If you are looking for a way to make the life of your project last significantly longer, all while looking beautiful, then polyurethane is your best bet. That being said, some products will keep a clearer finish for longer.
Let’s go into depth about the types of polyurethane and our top picks for the best non-yellowing products.
Our Top 3 Non-Yellowing Polyurethanes
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  | Our Top Pick | Minwax Polycrylic
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| View on Amazon |
Best Budget  | Best Budget | Varathane Ultimate Water-Based
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| View on Amazon |
Best High End  | Best High End | Bona Traffic HD
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| View on Amazon |
What Are Non-Yellowing Polyurethanes?
Polyurethane is a resinous liquid used to protect surfaces like wood. They shield the wood from liquid and physical abrasions while adding a clear sheen to the surface. Polyurethanes are the best way to extend the life of your wood and bring out the natural beauty of the grain.
What Are The Different Types of Non-Yellowing Polyurethanes?
There are two different types of polyurethane on the market today, oil-based and water-based. Oil-based polyurethane is known for its off-white color, which continues to yellow to turn amber over time. Quality water-based polyurethane goes on clear and stays that way for its life, granted it was applied correctly.
How Do Non-Yellowing Polyurethanes Work?
On a chemical level, polyurethanes are made of tight chains of molecules. These chains bond incredibly well with each other, which is why polyurethane is so effective as a protective surface. They go on as a liquid and dry into a hard clear resin over time.
What Do You Look For In The Best Non-Yellowing Polyurethane?
The best non-yellowing polyurethanes go on clear and remain that way for years. Cheaper products usually have a better chance of yellowing over time. This is especially true for oil-based products, so stick with water-based polyurethane to ensure the clearest finish.
Don’t Skimp On The Prep
No matter how good a polyurethane is, improper prepping will always lead to a yellow finish. Take the time to sand and thoroughly clean your surface if you want to ensure the clearest finish with the longest life.
Best Non-Yellowing Polyurethanes Reviewed
Minwax Polycrylic (Our Top Pick)
There’s a good reason that Minwax has been synonymous with the painting industry for such a long time, they build a product that was built to last. Minwax’s Polycrylic is our top pick because it looks beautiful, won’t cost an arm and a leg, and will hold up in high-traffic areas. No more worrying about having to recoat your floors every year!
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Available in different finishes
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Still almost twice the price of standard products
Varathane Ultimate Water-Based (Best Budget)
If you’ve ever bought polyurethane in-store or online, then you’ve most likely come across the brand Varathane. You can’t beat the price of their Ultimate Water-Based formula, and surprisingly it leaves an eye-catching finish that can take a beating. It won’t stay clear as long as professional-grade products do, but if you want to get a job done well without spending too much hard-earned cash, give Varathane a try.
Pros
- Won’t break the bank
- Durable
Cons
- Doesn’t work as well on lighter-colored woods
Bona Traffic HD (Best High-End)
Even if you are a professional contractor, you may have never heard of Bona before. Up until now, they were mostly considered a new niche company, and many were afraid to try out a product they’d never heard of before. Luckily we did the testing for you, and Bona Traffic HD passed with flying colors.
You really cannot beat the finish that it leaves, but be prepared to fork over some serious cash for bigger jobs!
Pros
- The clearest finish on the market
- Low odor, great for interior jobs
- Available in various finishes
Cons
- Absolutely will break your bank on XL projects.
Final Thoughts On Non-Yellowing Polyurethanes
Whether you want to bring a beautiful luster to your project or protect it from the elements, polyurethane is a great option that does both. Oil-based polyurethanes are great for long-lasting protection, but they yellow over time. That’s why water-based polyurethane is the go-to choice for creating a clear coat that lasts.
