Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Protective Wood Finish, Warm Satin, 1 Quart

The Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane in Warm Satin is one of the best protective finishes I’ve used for wood projects and furniture. It builds a durable, long-lasting layer of protection while maintaining a soft, natural look that doesn’t appear overly glossy. I especially prefer the satin sheen over semi-gloss, as it highlights the wood grain without adding unwanted shine. The finish applies smoothly, dries predictably, and delivers professional-looking results when built up with multiple coats. Overall, this is a reliable, high-quality polyurethane that offers excellent protection while preserving the character of the wood. Highly recommended for furniture and fine woodworking projects.

Very nice finish. I purchased to use on stained birch plywood. Worked great. Easy to apply BUT I purchased an aerosol can of the exact same warm satin finish for the final two coats. I am so glad I did. The brushed method left a bit of splotchiness and the aerosol version totally smoothed it out. Seems very hard and durable and looks great!

I used this on some speakers I built, I had tried rustoleum first and it was kind of horrible. The minwax smoothed out so much better and dried fast as well. I ended up thinning it about 20% with acetone and just used a paper towel to wipe on thin coats after a few coats I hit it with a 800 grit scuff pad and added then wiped on a few more coats. Very smooth finish that looks great, the simplest thing I have ever done for a top/clear coat. I also have used the gloss and its great as well, I would recommend using the gloss on your first few coats as it is a little more clear and will make the wood grain pop more then use a scuff pad 800-1000 grit go with the wood grain gently, and apply your finally few coats of Satin. Satin is a little cloudy so if you add to many coats it will sort make the wood grain stand out less or have less of that holographic look as the light hits it still an amazing product overall and is what I will be using from now on.

My friend bought a higher price wood finish and i couldn't see the difference. Maybe over time the more expensive one will hold up longer. we'll see. The instructions say do not add thinner, BULL.... add thinner 1/4 to a gallon. If you don't it will be way too thick to put on evenly. Turpentine is out dated, add mineral spirit, works just as well minus the harsh smell and hard chemicals in it. Satin doesn't shine like a gym floor after it's been polyurethane, a little shine but more natural look, if that's what you're looking for.

It may seem strange to review an unopened product, but this specific formulation from Minwax, like a few others, is familiar. It seems difficult to avoid Minwax when finishing with stains or polyurethane. I’ve gone back to their aerosol and brush-on products again and again over decades. This quart will be laid on the very bench top on which it sat for its photo opp. I am not going to chase down every bit of green paint left over from sanding the atrocity left there by a previous owner of this house. So, unfortunately, the Minwax ability to protect wood will enshrine some of that ugly green paint for many years to come.

First a little background: For years, Behlen's Rockhard Tabletop Varnish was my go-to for bartops. It went on beautifully, dried hard as a rock in no time, and sanded nicely between coats. The resulting finish was completely bulletproof. It resisted all kinds of dings and dents and could be wiped down with Windex. Behlen's recently became part of Mohawk (maybe they always were; I don't know), but the Mohawk version is not the same product, not even close. On my latest project it never dried hard, so I scrubbed it off with mineral spirits. I tried an even thinner coat, using a paper towel, on another part of the project. The can says four hours to dust proof and fourteen to recoat. After twenty-four hours it was still tacky. My shop is warm and dry. Maybe it would have eventually dried. Who knows? But no varnish, no matter how good it's supposed to be, should be that unpredictable. So I ordered some Minwax oil-based poly from Amazon. I've been using Minwax water-based poly for a while and I've always been pleased with the results. Yes, Minwax products have a reputation as 'consumer-grade' finishes intended for 'amateurs,' but I find they are very reliable and predictable. It turns out oil-based poly is, too. I applied three coats with a soft brush and a steady hand (I have a spray setup but no booth, so I avoid spraying oil-based products because of the sticky overspray). It dries fast, smooth, and dust-free; it sanded well between coats; it looks warm and inviting, and it has no visible brush marks. Bottom line: I highly recommend Minwax fast-drying oil-based satin poly.

I have been a Cabinet Maker for 40 years. I have tried everything you can imagine from lacquers, Shellacs, & varnishes. Solvent based and water based. This is by far the best oil based varnish ever made. Most varnishes dry to the touch in 3-4 hours and can recoated in 12- 24 hours. This one dries to the touch in 30 minutes and can be recoated in 3-4 hours. It is the most scratch and wear resistant varnish I have ever used. Minwax says that it can be used for floors. I have used it on floors and it has held up remarkably well. Most varnishes and poly's are not recommended for floors. This varnish adds a lite brownish yellow tone to the wood. Most varnishes I have used add a much darker honey tone to the wood. Price wise, for some reason, this is one of the least expensive varnish I have come across. One other thing if the varnish gets scratched, or water damaged it can be lite sanded and recoated and will look like new.

Best product it works and looks great

El mejor barniz que he usado es Minwax. Muy fácil y de aplicar con brocha de pelo de camello. Deja un acabado que resalta la veta de la madera como ningún otro barniz que he usado.

Used this on a solid oak table. Looks lovely. And the seller ships fast and packs very well

Me encanto el acabado que deja.