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Varnish

Article #1449076 Model #41003M444 Format 946ML

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Varnish

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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

Base Material

Oil-based

Color/Finish Family

Clear

Container Size

1-quart

Number of Coats Recommended

Paint Color Family

Clear

Sheen

Semi-gloss

Type

Varnish

Unit of Measure

Fluid ounce(s)

Unit of Measure Quantity

Use Location

Interior/Exterior

is Minwax Helmsman 946ml Clear Spar Urethane oil or water based?

Asked by: 9RK123

This particular one is oil based. They make a water based version that is clearly labelled "water based" with a blue stripe on the label.

Answered by: Pbry

Date published: 2022-03-30

Varnish is rated 4.2 out of 5 by 250.

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 2 out of 5 by MyClientIsMad from Very Disappointed I am very disappointed with this product. Not only am I extremely frustrated with the performance, but more so with the lack of information provided on the packaging. I just finished an outdoor warning sign for a customer - all painted with exterior paint. Then used two coats of this product. My white is now yellow and streaky. And the entire surface is tacky after 18 hours. I understand for ready a review now from someone else, according to the company response that this product is apparently NOT recommended for use over painted surfaces. However, that was not stated anywhere on the product labeling!!!!

Date published: 2021-10-20

Rated 2 out of 5 by Paulrevere from TOO THICK AND GLOSSY This product is too thick, leaving brush strokes. I had to remove it the first time and re-apply with a smaller brush so that it would not be so thick. Even still, I got many bubbles, one of which now looks like a crater after drying. I did stir the product as it says on the label, but I deliberately did not over stir so that I would not get them. Nevertheless, I got bubbles in spades! Secondly, the product should be labeled super-gloss rather than semi-gloss. I have been refinishing my piano, and the part that I varnished in semi-gloss is even shinier than the parts I did with shellac. I can literally see the reflection of my torchere lamp in it.

Date published: 2016-01-25

Rated 5 out of 5 by kat1 from Second time I have purchased this product and am still pleased. I like the slight amber color once it has dried. Goes on easy, stets up nicely. When applying to a vertical surface beware of drips and apply a thin layer. I used 3 coats on my project and 000 steel wool in between each coat. I would recommend you try and buy only what you need as I found even after I sealed the gallon can I bought, that a film would form and harden if I wasn't using it for awhile. Perhaps the can wasn't sealed all the way, but I did pound the lid down with a hammer. Just a heads up.

Date published: 2016-09-02

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 2 out of 5 by Pete from Hard to use on large surfaces I found this product to be too thick for applications of mediun to large surfaces if you need a smooth glass like finish. When I emailed minwaxe's support line all I got back was basically a comercial statement saying how great their product is, and how they don't recomend their product not to be thined because of VOC's and other such nonsence, I guess their lawyers wants to make sure they don't get sued. Min wax stains I will continue using but as for this product, I'm going to use it up for small surfaces or as a sealer for unseen areas, never again for larges surfaces that need a smooth finish. I'm dissatisfied and will never use this Spar Varnish again.

Date published: 2011-12-29

Rated 1 out of 5 by Russ from Poor performance Minwax Helmsman Semi-gloss Oil-ba I recently used Minwax Helmsman Semi-gloss Oil-based Spar Urethane Varnish to finish and outdoor project. I chose this product because there are very few finishes available for exterior use. I most disappointed with Minwax Helmsman performance. I followed the instructions to the letter but the final finish looked awful. It ran in some areas and it was difficult to get an even coat. In addition, in some areas, it was very shiny and in others, it was somewhat dull. I have used many Minwax products in the past and have always been satisfied with the results which is why I am most disappointed with the results of this product.

Date published: 2018-07-11

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