There are a few different types of wood finishes that can be used for outdoors. A clear finish will protect the wood from UV rays and weathering, but it will not provide any color. A tinted finish will provide some protection from the elements, as well as adding a bit of color to the wood.
A solid color finish will provide the most protection from the elements and will also give the wood a consistent color.
20 Best Wood Finish For Outdoors
Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
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TotalBoat Marine Wood Finish Gloss Quart |
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Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon |
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Varathane 1 qt. Clear Gloss Water-Based Exterior Spar Urethane |
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Minwax : VOC Satin Spar Varnish |
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Man O' War Spar Varnish, Gloss, Quart |
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Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Spray – 11.5 oz can |
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General Finishes Outdoor Oil (Quart) |
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General Finishes Water Based Exterior 450 Outdoor Finish, Satin, Quart |
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Varathane 1 Gal Varathane Water-Based Clear Satin Exterior Spar Wood Urethane 250231 |
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Flood CWF-UV Matte Cedar Water-Based Wood Finish 1 gal. |
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Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Exterior Penetrating Wood Stain Autumn Red / Quart |
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Rust-Oleum Spar Urethane Semi-Gloss 12-oz. 250181 |
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Rustoleum Watco 67141 Teak Oil Finish – 1 qt can |
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Sikkens Cetol Marine Natural Teak Wood Finish, Cetol Marine Natural Teak / Quart |
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IPE Oil Hardwood Deck Finish |
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Rust-Oleum Gloss Clear Marine Spar Varnish 1 qt. |
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Penofin F3MCMGA Ultra Premium Red Label Cedar 1 Gallon |
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- Requires no primerReady Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days
- May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush.Can be applied wet-on-wet OR wet-on-dry with no lapping
- Durable, protective poly for outdoor wood surfaces such as furniture, doors, windows, fences, trim and more
- Low odor, water based formula is easy to apply and cleans up with soap and water
- 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
- Superior outdoor finish
- Extra protection from sun & weather
- Ideal for entry ways, garage doors & sills
- condition: New
- Brand: Varathane
- 1 Quart
- Wears evenly without cracking or peeling
- UV-resistant
- Easy water clean-up
- Outstanding UV and moisture resistant finish
- Great for marine use above the water line
- Easy application and maintenance
- Ultra Premium Formula for Extra Performance
- Increased trans-oxide pigments for 99% ultraviolet protection against fading
- Extra protection against mildew
1. TotalBoat Marine Wood Finish Gloss Quart
- Gloss
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Sold By | Price |
Amazon.com | |
TotalBoat | |
Jamestown Distributors | |
SportsRidge.com |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Surface Recommendation | Wood, Furniture, Patio, Door |
Finish Type | Gloss, Satin, Matte, High-gloss |
CPSIA Cautionary Statement | No Warning Applicable |
Liquid Volume | 1 Quarts |
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 4.9 x 4.3 x 4.25 inches |
2. Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon
- Requires no primerReady Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days
- May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush.Can be applied wet-on-wet OR wet-on-dry with no lapping
- Requires no back brushing or wet-line application
- Can be applied in any temperature range
- Do not apply Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration
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Amazon.com | |
eBay | |
Walmart | |
Paint Supply |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Brand Name | Ready Seal |
Clean Up | Mineral Spirits |
Transparency | Semi-Transparent |
Product Type | Penetrating Wood Stain/Sealer |
Color | Natural Cedar |
Base Type | Oil-Based |
VOC Level | 250 g/L |
Indoor or Outdoor | Outdoor |
UV Resistant | Yes |
Sealer | Yes |
Container Size | 5 gal |
Coverage Area | 875 sq ft |
Time Before Recoating | 1 hr |
Dry to Touch | 60 min |
Application Method | Brush/Roll/Paint Pad/Spray |
3. Varathane 1 qt. Clear Gloss Water-Based Exterior Spar Urethane
- Durable, protective poly for outdoor wood surfaces such as furniture, doors, windows, fences, trim and more
- Low odor, water based formula is easy to apply and cleans up with soap and water
- Dries to the touch in 30 minutes and covers up to 87 sq. ft. per quart, recoat after 2 hours
- Weather and UV resistant top coat does not yellow and protects against mold and mildew
- Crystal clear, gloss finish creates a polished and clean look
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Amazon.com | |
Walmart | |
Paint Supply | |
Wilco |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Color | Clear |
Indoor or Outdoor | Outdoor |
UV Resistant | Yes |
Container Size | 1 qt |
Sheen | Gloss |
Reviews From Real Customers
4. Minwax : VOC Satin Spar Varnish
- 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
- Crystal clear finish is ideal for use over light-colored woods and stains. Dries quickly and cleans up easily with warm water
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Amazon.com – Seller | |
Walmart – Factory Hardware Store | |
Lowe’s | |
National Supply Network |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
For Use on Softwood | Yes |
Paint Color Family | Clear |
Clean-up Method | Mineral spirits |
UV Protection | Yes |
Application Method | Brush/Wipe |
Reviews From Real Customers
5. Minwax 47500 Tung Oil Finish – 1 pint
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Amazon.com | |
eBay | |
Walmart | |
Lowe’s |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Transparency | Semi-Transparent |
Color | Amber |
Sheen | Satin |
Base Type | Oil-Based |
Product Type | Tung Oil |
Application Method | Cloth |
Sealer | Yes |
Tintable | No |
UV Resistant | No |
Indoor or Outdoor | Indoor |
Container Size | 1 pt |
Time Before Recoating | 24 hr |
Brand Name | Minwax |
Reviews From Real Customers
6. Man O’ War Spar Varnish, Gloss, Quart
- Superior outdoor finish
- Extra protection from sun & weather
- Ideal for entry ways, garage doors & sills
- Approx. coverage: 300-500 sq.ft. per gallon
- VOC formula
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Amazon.com | |
Walmart | |
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware | |
McGuckin Hardware |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Color | Multicolor |
Reviews From Real Customers
7. Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Spray – 11.5 oz can
- Clear Semi-Gloss
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Amazon.com | |
Walmart | |
Lowe’s | |
Ace Hardware |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Cleanup | Mineral Spirits |
Coats | 3 |
Sheen | Semi-Gloss |
Color | Clear |
Product Type | Spar Urethane |
8. General Finishes Outdoor Oil (Quart)
- Quart
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Amazon | |
eBay – paint_supply | |
Walmart – Paint Supply | |
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Length | 4.25 in |
Height | 4.9 in |
Width | 4.25 in |
Reviews From Real Customers
9. General Finishes Water Based Exterior 450 Outdoor Finish, Satin, Quart
- Quart
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Amazon | |
Klingspor’s Woodworking Shop | |
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Dry Time | 1 hr, 2 hrs |
Finish | Satin |
10. Varathane 1 Gal Varathane Water-Based Clear Satin Exterior Spar Wood Urethane 250231
- condition: New
- Brand: Varathane
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Sold By | Price |
Amazon | |
eBay – nilsonhardware | |
Zoro |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Country/Region of Manufacture | United States |
Reviews From Real Customers
11. Penofin Marine Oil Wood Finish – 5 Gallon
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Amazon | |
Integrity Supply | |
DIY Home Center |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Surface Recommendation | Wood |
Recommended Uses For Product | Exterior |
Paint Type | ‎Oil |
12. Flood CWF-UV Matte Cedar Water-Based Wood Finish 1 gal.
- 1 Gal
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eBay | |
Walmart | |
Home Depot |
Product Details
Reviews From Real Customers
13. Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Exterior Penetrating Wood Stain Autumn Red / Quart
- 1 Quart
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Amazon | |
Non Toxic Paint Supply | |
Rise | |
Green Building Supply |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Color in Container | Milky White |
Clarity (Dry) | Crystal Clear |
VOC | Coating: 0g/L (wet) |
Freeze/Thaw Stability | Do not freeze |
Pot Life | 12 months from date of manufacture |
Reviews From Real Customers
14. Rust-Oleum Spar Urethane Semi-Gloss 12-oz. 250181
- Wears evenly without cracking or peeling
- UV-resistant
- Easy water clean-up
- Recommended for outdoor applications only
- Container Type: Aerosol Can
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Amazon | |
eBay | |
Paint Supply | |
McGuckin Hardware |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Finish | Semi-Gloss |
Resin Type | Urethane |
Net Weight | 11.25 oz |
Exposure Conditions | Interior/Exterior |
Base Type | Water |
Reviews From Real Customers
15. Rustoleum Watco 67141 Teak Oil Finish – 1 qt can
- Outstanding UV and moisture resistant finish
- Great for marine use above the water line
- Easy application and maintenance
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Sold By | Price |
Amazon | |
Walmart | |
Home Depot | |
Tractor Supply Company |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Length | 2.35 in |
Height | 7.5 in |
Width | 4.55 in |
Weight | 2.2 lb |
Reviews From Real Customers
16. Sikkens Cetol Marine Natural Teak Wood Finish, Cetol Marine Natural Teak / Quart
- Quart
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Amazon | |
Walmart | |
Defender Industries | |
Half Hitch |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Panama City Beach | Panama City Beach Florida |
Destin | Destin Florida |
Navarre | Navarre Florida |
Reviews From Real Customers
17. IPE Oil Hardwood Deck Finish
- 250
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Amazon | |
eBay | |
Walmart – The Stain Depot | |
DIY Home Center |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Transparency | Semi-Transparent |
Container Size | 1 Gallon |
Sheen | Satin |
Coverage Area (sq. ft.) | 300 |
Application Method | Brush,Cloth,Roller |
Reviews From Real Customers
18. Rust-Oleum Gloss Clear Marine Spar Varnish 1 qt.
- Quart
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Amazon | |
Walmart | |
Lowe’s | |
Grainger Industrial Supply |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Fade Resistant | Yes |
Mildew Resistant | Yes |
Minimum Working Temperature (Fahrenheit) | 40 |
Textured | No |
Maximum Coverage Area (Sq. Feet) | 150 |
Reviews From Real Customers
19. Penofin F3MCMGA Ultra Premium Red Label Cedar 1 Gallon
- Ultra Premium Formula for Extra Performance
- Increased trans-oxide pigments for 99% ultraviolet protection against fading
- Extra protection against mildew
- Ten transparent tones
- Brazilian Rosewood Oil that deeply penetrates to protect against moisture
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Sold By | Price |
Amazon | |
eBay – paint_supply | |
DIY Home Center | |
Premier Paint & Wallpaper |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Transparency | Transparent |
Base Type | Oil-Based |
Container Size | 1 gal |
Tintable | No |
Application Method | Brush, Stain Pad or Plastic Pump Sprayer |
20. 5 gal. Natural Clear Transparent Waterproofing Exterior Wood Finish
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Amazon | |
eBay – kingtazietoolsandhomegoods | |
Home Depot | |
Bonanza – Kingtazie’s Tools and Home Goods |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Purchase protection | Bonanza Buyer Protection Pledge |
Item traits | 2.0 |
Transparency | Transparent |
Application Method | Brush,Paint Sprayer,Roller |
Dry to touch (min) | 60 |
Reviews From Real Customers
Conclusion
Wood finishes for outdoors need to be tough and durable to withstand the elements. A good finish will protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and temperature changes. It will also provide a barrier against dirt, dust, and other debris.
There are many different types of finishes available, so it is important to choose one that is right for the project. A clear finish will allow the natural beauty of the wood to show through, while a colored finish can add a bit of personality to the project.
There are also finishes that provide a textured finish, which can add interest and depth to the wood.