
Description
For exterior use. Clear coat that contains ultraviolet protectors for protection against rain, sun, and humidity.
- Contains UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects
- Forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture
- Special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change
- Ideal for use on doors, windows, trim, bathroom cabinets, bar tops, kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture
Product specifications
Warranty
None
Use Location
Interior/Exterior
Unit Of Measure Quantity
32
Base Material
Oil-based
Color/finish Family
Clear
Container Size
1-quart
Model Description
Helmsman Spar Urethane Gloss qt.
Number Of Coats Recommended
3
Paint Color Family
Clear
Sheen
Gloss
Type
Varnish
Unit Of Measure
Fluid ounce(s)
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I want to protect an outdoor sign painted with acrylic paint. Would Helmsman Minwax be a good product to use for this?
I used it for the same thing this very week. It's easy to apply, won't show brush marks, mirror finish. Just follow instructions. Fantastic product.
Date published: 2021-03-06
Can you put this product on decks and if not do you have something that would work tired of staining our large deck and is any of the product available in five gallon pails
Hello. We don't recommend our products on decks or other exterior surfaces that will experience foot traffic. Regards, Minwax Customer Support
Date published: 2020-08-04
Minwax Helmsman Protective Finish - Clear Gloss - Interior and Exterior - 946 mL is rated
out of
5 by
248.
Rated 2 out of
5
by
claycam from
Application is Difficult!
I’ve used many different types of clear coat finishes over the years, spray, brush and wipe on, and this is the most difficult product I’ve ever used. I HIGHLY suggest using the very best brush you can buy. Anytime I use a new product, I research the info and videos to look for best practices prior to application. I can’t get the streaks out of my finish no matter what I try. I’m sure that this is a highly durable product if successfully applied. You will need to be extremely diligent in technique, practice and spare no expense on a professional brush. Probably an outstanding product, but there are much easier clear coats to work with.
Date published: 2020-06-05
Rated 1 out of
5
by
SaraC from
Not good for outdoor furniture
I used this product to seal an outdoor wooden glider last summer. About 6 months after application of two coats, I noticed the product started peeling, and the brown stain I had applied under it began fading in patches. It has progressively gotten worse.
I contacted Minwax and got the following reply, which I wish I had known prior to purchase. This information was not specified on the pint sized container that I purchased.
"With three coats of Helmsman on a exterior surface, the life span is 9-18 months. Two coats would much less. It would be best to apply three coats. Once a year, it would need to be recoated, at the first sign of wear. If it is let go, it will start to peel off"
Date published: 2016-05-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mike from
Very Durable Finish
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Like anything, this finish requires good preparation of the surface. But, if you do, you will be rewarded with a very good looking, glass smooth and durable finish. I just used a throwaway foam brush. I made a motorized standup desk using red oak. The finish came out so smooth after waxing that when I put my laptop on it the first time, it almost slid off like ice.
Placing a sweaty glass on it, the water just beaded up. Out of curiosity, I left the water on the top for several minutes and it wiped right off leaving no marks at all. Having the laptop slide over the top and moving monitors around have left no scratches or anything on the surface.
I am very impressed with this finish and would highly recommend this to anyone.
Date published: 2018-09-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
jrowe88 from
Beautiful Finish
I've used Minwax Spar Urethane to refinish 120 year old windows and doors. It is a beautiful finish that imparts a warm glow and depth to the wood. It is perfect for windows that get condensation, expand and contract with temperature, and receive UV. The urethane is easy to work with, brushes and sprays nicely, and levels beautifully. You do have to be a little careful on verticals, as its relatively slow drying nature means it can drip. Those are easily cleaned up though while wet with mineral spirits and while dry with a razor blade. By design, it doesn't cure to a rock-hard surface, but that isn't required for applications like windows and some doors.
Date published: 2020-06-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
ellenthered from
Worked magic on my counters!
Did a granite faux finish on top of vinyl counters and needed a sealant to finish it, seal/waterproof it and give it the "granite shine." Teresa at Weaverville Lowes knew just which product would do the job! Her knowledge about what products would perform well under "kitchen counter" conditions was astounding! She not only knew exactly which product to use, but HOW to use it, apply it, and let it cure. My kitchen counters look amazing...just like real granite! Minwax Helmsman Spar is pure magic!!!! Thanks Minwax. Thanks Teresa. Thanks Lowes!
Date published: 2016-02-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
ChelseaMS from
Worked Fantastic!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I haven’t purchased this brand before, but have been pleasantly surprised by how quickly it dries and what a great finish the wood has now. Between coats, I also sanded the wood and was happy with my final result. My father built a water table/sensory table for my toddler, and we wanted to make sure our final product was finished and prepared to stay outside during the summer time. And, so it was able to handle a toddlers level of mess! Knowing this was moisture resistant, I knew it would be the product for us. I look forward to using our new water table in the spring!
Date published: 2021-01-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Glenn from
I still refer to it as "Marine Spar Varnish."
My hobbies include making rustic art woodworking projects. The material;s are often reclaimed lumber of which most are designed to endure the midwest's outdoor elements. I am often asked for product referrals and do not hesitate to make the reference of Marine Spar Varnish being used to product teak and mahogany wood on salt water craft. If it can endure these elements, think what it will do in one's backyard.
Date published: 2018-11-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
WoodAndMusic from
Great touch-up
A neighbor power-washed her exterior wooden door and damaged the existing varnish finish: there were gray areas where the previous finish appeared to be washed away or very thin. After the door dried, she cleaned the surface with a vinegar / water mixture. I varnished the lower half (the damaged portion) with Minwax Helmsman Gloss Oil-based Polyurethane. The result was excellent. We couldn't detect where the new varnish crossed-over onto the old varnish. Fantastic. Later, I applied a coat of Helmsman to the entire exterior surface of the door. Great.
Date published: 2017-09-09