Coverage | 500 ft² |
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Recommended Uses For Product | Interior, Exterior |
Liquid Volume | 32 Fluid Ounces |
Item Form | Liquid |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00027426630529 |
Manufacturer | Minwax |
UPC | 027426630529 |
Part Number | 630520444 |
Item Weight | 2.4 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 5 x 5 x 5 inches |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | 630520444 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Size | Quart |
Color | Quart |
Style | Satin (Water Based) |
Finish | Satin |
Pattern | Urethane |
Horsepower | 1.00 |
Item Package Quantity | 1 |
Included Components | Minwax 630520444 Water Based Helmsman Spar Urethane, quart, Satin |
Batteries Included? | No |
Batteries Required? | No |
Warranty Description | Warranty |

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Minwax Water Based Helmsman Spar Urethane, Quart, Satin
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Return this item for free
We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Minwax |
Material | water based |
Finish Type | Satin |
Compatible Material | Wood |
Item Weight | 2.4 Pounds |
About this item
- PROTECTIVE CLEAR FINISH – Minwax Helmsman Water Based Spar Urethane is a crystal clear wood finish that is specially formulated to protect against nature’s toughest conditions.
- EFFECTIVE YEAR ROUND – This wood varnish forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture to protect your projects and keep them looking their best. Special oils allow the finish to expand & contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change.
- VERSATILE – Ideal for use on doors, windows, trim, bathroom cabinets, bar tops, kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture and more. It’s a versatile water-based spar urethane that dries quickly and cleans up easily with warm water.
- SATIN FINISH – Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this satin clear varnish. It protects the natural beauty of the wood and offers a soft, unique sheen for a modern, cozy, and on-trend look. It’s ideal for use over light colored woods and stains.
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Minwax is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to Keep on Finishing. We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing need.
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Minwax Helmsman Indoor/Outdoor Spar UrethaneMerchant Video
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B001W3YPRS |
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Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #1,596 in Tools & Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement) #2 in Household Polyurethanes, Shellac & Varnish |
Date First Available | March 17, 2009 |
Warranty & Support
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Minwax Water Based Helmsman Spar Urethane, Quart, Satin
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From the manufacturer

Surface must be dry, clean, and free of dirt, grease, glue, and existing coatings before staining. Sand the wood in the direction of the grain using a fine-grade sandpaper (#220) until smooth. Remove all sanding dust. To help ensure uniform acceptance of stain color and beautiful results, pretreat the wood with Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner following label directions.
Apply a liberal amount of stain evenly with a brush or clean cloth. Wait 3 minutes and remove the excess stain with a clean cloth, wiping in the direction of the grain. Allow to dry 8-10 hours. To darken the color, apply additional coats of Minwax Gel Stain repeating directions for application of first coat. Allow the stain to dry 8 to 10 hours between coats. Do not sand between coats.
After 24 hours (dry time may be extended due to heavy application, low temperatures or high humidity), complete your project by applying a clear protective finish. Recommended finishes include Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Water Based Oil Modified Polyurethane or Helmsman Spar Urethane for exterior use.

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Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
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Minwax Gel Stain
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Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane
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Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars 8,412
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4.6 out of 5 stars 2,745
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4.6 out of 5 stars 5,265
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4.6 out of 5 stars 8,412
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Price | $22.88$22.88 | $17.04$17.04 | $19.64$19.64 | $22.88$22.88 |
Base | no data | Oil | Oil | Water |
Description | no data | Prevent blotching & streaking to ensure beautiful, even stain color | Add rich color to enhance the wood grain | Protect with a clear top coat for long lasting beauty |
Ideal for all wood projects | no data | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Product Description
Product Description
Minwax Helmsman Water Based Spar Urethane formula is a protective wood finish for interior and exterior projects that are exposed to sunlight, water, or temperature changes. It’s a wood varnish that contains UV blockers to reduce the sun’s graying and fading effects. It forms a protective layer against rain and moisture to shield your projects and keep them looking their best year-round. The special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change. This spar urethane water-based formula protects the natural beauty of the wood while providing a crystal clear finish. It’s ideal for use over light colored woods and stains for a variety of projects that include doors, windows, trim, bathroom cabinets, bar tops, kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture and more (not recommended for floors). It’s a versatile wood finish that dries quickly and cleans up easily with warm water. Minwax is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to Keep on Finishing. We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing project.
From the Manufacturer
Minwax is America's leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. From staining and protection, to preparation, maintenance, cleaning and repair, Minwax makes and keeps wood beautiful.
Top Brand: Minwax
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This Item Minwax Water Based Helmsman Spar Urethane, Quart, Satin | Recommendations | |||||
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Price | $26.95$26.95 | $64.99$64.99 | $31.89$31.89 | $26.71$26.71 | $22.97$22.97 | -9% $23.67$23.67 List: $25.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 6 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 6 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 6 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 6 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 6 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 6 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Vera Tools | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
brand | Minwax | Minwax | Rust-Oleum | Rust-Oleum | Minwax | Varathane |
material | water based | Plastic | Polyurethane (PU) | Plastic | water based | Liquid |
finish type | Satin | Gloss | Satin | Gloss | Satin | Satin |
compatible material | Wood | Wood | Wood | Wood | Wood | Wood |
weight | 2.4 pounds | 9.35 pounds | 1 kilograms | 1 pounds | 36 ounces | — |
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the varnish works well, providing a hard finish that holds up extremely well under all weather conditions. The product is easy to use, dries quickly to a hard durable finish, and offers great protection against the elements. While some customers consider it a great value, others say it's not worth the price. The spray quality receives mixed feedback, with some saying it sprays evenly while others report issues with the spray can.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the varnish, describing it as awesome and noting that it works well, with one customer mentioning it provides a nice shine.
"...to paint my house from door and kitchen cabinets, the quality of this product is very good, it dries quickly, is shiny, easy to use, and the price..." Read more
"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...." Read more
"I wouldn’t use any other product. Perfect quality." Read more
"...Works incredibly well with a beautiful long lasting shine it brings out the patina and grains of the woods and straw...." Read more
Customers love the finish of this spray varnish, noting that it increases gloss and leaves a nice hard surface on wood, making their pieces look like new.
"...the quality of this product is very good, it dries quickly, is shiny, easy to use, and the price is reasonable. I like it." Read more
"...It’s a great value for the money and looks great ...." Read more
"...wood divider which I have had for 24 years now and it’s still in great shape ...." Read more
"Wonderful finish on my solid oak table I'm refinishing over" Read more
Customers praise the varnish's durability, noting it provides long-lasting protection for various items and holds up well under all weather conditions.
"...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 ...." Read more
"...Still, gives a nice looks with protection...." Read more
"...on my east/west facing wood gate that gets sun all day long and it holds up great." Read more
"This is about a perfect product for protection and easy clean up. I would have gone water based years ago...." Read more
Customers find the varnish easy to apply, noting that it goes on smoothly, with one customer specifically mentioning it works well on wooden furniture.
"...quality of this product is very good, it dries quickly, is shiny, easy to use, and the price is reasonable. I like it." Read more
"...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 ...." Read more
"Consistent quality, goes on easy and flattens to a high gloss. Oar marks, gunnels scrapes are an easy sand and recoat...." Read more
"...It applied easily and dried fairly quickly so I was able to apply two coats to the wood before assembling the pieces into their finished components..." Read more
Customers appreciate the varnish's protection properties, noting it works well for outdoor wood and weather conditions, with one customer mentioning it stands up to sun and rain.
"...It came out great as well. Both are holding up well to the elements." Read more
"This is the go-to for outdoor applications. Several coats (three?) form a virtually impenetrable barrier to rain and moisture...." Read more
"...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...." Read more
"...can indicates superior protection against rain, moisture, and UV damage from sunlight, as well as enough flexibility to withstand seasonal swelling..." Read more
Customers appreciate that the varnish dries quickly to a hard, durable finish, with a wet look even when dry.
"...and kitchen cabinets, the quality of this product is very good, it dries quickly, is shiny, easy to use, and the price is reasonable. I like it." Read more
"...It really came out nice, looks like it's underwater and it really brings the wood grains out...." Read more
"...Once cured, this stuff dries perfectly clear with no noticeable bubbles. Would buy again." Read more
"...have to pay close attention and be fast with it or else it dries all clumpy and yellow. But once I got the hang of it, it went well" Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the varnish's value for money, with some finding it a great value while others say it's not worth the price.
"...is very good, it dries quickly, is shiny, easy to use, and the price is reasonable. I like it." Read more
"...there is one that is highly recommended for boats, etc - but it's crazy expensive). The recommendation is for 2-3 coats for exterior use...." Read more
"...It’s a great value for the money and looks great ...." Read more
"This stuff is crazy expensive, but it does exactly what it says. Goes on easy even without a “quality brush”...." Read more
Customers have mixed experiences with the spray quality of this varnish, with some finding it wonderful and easy to use, while others report that it doesn't work properly or stops spraying entirely.
"...Oil based - poor application and requires extensive clean up with harsh chemicals - mineral spirits, gasoline, lacquer cleaners...not the type of..." Read more
"...This sprays in a nice, uniform spray and covered very well. Of course part of that is technic so it doesn't pool and run...." Read more
"...The faulty can sprayed well but then wouldn’t stop when the valve was released...." Read more
"...The spray works fine, but then I tried a quart of oil-base Helmsman, and WOW, what a difference...." Read more
Reviews with images

Amazing product.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2025Size: 1 qtStyle: Semi-GlossPattern Name: UrethaneVerified PurchaseThis product I used to paint my house from door and kitchen cabinets, the quality of this product is very good, it dries quickly, is shiny, easy to use, and the price is reasonable. I like it.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2025Size: QuartStyle: SatinPattern Name: UrethaneVerified PurchaseThis 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.
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.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2025Size: QuartStyle: GlossPattern Name: UrethaneVerified PurchaseI have an east facing door that gets beat on by the sun for couple of hours every day. The original finish cooked right off and started splitting the wood. I sanded the door back down to raw wood, filled in the splits, re-stained with a Minwax stain, then followed up with 3 coats of Helmsman Spar Urethane. It was tedious to do at first because it was a lot of work to get the door back to raw wood and you have to wait 4 hours and sand in between coats. Now that it's done, it's never worn through the 3 coats. Annually I use a red scotch bright sanding pad and lightly re-sand, add a coat, wait 4 hours and re-sand, then another coat. It's much faster now that I'm just adding coats and using a scotch bright sanding pad to refinish the urethane. Less than 30 min to sand and re-coat each layer. Use a good quality brush like a Purdy. I used a cheaper brush in the past and it left brush strokes in the finish. Clean with mineral spirits. I liked it so much I ended up doing the same finish on my east/west facing wood gate that gets sun all day long and it holds up great.
I have an east facing door that gets beat on by the sun for couple of hours every day. The original finish cooked right off and started splitting the wood. I sanded the door back down to raw wood, filled in the splits, re-stained with a Minwax stain, then followed up with 3 coats of Helmsman Spar Urethane. It was tedious to do at first because it was a lot of work to get the door back to raw wood and you have to wait 4 hours and sand in between coats. Now that it's done, it's never worn through the 3 coats. Annually I use a red scotch bright sanding pad and lightly re-sand, add a coat, wait 4 hours and re-sand, then another coat. It's much faster now that I'm just adding coats and using a scotch bright sanding pad to refinish the urethane. Less than 30 min to sand and re-coat each layer. Use a good quality brush like a Purdy. I used a cheaper brush in the past and it left brush strokes in the finish. Clean with mineral spirits. I liked it so much I ended up doing the same finish on my east/west facing wood gate that gets sun all day long and it holds up great.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2024Size: QuartStyle: GlossPattern Name: UrethaneVerified PurchaseI 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 !
- Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024Size: 11.5 oz AerosolStyle: GlossPattern Name: UrethaneVerified PurchaseI used this for outdoor "yard art", specifically a few metal signs and then several wood signs our family painted. This sprays in a nice, uniform spray and covered very well. Of course part of that is technic so it doesn't pool and run. Still, gives a nice looks with protection. I've used this before and it will, over time and especially in the sun start to peel a bit, but I think it works well for my projects.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2025Size: QuartStyle: SatinPattern Name: UrethaneVerified PurchaseWonderful finish on my solid oak table I'm refinishing over
- Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2025Size: QuartStyle: GlossPattern Name: UrethaneVerified PurchaseI wouldn’t use any other product. Perfect quality.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024Size: QuartStyle: GlossPattern Name: UrethaneVerified PurchaseFirst 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.
Top reviews from other countries
- M.HarmsReviewed in Germany on May 14, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars The best clear coat for outdoor wooden furniture.
Spar Urethane is the best for refinishing outdoor furniture. It lasts for years in the weather. Just clean the wood, sand it (no finer than 120 grit), clean and dry again, then paint on the first coat. It will be a bit rough.
Then use fine sandpaper (~220 grit) to smooth it, then paint another coat. Three coats for outdoor wooden furniture. It will look better than new.
Made my cheap beer garden table look amazing after it got shabby from weather. This pint size is pretty small though, I needed two cans for three coats.
M.HarmsThe best clear coat for outdoor wooden furniture.
Reviewed in Germany on May 14, 2023
Then use fine sandpaper (~220 grit) to smooth it, then paint another coat. Three coats for outdoor wooden furniture. It will look better than new.
Made my cheap beer garden table look amazing after it got shabby from weather. This pint size is pretty small though, I needed two cans for three coats.
Images in this review
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on September 29, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars works like advertised
Size: GallonStyle: Semi-Gloss (Water Based)Pattern Name: UrethaneVerified Purchaseeasy to apply, fast drying, great protection
- Mr. L. J. SchlesingerReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 8, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant for the restoration of headlamps - sand down 800
Brilliant for the restoration of headlamps - sand down 800, 1200, 2000 grit until even (better to leave a 2000 grit surface for improved adhesion - end result is perfect), wash with water, wipe dry and apply helmsman spar urethane/white spirit mix @ 1:1 with a cheap blue cleaning cloth - One tbsp of each will suffice. Loads of research will basically lead you to that method. Chose a sunny day, low wind and remove headlamps from car for best result.
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MartinReviewed in Canada on June 14, 2022
4.0 out of 5 stars Bon produit ! Bon rapport qualité prix ! Service rapide ! Merci beaucoup ! Nice !
Size: 11.5 oz AerosolStyle: GlossPattern Name: UrethaneVerified PurchaseBon produit ! Bon rapport qualité prix ! Service rapide ! Merci beaucoup ! Nice !
- Cathy KrellerReviewed in Canada on October 5, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Product
Size: QuartStyle: Satin (Water Based)Pattern Name: UrethaneVerified PurchaseI use this product in my wooden signs. It protects my work from the outside elements. The oil based is a wonderful product as well, but unfortunately yellows things. Will definitely purchase again. I wish the price was a little lower as I’m from Canada.