Minwax 710520000 Water Based Helmsman Spar Urethane, gallon, Satin

Used on the dining table I built for my family. I went back and forth between this and Minwax Polycrylic. The only difference I could see was Helmsman is supposed to offer UV protection too. Only time will tell on that, but so far all the other features of this finish have been true to their word. It didn't discolor anything and goes on clear. It looks like a can of milk or something. I did 6 coats on the table top and have a great semi-gloss finish, just what I was looking for. At time of purchase this was significantly cheaper locally however...

It wasn't the stain we needed and couldn't return. Make sure you get the correct one or you will be out the money spent.

I have just finished using this product with exellent results. Unlike the last person to post I went straight to the natural coat finish. I would never think of adding any varnish over paint, as this would be a desaster for sure. A clear epoxy coat would do the fellow better to protect his painted french doors. If anyone wants a nice protective coat on their natural wood doors this is the right product. It is made for radical changing tempatures and sunlight. Remember Big Brother is wanting to take your VOC rights away and eliminate oil based varnishes and paint... Get it while you can. Oh, BTW this price is outragous, it is 40 bucks with tax at your H Depot!!!

I bought this product because it specifically states that it dries crystal clear and will not amber. Well, it didn't and it does. I spent hours and hours prepping, sanding, and staining my french doors, and I wanted to protect the nice white finish. I reviewed several products before settling on the Helmsman Water-based Urethane in satin. After seeing the dried first coat, I was immediately heart sick. The hours and hours I previously spent went right out the window because the "clear" coat dried to an amber top coat, completely ruining the white finish. Even if I return the product, there is no way that Minwax could ever compensate me for the countless hours wasted. I'm sure this product would work fine with darker colors or wood finishes, but I do not recommend it for white or light colors.