Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane

I have used tons of this stuff over the years for restorations. In my opinion, the Minwax Helmsman clear gloss spray spar urethane is the best finish freely available in the southeast United States. I have used many different common finishes over twenty-plus years. The difference that I like so much is that the spray is very thin. Getting a perfect, smooth, even surface is easier with the nozzle and formulation with this product. It is not perfect. The coverage is poor, the color is tinted, and the dry-time is long. Also, it can't be used on top of water-based paints. Every finish has its use. I just come back to this one the most.

Excellent quality and durability for an outdoor Spar Urethane. I have used this on many items including signs, steps and a snow sled. Goes on smooth and sands nicely between coats

I live this product . I use for refinishing everything and protecting my hammock wood which is outside year round . Used on very fine furniture in thin coats it has lasted and performed for thirty years without needed any care at all . I can also carelessly slab it onto my expensive hammock wood divider which I have had for 24 years now and it’s still in great shape . I have it on dressers and cherry end tables from 1930’s and an 1800’s rocker as well as all Cesar chests and milking benches from early 1800’s . I use the spray can it foam brush from the van for all old baskets to keep them pristine too. This way all is protected from moisture and water . I have put thin coats of it on 1800’s ice cream parlor chairs as well as cane seating with no ill effects . It makes cleaning and dusting so much easier . Also I no longer have to use coasters for drinks nor worry about light scratching of the wood . I love antique furniture . I love to seal in the character of the furniture with light hand sanding and seven thin coats of urethane on them is perfection . With this I have character and can also sponge off my furniture without worrying about dampening and lifting old varnish . Works incredibly well with a beautiful long lasting shine it brings out the patina and grains of the woods and straw. It’s easy to use and quite forgiving as well as easily sanded . The coverage is perfect . It is thick enough to apply without being runny or fussy . It adheres beautifully and no problems with fine bubbles . Adds depth and warmth and covers stain while adhering very well to both bare wood and stained wood . I have been using this product for eons on so many things . I have tried some others products over the years but this has been the best and easiest to use . I could not believe how well it liked in the caned seating . And the light coatings have not cracked nor peeled in years . I also used it for my papasan chairs . Twenty four years later they are still pristine !

First of all, the quart size can of spar urethane came in a not too well protected box. The can had dents in it, but the lid was ok. Probably not done in shipping, it looked like it was shipped that way. I opened the can to check it out and the urethane looked good, so I applied the urethane over previously finished 12 year old spar urethane. I used 220 sandpaper and lightly scuffed the surface before I applied. Of course I dusted, vacuumed, And wiped it with a damp cloth. After it was totally dried I applied the first coat with a brush. I read on one review where they had put the brush in a zip lock baggie between finishes, thanks that was a good suggestion. This was applied to a bar in my kitchen. I waited three hours and tested and it was not tacky, so I applied the second coat. Again waited three hours, and applied to third coat. I did no sanding after the first scuffing. I am no expert and there are some very small flows in it, (a few brush marks) not many though. When I applied with the brush if it felt like the brush was dragging so I loaded a little more on until it glided across the top. I didn't play with it I just put it on brushed it a stroke or two and then to finish I pulled the brush all the way across the finish one time then left it alone. It really came out nice, looks like it's underwater and it really brings the wood grains out. It does add a little amber color, but I think that looks nice. It says on the instructions on the can that it will do that. Anyhow that's my take on this Helmsman spar urethane. I gave it a 5 rating and definitely will use it again next time I need To refinish something.

This is the best price I have found for this product. Be sure to allow for full drying prior to adding additional coats, or you will fight the odor bleed-off forever. Factory says 30 days or longer if not adequately dried between coats. It will smell so strong during curing you will get headaches. The spray can provides pretty nice and smooth finish compared to brushed on, with no streaking. Will buy again

Best product on the market! My husband makes wooden flags in his spare time and he needed something that would seal the wood that was tough enough against any kind of weather. He makes so many different Flags, Wind Spinners, Folded Flags and Crosses, he even took a very specific order of a "Don't Tread On Me" splashing through the American Flag, but we did get a few critics about that particular flag, but we posted a reply that a Sargent Major of the Marine Corp ordered that particular design. I digress Minwax indoor and outdoor works perfectly with the Thickness, Easy application and the Finish Shine.... PERFECT!!!

This product is designed for treating wood for outdoors. It does this well and appears to protect both bare and painted surfaces from sunlight (UV) and rain. It does not get hot or cold where I live, but it is sunny and rains too. It is important to protect wood from rain, this can do that. Rain can become problematic when it gets into the end-grain of wood. This product is essentially clear plastic (albeit very thin) and can protect wood. It is VERY good on interesting wood that you want to retain it's look. Many woods will turn grey over time. I'd suggest testing before committing. A BIG win here is that this product is water based, it will dry quickly with no smell and clean up with water. You can apply with a foam brush. Two or three coats is usually sufficient.

This is a top notch product. The color is pretty much clear . I used it to make a back splash out of some reclaimed wood for my outdoor kitchen. I chose to brush it on and throw the brushes away after each use for ease of cleaning. I saw some reviews complaining about the coats but I had no issues just make sure they dry and lightly sand in between. I used one small can on the backsplash but since it’s outdoors I overkilled with 5 coats. It’s a great value for the money and looks great . I did not spray so I can’t attest to the spray quality but generally with poly I had always been taught that a brush was the best way to go. Although it’s not too thick so if you have a good spray it should spray just fine. The cleanup is super easy. I also made a small tabletop . It came out great as well. Both are holding up well to the elements.