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.

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.

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 !

Always quality

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.

I 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.

Worked well for coating a wooden sign we had made for camping. Has protected the sign very well and left a nice shiny coating on it that really brings life to the sign.

I accidentally bought this instead of the brush on kind which i was going to get instead. i figured I would try it anyway, but I am usually really bad with spray paint and spray finishes, so i was nervous. This went on BEAUTIFULLY! Photos are after ONLY ONE COAT. (only applied to the colorful seat of the chair, since the black parts still need touch ups before top coat.) Dried in about 2 hours outdoors. Self levels like a dream. 🌦️🌡️ weather conditions were about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, sunny, ~30% humidity. Left in direct sun to dry. the can says to wait 24 hours before use but after like 3 or 4 i feel confident enough to sit here ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Very smooth and glossy finish. (the sun reflecting off it was BLINDING me) and i barely used any of it, have almost the whole can left. I'm used to just blowing through can after can of aerosol paints or clear coats. We will see how it holds up to the texas heat, sun, and humidity. I just applied it today so I will try to remember to update this review in 6 months to a year or so, so y'all can see if it stands up to the weather. Cheers! Hope everyone's projects turn out stunning!