Comparison: Best Clear Coat For Wood Countertops (Updated | Oct 22nd)
When protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of wood countertops, choosing the right clear coat is essential. A quality finish can shield against scratches, stains, and moisture while preserving the wood’s warmth and character. This comparison explores top-rated clear coats designed for durability and aesthetic appeal, evaluating factors like finish type (polyurethane, oil, water-based), application ease, and long-term performance. Whether you prioritize a matte, satin, or glossy look, our guide helps you make an informed decision to maintain your countertops’ functionality and visual charm. Always test products on a small area first to ensure compatibility with your wood type.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for budget pick:
Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish -
Best for best overall:
Stone Coat Countertops Clear Epoxy Resin Kit (1/2 Gal) UV -
Best for largest capacity:
Stone Coat Countertops Clear Epoxy Resin Kit (1 Gal) UV -
Best for epoxy undercoat:
Stone Coat Countertops Epoxy Undercoat 1 Quart (32 Fl Oz White) High-Bond Epoxy Primer for MDF -
Best for premium protection:
Stone Coat Countertops Ultimate Top Coat Epoxy – DIY Epoxy Resin Kit with Extra Scratch Resistance and UV Resistance for Protecting Your Surface! (Natural Matte Finish) -
Best for grain sealing:
Aqua Coat Water-Based Clear Wood Grain Filler Gel -
Best for fast drying:
Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Protective Wood Finish -
Best for easy spray:
Rust-Oleum 302110 Universal All Surface Clear Topcoat Spray -
Best for non-yellowing finish:
Giani Countertop Paint Clear Acrylic High-Gloss Topcoat- Step 3 -
Best for touch-up solution:
Clear Coat for Wood Touch-Up – 2-Pack (Gloss & Matte) | Brush-On Finish for Sealing and Sheen Matching | Interior/Exterior Use – 2 fl oz (60ml) by Spot
Product Comparison: Best Clear Coat For Wood Countertops
Budget pick
Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish, Clear Satin, ½ Pint
Minwax
- PROTECT WOOD SURFACES – Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish protects and adds beauty to your interior wood projects, including woodwork, furniture, doors and cabinets. The clear top coat protects against scratches, spills, dirt and more.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR FINISH THAT LASTS – The crystal clear finished offered in this protective coating is ideal for use over all Minwax Oil-Based and Water-Based Stains and colors, as well as all wood species including light woods like maple, ash and birch.
- SATIN SHEEN – Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this satin clear varnish. It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers an attractive, classic sheen for a modern and subtle look. It’s non-yellowing, non-ambering and low odor.
- ULTRA FAST DRYING – Get more done with this protective poly coating. It’s a fast-drying clear coat, which allows for quick recoats after 2 hours, letting you get projects done faster. Be sure to apply with a high-quality synthetic bristle brush.
- EASY CLEAN UP – This water-based wood finish allows for easy soap and water clean-up, so you don’t have to stress about spills and big messes.
- Water clean-up
- Low odor, non-yellowing
- Fast drying
Best overall
Stone Coat Countertops Clear Epoxy Resin Kit (1/2 Gal) UV, Scratch & Heat Resistant, Food Safe – Ideal for Kitchen Countertop, Tabletop, Bar Top, Shower Walls, Wood Slabs, Other DIY Art Craft Projects
Stone Coat Countertops
- Clear Glossy Finish – Stone Coat Epoxy delivers a crystal clear, glossy shine. Enhance your epoxy resin with color pigments, Metallic Powder, Mica Powder, or Glitter Powder for vibrant results.
- Heat-Resistant – Perfect for kitchen counters, our Stone Coat Epoxy resists heat damage and scratches, ensuring durability even with incidental contact.
- Safe Use – Our epoxy resin kits are free of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), ensuring safe use without harmful side effects. USDA approved and free of harsh industrial chemicals, it's ideal for wood tables, resin coasters, and more.
- Self-Leveling – Mix our crystal clear epoxy resin kits at a 1:1 ratio for a self-leveling, bubble-free application. This epoxy glue ensures a perfectly flat and even surface.
- UV Resistant – Stone Coat Epoxy is UV stable, scratch-resistant, and resistant to yellowing. It's easy to clean and with proper preparation, your new epoxy countertops will last for years. Ideal for countertop repair applications.
Largest capacity
Stone Coat Countertops Clear Epoxy Resin Kit (1 Gal) UV, Scratch & Heat Resistant, Food Safe – Ideal for Kitchen Countertop, Tabletop, Bar Top, Shower Walls, Wood Slabs, Other DIY Art Craft Projects
Stone Coat Countertops
- Clear Glossy Finish – Stone Coat Epoxy delivers a crystal clear, glossy shine. Enhance your epoxy resin with color pigments, Metallic Powder, Mica Powder, or Glitter Powder for vibrant results.
- Heat-Resistant – Perfect for kitchen counters, our Stone Coat Epoxy resists heat damage and scratches, ensuring durability even with incidental contact.
- Safe Use – Our epoxy resin kits are free of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), ensuring safe use without harmful side effects. USDA approved and free of harsh industrial chemicals, it's ideal for wood tables, resin coasters, and more.
- Self-Leveling – Mix our crystal clear epoxy resin kits at a 1:1 ratio for a self-leveling, bubble-free application. This epoxy glue ensures a perfectly flat and even surface.
- UV Resistant – Stone Coat Epoxy is UV stable, scratch-resistant, and resistant to yellowing. It's easy to clean and with proper preparation, your new epoxy countertops will last for years. Ideal for countertop repair applications.
Epoxy undercoat
Stone Coat Countertops Epoxy Undercoat 1 Quart (32 Fl Oz White) High-Bond Epoxy Primer for MDF, Plywood, and Porous Surfaces – Essential for DIY Epoxy Countertop Kits
Stone Coat Countertops
- Epoxy Undercoat Essential – Enhance your epoxy projects with our Epoxy Undercoat. Apply two coats to create a firm, sealed foundation that gives your surface a denser, thicker look and extends its lifespan.
- Versatile Application – Use our Epoxy Undercoat on a wide range of surfaces including countertops, table tops, bar top tables, cabinets, appliances, MDF, plywood, and more. Easily apply with a Microfiber Roller Kit.
- Designed for Stone Coast – Our Epoxy Undercoat is made specifically for use with Stone Coat Countertops epoxy resin kits. Give your DIY project the refined, high gloss look it deserves with our epoxy paint.
- Safe and Non-Toxic – Our Epoxy Undercoat is safe and non-toxic, made with small amounts of titanium dioxide. It's non-hazardous, easy to wash off, and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Ideal for kitchen, garage, and bathroom refinishing projects.
- Ample Quantity Supplied – Our 1 Quart (32 FL OZ) Epoxy Undercoat kit provides enough epoxy paint to coat multiple kitchens. Cover up to 40 Square Feet of surface, perfect for a 2 Gallon Stone Coat Countertops epoxy kit.
Premium protection
Stone Coat Countertops Ultimate Top Coat Epoxy – DIY Epoxy Resin Kit with Extra Scratch Resistance and UV Resistance for Protecting Your Surface! (Natural Matte Finish)
Stone Coat Countertops
- Matte Finish – Achieve matte finish with out ultimate top coat. Perfect for table tops, bar tables, and art projects. Our new Ultimate Top Coat Gloss formulation enhances heat and scratch resistance while preserving the desired look.
- Unmatched Protection – Our unique polishing kit offers extreme protection like no other! Once your project is complete, simply roll the Ultimate Top Coat onto your surface for unparalleled scratch-resistance, heat-resistance, and UV-resistance.
- Effortless Application – Applying our Top Coat is a breeze with the user-friendly Microfiber Paint Roller Kit. Effortlessly cover your epoxy resin project with ease for a seamless finish that extends up to 50 square feet.
- Quick Drying Time – Our Ultimate Top Coat has a 15-minute working time and dries in 8-9 hours! Ready for use in only 24 hours. Perfect for use with epoxy resin supplies and Stone Coat Epoxy kits, including our Art Coat Epoxy and Countertop Epoxy kits.
- Durable and Long-lasting – Highly recommended for surfaces that are expected to get lots of wear and tear, including kitchens, counters, bar tables, and more. Our epoxy kit with Ultimate Top Coat will protect your surface and extend the lifespan of your epoxy.
Grain sealing
Aqua Coat Water-Based Clear Wood Grain Filler Gel, Fast-Drying, Low Odor, Low VOC, Sandable, Stainable & Paintable, Easy Water Cleanup, Glossy Finish, 16 oz
AquaCoat
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR DEEPER PENETRATION: Our small particle size wood filler gel formula penetrates and seals pores and grains, minimizing topcoat absorption to help achieve a glass-smooth finish with fewer coats.
- IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION: If painting, we recommend Aqua Coat WHITE Cabinet Wood Grain Filler. It is higher solids with better visibility and adhesion making it perform better when painting.
- DESIGNED WITH EVERYONE IN MIND: This is the perfect Small Particle Size Gel to fill the grain and seal the pores of wood.This can be used before or after staining or on raw wood to get a smooth finish on oak, ash, mahogany, walnut, birch and other porous/grainy woods. A favorite product for tabletops, desktops, cabinets, vanities, millwork, pianos and guitars. For that glass smooth finish, start and finish all your hard to fill wood projects with Aqua Coat.
- WATERBORNE AND ECO- FRIENDLY: Our entire line of products are MADE IN THE USA, low VOC, low odor, non-flammable, non-combustible, water-based fast drying, easy to apply, easy sanding, excellent adhesion, water clean up and environmentally friendly.This makes it the healthier option for your employees and your family. Achieve that beautiful even filled glass smooth finish while keeping the environment and your health in mind.
- VERSATILE AND COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER PRODUCTS: Filling your wood grain before you stain not only creates that beautiful smooth finish you are looking to achieve it will also seal the pores and help minimize absorption of your top coat, saving you time and money. Aqua Coat Clear Grain Filler can be mixed with water soluble pigments/dyes, making it an ideal wood sealer for a personalized end result.
Fast drying
Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Protective Wood Finish, Clear Semi-Gloss, 1 Quart
Minwax
- PROTECT WOOD SURFACES – Minwax Polyurethane Wood Finish protects interior projects like woodwork, furniture, floors and cabinets. The oil-based, clear top coat is one of the most durable coatings for wood protection against scratches, spills and more.
- OIL-BASED DURABLE FINISH – Clear finish provides long-lasting protection and warm beauty to both finished and unfinished wood projects. Protective coating is ideal for woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets & floors, and is available in a variety of sheens.
- SEMI-GLOSS SHEEN – Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this semi-gloss clear varnish. It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers a long-lasting, semi-shiny, sleek sheen for a modern look.
- FAST DRYING – Get more done with this protective poly coating. It’s a fast-drying clear coat, which allows for quick recoats after 4-6 hours, letting you get projects done faster. Be sure to apply with a high-quality natural or foam brush.
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Minwax is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects. 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.
- It provides long-lasting protection and beauty to interior wood surfaces such as furniture, floors, doors and cabinets
- Its superior durability makes it ideal for use on all your wood surfaces
- Dries fast and offers long lasting beauty on both finished and unfinished wood surfaces
Easy spray
Rust-Oleum 302110 Universal All Surface Clear Topcoat Spray, 11 oz, High Gloss Clear
Rust-Oleum
- Works on virtually any surface including wood, plastic, metal, fiberglass, concrete, wicker, vinyl and more
- Oil-based formula with excellent adhesion prevents rust, resists fading and chipping for a long lasting finish
- Fast drying formula dries to the touch in 30 minutes and covers up to 15 sq ft per can
- Prevents rust and corrosion for enhanced durability
- Provides a clear, high gloss finish with brilliant shine
Non-yellowing finish
Giani Countertop Paint Clear Acrylic High-Gloss Topcoat- Step 3
Giani
- The 16 oz. Giani Clear Acrylic Topcoat is the finishing step included in all Giani Countertop Paint Kits.
- Our topcoat is a non-yellowing formula designed specifically for Giani countertops. Standard off-the-shelf polyurethanes finishes will not be effective. 16 oz. will cover approximately 35 square feet or 16 running feet of standard 24" wide countertops.
- Water-Based Acrylic Paint, Safe, Low on Odor, and VOCs, Covers 35 Sq. Ft. of Countertops, Full Dry Time: 4 Hours
Touch-up solution
Clear Coat for Wood Touch-Up – 2-Pack (Gloss & Matte) | Brush-On Finish for Sealing and Sheen Matching | Interior/Exterior Use – 2 fl oz (60ml) by Spot
spot.
- Seal and Protect Your Repair: Includes two brush-on ultra-low VOC, minimal odor clear finishes—Gloss and Matte—in one convenient 2-pack. Designed to seal, protect, and blend into any wood surface without altering color tone or grain pattern.
- Repair Without the Rework: Seals over scratches, scuffs, or small chips in furniture, cabinetry, trim, and doors—without sanding, staining, or professional tools. Dries fast to a durable, natural finish that won’t rub off.
- Brush-On Precision: Built-in brush lets you follow wood grain lines for seamless application—no streaking, smudging, or felt-tip drying out. Applies smooth and clean in hard-to-reach areas.
- For Interior + Exterior Wood: Formulated for use on indoor and outdoor wood surfaces: furniture, frames, trim, baseboards, cabinets, vintage pieces, and more. Helps preserve the original look and texture.
- PRO TIP – Use with Spot’s Color Repair Kit (Sold Separately) Step 1: Use Spot’s 4-Pack Touch-Up Paint Kit in Light or Dark tones to match color. Step 2: Apply Spot Clear Coat (Gloss or Matte) to lock it in and match the sheen.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which clear coat is best for durability on wood countertops?
Stone Coat Countertops Clear Epoxy Resin Kits (B0D9KTW14L, B0D9KSQDZC) offer UV, scratch, and heat resistance.
What clear coat is easiest to apply for DIYers?
Rust-Oleum 302110 Universal All Surface Clear Topcoat Spray (B07XKZ4ZB4) provides a simple spray-on finish.
Which option is water-based and low odor?
Aqua Coat Water-Based Clear Wood Grain Filler Gel (B00LEFWGWA) is fast-drying and low odor.
Which clear coat works as a high-gloss topcoat for painted surfaces?
Giani Countertop Paint Clear Acrylic High-Gloss Topcoat (B00BJNXNUG) is designed for glossy finishes.
What clear coat is ideal for small touch-ups?
Clear Coat for Wood Touch-Up 2-Pack (B0DVBDFD7F) offers brush-on gloss and matte options.
Which clear coat is best for a satin finish?
Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish (B000C02AO2) provides a clear satin finish.
Which clear coat is a fast-drying polyurethane option?
Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane (B000VZNESE) is a semi-gloss, quick-drying choice.
