Oleum Varathane Crystal Clear Polyurethane Cover
Rust-Oleum Varathane 200261H 1/2-Pint Interior Crystal Clear Water-Based Polyurethane, Water-Based Satin Finish

The Varathane Crystal Clear is a water-based polyurethane that is perfect for your indoor projects. Its clear formula provides excellent protection against scratches and spots, ensuring that your furniture and ornaments remain in pristine condition. The low smell makes it comfortable to use, and you can easily clean up with just water and soap. Additionally, the transparent finish will not yellow over time, keeping your surfaces looking fresh and new.

What We Like
Ideal for indoor use
Excellent scratch protection
Low odour during application
Easy water cleanup
Non-yellowing finish
#TOP 2

Extra Tough Wood Varnish - 250ml Clear Matt

WV-250-MATTE
Matt
250ml
Extra Tough Wood Varnish - 250ml Clear Matt Cover
Extra Tough Wood Varnish - 250ml - Fast Drying, Clear Varnish for Wood - Low Odour, Water-Based Varnish - Protects Interior Wood from Scratches and Stains - Matt

The Furniture Clinic Wood Varnish is designed to enhance the beauty of your wooden surfaces while providing robust protection. Its quick-drying formula allows you to apply it easily to doors, furniture, and skirting boards, ensuring a smooth finish in just 30 minutes. You’ll appreciate the durable, non-yellowing coating that safeguards against knocks and scratches, giving you peace of mind. Additionally, being water-based, it is safe to use and has a low odour, making clean-up a breeze.

What We Like
Fast drying time
Durable, tough finish
Low odour, safe to use
Enhances wood's natural beauty
#TOP 3

RUSTINS Quick Dry Clear Satin Varnish 500ml

AVSC500
Clair Satin
500ml
RUSTINS Quick Dry Clear Satin Varnish 500ml Cover
Rustins Quick Dry Varnish Clear Satin 500ml

RUSTINS Quick Dry Varnish is an excellent choice for your interior wood projects. Being water-based and quick drying, it saves you time, allowing you to finish your tasks without long waiting periods. Available in gloss, satin, and matt finishes, you can easily achieve the desired look for your wood surfaces. Its tough and durable nature ensures that your finished projects will withstand wear and tear, giving you peace of mind. Additionally, the low odour and non-toxic formula means you can work comfortably in your home.

What We Like
Quick drying formula
Available in multiple finishes
Tough and durable
Low odour and non-toxic
#TOP 4

Littlefair's Strong Fast Drying Wood Varnish

ESVM-500ML-US-FBM
Matte
500ml
Littlefair's Strong Fast Drying Wood Varnish Cover
Littlefair's Varnish for Wood - 500ml - X Strong & Fast Drying Wood Varnish - Water Based Interior Polyurethane Wood Finish - Lacquer Clear Coat for Wood - Clear Coating Wood Protector - Matt

Littlefair's Wood Varnish is an excellent choice for your indoor wood projects. You can select from matte, satin, or gloss finishes to achieve the desired look for your surfaces. This water-based formula ensures easy application and quick drying, allowing you to complete your projects with minimal fuss and low odour. Plus, its non-yellowing formula keeps your woodwork looking pristine over time. Ideal for chalk paint enthusiasts, this varnish not only protects but also enhances your creations, giving them a professional finish.

What We Like
Versatile finishes available
Low odour and quick drying
Maintains wood clarity
Chalk paint compatible
#TOP 5

Vallejo Model Color 60 ml Gloss Varnish

26650
60 ml (Pack of 1)
Vallejo Model Color 60 ml Gloss Varnish Cover
Vallejo Model Color 60 ml Gloss Polyurethane Varnish

The Vallejo Gloss Varnish is a waterbased acrylic paint designed specifically for plastic modelling. With a 60 ml bottle, it provides ample product for your projects. Being non-toxic and non-flammable, it ensures a safe working environment while you create. This varnish offers a glossy finish that enhances the look of your models, giving them a professional touch. You can use it with confidence, knowing it is specially formulated for your modelling needs.

What We Like
Waterbased for easy clean-up
Non-toxic for safe use
Non-flammable for added safety
Designed for plastic modelling
Glossy finish enhances appearance

RUSTINS Quick Dry Clear Matt Varnish 500 ml

AVMC500
Clear Matt 500ml
500ml
RUSTINS Quick Dry Clear Matt Varnish 500 ml Cover
RUSTINS Quick Dry Varnish, Clear Matt, 500 ml

The RUSTINS Quick Dry Varnish is ideal for interior use, providing a tough and durable finish that protects your surfaces. Its water-based formula ensures a quick drying time, giving you the convenience of completing your projects faster. With options for gloss, satin, and matt finishes, you can achieve the exact look you desire. Additionally, the low odour and non-toxic nature of this varnish make it safer to use, allowing you to work comfortably in your home.

What We Like
Quick drying for faster projects
Tough and durable finish
Low odour and non-toxic
Available in multiple finishes

RUSTINS Quick Dry Clear Gloss Varnish 250ml

92126
Gloss Clear
250ml
RUSTINS Quick Dry Clear Gloss Varnish 250ml Cover
Rustins Quick Dry Varnish Clear Gloss 250ml

RUSTINS Quick Dry Varnish is perfect for your interior projects. Its water-based formula allows for quick drying, ensuring you can complete your tasks efficiently. Available in gloss, satin, and matt finishes, you can choose the perfect look for your surfaces. The varnish is tough and durable, providing long-lasting protection against wear and tear. With a low odour and non-toxic composition, you can use it safely in your home, making it an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts.

What We Like
Quick drying time
Multiple finishes available
Tough and durable
Low odour
Non-toxic formula
#TOP 8

Johnstone's Quick Dry Polyurethane Varnish

302178
Johnstone's Quick Dry Polyurethane Varnish Cover
2.5LTR JOHNSTONE'S WOODWORKS QUICK DRY POLYURETHANE VARNISH CLEAR GLOSS

Johnstone's Varnish is a water-based option perfect for enhancing doors, windows, furniture, and all smooth planed timber indoors. Its gloss finish not only adds a shine but also highlights the natural beauty of the wood. You will appreciate the hardwearing, resistant finish that protects your surfaces effectively. The additional polyurethane ensures an even tougher protective layer, giving you peace of mind that your woodwork will withstand daily wear and tear.

What We Like
Water-based for easy application
Gloss finish enhances wood
Tough and durable protection
Suitable for various wooden surfaces
Excellent coverage
#TOP 9

Hemway Premium Clear Matte Protective Lacquer Paint

Matt
Clear
1 l (Pack of 1)
Hemway Premium Clear Matte Protective Lacquer Paint Cover
Hemway - Premium Clear Matte Protective Lacquer Paint | Multi-Surface Sealant for Interior & Exterior Furniture & Surfaces | Waterproof & Weatherproof, Fast-Drying Top Coat | 1 L

Hemway Clear Matte Lacquer is a versatile and eco-friendly protective paint designed for both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Its water-based formula offers a subtle matte finish while ensuring durability and protection against water, chemicals, and UV rays. This means you can enjoy your furniture and surfaces without worrying about stains or colour fading. With quick-drying capabilities, it’s easy to apply and covers a substantial area, making your painting projects hassle-free and efficient.

What We Like
Waterproof and weatherproof
Quick drying time
Easy application with no priming
Eco-friendly and non-toxic
Versatile for various surfaces
#TOP 10

Manns Extra Tough Interior Varnish 1L - Matt Finish

8MA/999A
Matt
Manns Extra Tough Interior Varnish 1L - Matt Finish Cover
Manns Extra Tough Interior Varnish 1L - Matt - A Highly Durable, Non-Yellowing, Clear Polyurethane Varnish

Manns Extra Tough Varnish is a clear, water-based polyurethane varnish designed for interior wood surfaces. It is ideal for protecting wooden furniture, skirting boards, doors, and architraves, ensuring they look their best. With its antibacterial properties, this varnish is also safe for use on children's toys and food contact surfaces, providing peace of mind for families. You can easily apply it using a brush, roller, or spray, making it convenient for any DIY project. Once dried, it offers an extremely durable, non-yellowing finish that enhances your wood's natural beauty.

What We Like
Durable, long-lasting finish
Safe for children's toys
Easy application methods
Non-yellowing over time
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is water based polyurethane varnish?

While polyurethane is water- or oil-based plastic resin, varnish is older and made from resins, oils, and solvents. Because of the higher ratio of solids, varnish is less susceptible to ultraviolet light damage. This protection makes varnish an excellent choice for projects such as outside decks and exterior furniture.

2. What is the main disadvantage of using water based polyurethane?

Cons of Water-Based Polyurethane Expensive cost. Requires more coats. Scratches easier due to it hardness.

3. What is water based polyurethane used for?

Water-based polyurethane can be used on any woodworking project and various finishes and stains but is most commonly used on hardwood floors. What is this? This finish is wood raising, so you need to apply more coats to get a smooth finish.

4. Is water based varnish better than oil based?

Oil-based polyurethane is more durable than his water-based alternative since it contains a significant amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Those chemicals make the finish tougher and allow it to last longer.

Editor's Notes

During our water based polyurethane varnish research, we found 133 water based polyurethane varnish products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 48,817 customer reviews through our big data system to write the water based polyurethane varnish list. We found that most customers choose water based polyurethane varnish with an average price of £13.17.

The water based polyurethane varnish are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of water based polyurethane varnish, including Varathane, Furniture Clinic, RUSTINS, Littlefair's, Vallejo. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,673 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Mohammed Clark Avatar

Mohammed Clark is an architect and a contractor. His architectural skills are not limited to designing the plan for structures alone, but it extends to aesthetics and home décor. Before establishing his firm, he worked under a construction firm for eight years. Mohammed has gathered enough experience from his time practicing as a professional architect and now has vast knowledge in home designs and aesthetics.