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Polyurethane Varnish for Wood

Buy chalky finish paints for wood – 110 colours in stock for floorboards, kitchen units, walls and furniture

Polyurethane varnish for wood can be used on doors, window frames, floors and other joinery structures. Providing a tough finish, they are great for protecting wood against abrasive scuffs, knocks and scratches. So, if you are looking for more a durable and protective wood finish than wood oils offer, for bare woods or previously stained/varnished surfaces, Rawlins Paints have a great selection of polyurethane varnishes from Blackfriar, Coo-Var, Jotun and Mathys. Rawlins Paints now stock newer, advanced, next-generation wood products from Rubio Monocoat that are much more user-friendly and combine the advantages of oils, waxes, and varnishes in one tin. More on these further below.

Don’t forget that Rawlins Paints also stock a wide range of fire retardant varnishes for wood, should you require improved fire protection at your work premises or commercial/private property. These coatings will maintain the look of timber surfaces, whilst providing up-to 60 minutes’ fire resistance.

Contents

What is Polyurethane Varnish?

Polyurethane varnishes are super-tough ‘coatings’ popularly used as a finishing layer for protecting interior and exterior wooden floors, stairs and other surfaces prone to pedestrian wear and tear – some products can also be used on chipboard, plywood, hardboard, and parquet surfaces. Easy to use, with water-based polyurethane varnishes containing lower VOCs than solvent or oil based versions, and more durable than standard wood varnishes, they are a popular choice for woodworkers, furniture makers and restorers, and joiners. From floors to cabinets, and stairs to bar surfaces, polyurethane varnishes can deliver excellent protective qualities in gloss, matt or satin finishes.

A polyurethane finish can best be described as a hardening liquid plastic coating. Frequently used in renovation, restoration and repair work within libraries, hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes and independent boutique retail shops, the finished coat is designed to provide long-lasting, durable and hard-wearing protection.

Polyurethane varnish being used on a restaurant floor

Wood oils and finishes can be used on floors, table and chairs, and partitioning

Today, water-based polyurethane varnishes differ from older production of varnishes, in that they produce lower VOCs than resins, oils and solvents previously used. Many manufacturers produce clear polyurethane varnishes, but they are also available in the following tints and shades:

  • Antique Pine
  • Oak
    • Light Oak
    • Medium Oak
    • Dark Oak
    • Golden Oak
  • Mahogany
    • Dark Mahogany
    • Spanish Mahogany
    • Deep Red Mahogany
  • Teak
    • Golden Teak
    • Burmese Teak
  • Walnut
  • Dark Jacobean

Although labelled as a clear polyurethane varnish, as with any varnish, the finished effect depends on the type of wood it is applied to – with some darkening the wood grain.

  • Solvent and oil-based polyurethane varnishes can dry to leave a slightly amber finish, warming up the wood and its grain. Being slower to dry than the water-based products, it of course means that there needs to be longer periods of time left between additional coats.
    • These products contain higher VOCs, and application equipment requires cleaning up with solvent.
  • Water-based polyurethane varnishes have a milky tint in colour, but will dry to leave a clearer, more transparent finish than solvent-based products – preferable to some users.
    • Application equipment for water based polyurethane varnishes can be cleaned-up with soap and water – always refer to product datasheets for manufacturer specific recommendations for cleaning and storage.

The choice of finishes available – gloss, matt and satin – typically rely on user preference.

Polyurethane varnish being used on a library floor

Contrasting wood oil finishes can deliver a striking effect

Solvent and oil-based polyurethane varnishes are stronger and more durable than water-based ones, with products stocked at Rawlins Paints focusing on commercial and trade usage on floors and within hospitality sector, rather than domestic and DIY projects.

There are alternatives to polyurethane varnishes for use within the marine sector and for wooden surfaces that are required to be fire retardant.

What is Polyurethane Varnish Made Of?

Polyurethane that is used in floor varnishes, for example, are water or solvent based plastic resin coatings, typically clear, that deliver a specific finish on wood – this differs from other types of polyurethane application use, including flexible/rigid polyurethane foam, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), reaction injection molding (RIM), and other automotive, electronic, medical or packaging varieties.

What Does Polyurethane Do?

Most wood finishes penetrate the wood surface and soak into the substrate, including some varnishes. Polyurethane wood varnish dries on top of the surface, protecting it with an anti-abrasive sealed layer. Primarily clear/translucent/transparent ‘topcoats’, polyurethane varnishes:

  • Dry quicker than standard wood varnishes
  • Contain a water or solvent-based plastic resin, compared to standard varnishes containing resins, oils and solvents
  • Can be applied by brush, spray or roller. Traditional varnishes, in comparison, are usually brush applied only.
  • Are more durable than traditional wood varnishes.
  • Protect wood surfaces – floors, desks, furniture, counter-tops, etc. – for longer than standard wood varnishes, and as such are slightly more expensive than the economically priced counterparts

Polyurethane Varnishes at Rawlins Paints

Keep an eye out for an upcoming article on single and two-pack polyurethane paints and coatings available at Rawlins Paints, from manufacturers including Sikafloor, Teamac, Nullifire and Rust-Oleum.

Blackfriar Heavy Duty Varnish – Water Based

Blackfriar Heavy Duty Varnish is an odourless, two pack water-based polyurethane varnish, primarily designed for wooden floors – but can be used on bar tops, furniture or concrete floors. Delivering a highly durable, non-yellowing and chemically resistant finish, it also resists boiling water, alcohol, coffee, red wine and dilute acid and alkalis.

Polyurethane varnish being used on an indoor basketball court

Heavy duty gloss finishes are frequently needed in sports and leisure facility courts and flooring

Further Information

  • Touch dry – 2 hours (20°C)
  • Hard dry – 8 hours (20°C)
  • Full cure – 3 days (20°C)
  • Recoatable after 4 hours

Blackfriar Polyurethane Floor Varnish – Solvent Based

Blackfriar Polyurethane Floor Varnish is primarily designed for use on wooden floors, but can also be used on doors, wood panelling and other joinery applications. For interior use only, it delivers excellent protection against knocks and stains, dilute acids and alkalis.

Available as a gloss or satin, and applicable by brush, roller or spray, Blackfriar Polyurethane Floor Varnish is touch dry in 2-4 hours, and recoatable after 16 hours – under normal conditions.

As with all wood varnishes, ensure that the substrate that is to be varnished is sound and free from any surface contaminant likely to cause adhesion problems – e.g. wax, grease, polish, etc. Always degrease previously wax polished floors prior to sanding and applying the polyurethane varnish.

A great alternative to Blackfriar Polyurethane Floor Varnish is Lacq Floor Varnish X10, a 1K polyurethane, clear, transparent floor sealer based on modified vegetable oil for concrete floors, wood floors, cement floors, porous tiles, garages and kitchens.

Blackfriar Polyurethane Floor Varnish

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Lacq Floor Varnish X10

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Blackfriar Polyurethane Varnish – Solvent Based

Blackfriar Polyurethane Varnish is a tough and durable matt, silk or gloss coating that will bring out the natural grain and colours of wooden surfaces. Transforming interior woodwork, with a variety of wood colours and shades available, it offers great protection against common stains, including hot water damage from spills and splashes.

Suitable for all types of interior woods, the matt finish option is not suitable for use on floors, nor should it be used over French polished surfaces.

Please note that the final shade of the applied varnish will depend upon the original colour and absorption of the wood or timber. It is recommended to test for shade on an off-cut or inconspicuous area. When using two tins, it is recommended mixing them, to ensure an even shade is obtained.

The product may be applied by brush or roller. If applying by brush, apply evenly using light strokes following the grain of the wood. If applying by roller, use a short nap mohair roller. For best results 3-4 coats are recommended on new wood and 2-3 coats on previously varnished surfaces. Prior to application of the final coat or if the overcoating time is exceeded lightly abrade with fine glass paper working with the grain and remove dust.

Blackfriar Polyurethane Varnish

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Coo-Var P101 2 Pack Polyurethane Varnish

Coo-Var P101 2 Pack Polyurethane Varnish is a clear aliphatic polyurethane coating which provides a hard-wearing protective coating for internal or external wooden floors which regularly undergo heavy foot traffic. It is ideal for gymnasiums, dance floors and performing arts studios.

The product is supplied in two containers: one larger than the other and labelled Base. The other smaller one labelled Hardener. The contents of the pack marked Hardener are added to the contents of the larger pack marked Base and thoroughly mixed together, preferably by slow speed electric mixer for 2 minutes or until thoroughly mixed. Failure to mix the material correctly will lead to uncured areas in the coating.

Coo-Var P101 2 Pack Polyurethane Varnish

Coo-Var P101 2 Pack Polyurethane Varnish

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Coo-Var Polyurethane Varnish

Polyurethane varnish is a single pack product of exceptional durability based on urethane alkyd. It is intended for interior use only, on restaurant, café and kitchen worktops, and internal doors.

Available in gloss, matt and eggshell varnish finishes, this clear coating can also be used on smaller floor surface areas.

Coo-Var Polyurethane Varnish

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Polyurethane varnish being used on a classroom floor

Matt and satin floor varnishes can also deliver abrasion, scuff and scrape resistance in schools and lecture halls

Rust-Oleum 4900 Polycoat 2K – Water Based

Rust-Oleum 4900 Polycoat 2K is a clear, water-based, 2-component polyurethane topcoat for use on wood, concrete and pre-painted surfaces, also serves as an anti-graffiti coating. Very abrasion resistant, available in a matt or gloss finish, does not yellow, can be used internally and externally, resists boiling water, alcohol, coffee, red wine, dilute acid and alkalis.

Recommended Uses

  • Clear varnish for parquet to protect against stains and scratches
  • Clear sealer for concrete to decrease dusting and increase cleanability
  • As an anti-graffiti coating
  • As a topcoat on previously painted surfaces to provide extra protection and/or change gloss level

Rust-Oleum 4900 Polycoat 2K

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Next Generation Wood Varnishes

Traditional wood varnishes can take a lot of time to apply and lots of preparation before and during application to ensure a brilliant and protective finish. Whilst this may suit woodworkers, others such as consumers and professional applicators are demanding wood finishes that are easier to apply, quicker to dry, and provide excellent protection for wood surfaces.

Advanced, next-generation wood varnishes from Rubio Monocoat provide these much-wanted features and the advantages of wood oils, varnishes, and waxes, over their traditional counterparts:

  • User-friendly application
  • Fast drying
  • Hardwearing protection in just one or two coats
  • Long-lasting, durable finishes
  • Very easy to maintain
  • Require much less preparation to apply more coats later
  • Beautiful finish comparable to that of traditional wood varnishes
  • Large choice of colours
  • Anti-greying and excellent resistance to UV light, dirt, etc
  • Wide range of compatible wood species

Rubio Monocoat Varnish 2C

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Rubio Monocoat Oil Varnish 2C

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Rubio Monocoat Invisible Protector

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Technical Support

If you require any further information than that covered in this article, please leave a comment below, or contact Rawlins Paints’ technical support team.

33 comments

  1. Hi , I’ve been asked by a customer to seal their kitchen table. It is a painted mdf table with several coats of paint and 3 coats of a water based varnish sealer which isn’t durable enough for everyday use. Just looking at the spec of your rust-oleum 4900 polycoat 2k water based finish , do you think this can be applied and have the durability that they’re looking for. Im a decorator and i would make sure that it would be sanded correctly to receive the new finish.
    Many thanks

    • Hi Alan,

      Rust-Oleum 4900 Polycoat 2K would be our best option for your application but please keep in mind that although touch dry fairly quickly, it would need a full 3 days at 20°C for it’s full cure when it can then be exposed to abrasion and liquids.

      Hope that helps – certainly come back to us if you need any further information.

  2. Can Estapol be used to cover acrylic paints? If so what sort is best?

  3. I have been asked to make large bird boxes using 9mm exterior grade ply and need a varnish to seal the edges and coat the face. what would you advise please.

  4. Is this suitable for outdoor decking. The wood will be hardwood, Bangkirai or Kapur and may be used in north and south Europe, so would need to be resistant to hot sun and also heavy rain and frost. There will be metal furniture and stone planters which may need to be moved by dragging. How long will an oil based product last and what is needed workwise when it needs redoing?
    Many thanks.

  5. Hello Kyle,
    I have mahogony window sills that I poorly protected 15 years ago, when originally installed, and are now discolored. By all the UV rays we get in Colorado @ 7,000 ft. And they are a light, bland color.
    I would like to:
    1) dye/stain them to bring out the grain & give them a more distinct amber/golden (but not dark) color.
    2) finish them to make them more resistant to all the UV we get.

    Since they are window sills they see little traffic or water, just a ton of UV rays.

    Thanks a bunch for your suggestions,
    Rich

    • Hi Rich,

      I’m afraid we don’t supply outside of the UK and so I’m unable to provide advice, since products in the US may behave and react differently.

  6. Lawrence Silverman

    I have a freshly veneered small cabinet that I want to give a clear satin finish to and would prefer to use a water-based polyurethane varnish. I have found that with each coat added the finish looks darker and flatter. I have been recommended to do only the top coat with satin and earlier ones with gloss. But I can’t find a water-based clear varnish that is gloss. They all seem to be satin while the gloss ones all seem to be oil based. Is there a water-based polyurethane clear gloss varnish? It would be helpful if polyurethane varnishes were labelled either water or oil based on the tin but that is not the case or at least it is not
    clear from online ads.

    Is what I am planning to do possible or am I stuck with using only satin for all coats? If there is such a thing as a water-based clear gloss polyurethane varnish which would be best for me to use?

  7. I have 30 sheets of Birch ply to fix to interior walls and a ceiling in a domestic setting. I want a non yellowing seal to retain the Birch colour. What do you recommend?

    • Hi Adam,

      Thanks for your question; we recommend Rust-Oleum 4900 Polycoat 2K for this application. All data sheets are on the product page, but if you need any help with application then please feel free to come back to us on here, or contact our technical team directly.

  8. Can you tell me the best varnish ,or is there something better for solid wood flooring Regards Terry Heeney

    • Hi Terence,

      Thank you very much for your question. The best option we could offer for this application would be Coo-Var P101 2 Pack Polyurethane Varnish but this would not be compatible over a conventional solvent based paint or varnish.

      Should you have an existing coating on the floor that is solvent based or if you are unsure what is already applied, please contact our technical team on 0113 245 5450 Option 2 to discuss an alternative option.

      I hope that helps, please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  9. Hi there,

    Installing two bar tops inside of a horsebox for conversion into a mobile bar. I want these bar tops to be well protected and long lasting durability, what products would you recommend that I use for this?

    Many thanks,

    Billy.

  10. Looking for the best option to seal a plywood floor in a sauna.

  11. Jonathan Mulcahy

    I have large old teak doors 12ft heigh 10ft foot opening . the doors are 100 years old. They have been repurposed for workshop doors. South facing irish location so sun and rain.
    The door have been professionally stripped and sanded and ready for finishing. I am looking fir something really low maintenance, given their height. Will the 2k give me a 10 year solution? How do you maintain the 2k finish? Must is be stripped and sanded again eventually? does the finish let the wood breathe?

    • Hi Jonathan,

      Many thanks for taking the time to read our blog and for you question, and thank you for your patience. For this application we would recommend Rust-Oleum 4900 Polycoat 2K, however, we would only recommend applying this this on painted or stained wood – so we would recommend this is carried our prior to the application of 4900.

      Regarding the 2k providing a 10 year solution, this would be longer than we would anticipate for exterior wood. The finish can be maintained by ensuring any mechanical damages are repaired as and when they occur, the product data sheet also provides details on required preparation, application and curing.

      In answer to your question as to whether it must be stripped and sanded again eventually, sound intact coatings would definitely require sanding, but if the coating is still in relatively good condition, it should not be necessary to strip off completely. Please be aware that the finish doesn’t allow the wood to breathe.

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  12. Hello. I’m looking to varnish a piece of wood art to use as a headboard. The wood art is painted and my aim is to ensure that the paint can’t rub off onto fabrics. I would like a matt finish. Which product would be best?

    Thanks vm!

    • Hi Neil,

      Thank you vey much for taking the time to leave us a review and for your question. Subject to a test area to ensure compatibility with the existing paint/artwork, we would recommend Rust-Oleum 4900 Polycoat 2K. 2-3 coats should be sufficient for your project.

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  13. I am having a 25mm birch plywood worktop fitted in my kitchen. I need to thoroughly seal it prior to installation to prevent water around the sink getting into the ply. We’d like a matt finish. What would you recommend please?

    • Hi Rick,

      Thank you very much for taking the time to read our blog and for your question. For this application we would recommend Rust-Oleum 4900 Polycoat 2K. A minimum of 2 coats would be required, and possibly 3 may be needed for this project.

      Please note that this would resist water sitting on the surface, however you will need to find a sealer solution to prevent water ingress at the point where plywood butts up against the sink.

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  14. Good morning,

    I am about to apply varnish to a solid oak front door which has been varnished before, the old varnish is sound but now soiled and patchy. how should I prepare and which varnish is best suited and most durable?

    • Hi Barry,

      Thank you very much for taking the time to read our blog and for your question. For this application we would recommend Coo-Var Yacht & Seaplane Varnish. If the existing varnish looks patchy then it may be necessary to take the door back to bare wood to achieve an attractive finish. We would recommend thinning the first coat by 50%, the second coat by 25% and then applying up 2-3 full thickness coats.

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  15. Hi Stuart

    I was wondering if you could help. I have a wooden kitchen worktop by the sink that I bought and painted lass than a year ago. Some small chips started appearing so I repainted and sealed with Good Home Clear Outdoor Varnish – three coats. Just finished and just learnt about polyurethane varnishes. Should I add a couple of coats of that – is there any product that you suggest? I know next to nothing about paints (as it is easy to see) but I need to finish this!

    Many thanks

    Antigonos

    • Hi Antigonos,

      Thank you very much for taking the time to read our blog and for your question. For this application Rust-Oleum 4900 Polycoat 2K would be an option, as it is water-based which we would expect would be okay to apply over the previous water-based finish. However, please bear in mind that there may not be an appreciable benefit in applying this so soon after the three layers of previous product.

      Also please note that Rust-Oleum 4900 Polycoat 2K hasn’t been tested to determine suitability or otherwise in direct contact with food (if this is a consideration for you).

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  16. Hi – my liu ge faces Siuth and has wooden window sills fitted by Everest 20 years ago before I bought the house – they were a teak red colour with what looked like a varnish or lacquer finish. As I didn’t really like the colour I started to sand them lightly then decided I would leave them as they were forward 20 years I have now sanded them back to the original wood – now I’m no joiner but the wood looks like a hardwood of some sort possibly oak as I now wish to either wax or varnish what would you suggest? Will the sun dry out the wax should I go for a polyurethane Matt or satin finish? And can you wax over varnish irrespective whether it’s oil or water based? The Everest finish looked like a tinted varnish/lacquer.what is the difference between a lacquer and a varnish?

    • Good afternoon,

      Many thanks for taking the time to read our blog and for getting in touch.

      Both wax and polyurethane varnish offer protection for wood surfaces, they differ in composition, appearance, application, durability, and maintenance requirements. The choice between the two depends on personal preference, the desired appearance, and the level of protection needed for the wood surface.

      We would advise that Wood wax provides a relatively soft and thin protective layer that is more prone to wear and scratching compared to polyurethane varnish. It offers less protection against moisture and spills whereas Polyurethane varnish forms a hard, durable finish that offers better protection against scratches, moisture, and stains. It provides a longer-lasting barrier to protect the wood surface.

      I hope this helps, if you would like any more info and/or a product recommendation feel free to get in touch with our Technical Department via our Contact Us page and our Team will be happy to assist further.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

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