10 Best Wood Varnishes in the Philippines 2026 | Hudson, Minwax, and More

This component is made from plastic, making it the go-to varnish for painting wood floors. By creating a thin film of plastic over your floor, it heightens the latter's protection from everyday wear and tear. Due to its synthetic resin content, you can also use this as a finishing agent on your cabinets and other woodwork.

However, it typically lacks the UV resistance characteristic that other varnish types have. This means that you should only use it on indoor furniture and not on fixtures you display outdoors. Other than that, polyurethane is quick-drying and has a glossy sheen.

An acrylic varnish is non-toxic, which means it can be diluted with water and can be easily rinsed off your brushes using only soap and water. Its water-based feature also brings out a less odorous smell than other types. Plus, it is versatile since it can be used for both indoor and outdoor woodwork. If you have children around, consider getting this varnish type to ensure safety in the home. 

With its ability to withstand various elements and certain weather conditions, exterior varnishes are indeed aptly named. Not only do they boost protection through their UV-resistance feature, but they also often include a fungicide to prevent the appearance of molds.

Furthermore, they enable the wood to 'breathe' due to the microporous component of the varnish. If you're the type to receive guests in a small garden party or dinner, coating your furniture, wooden tables, and chairs with an exterior varnish will benefit you in the long run.

A yacht varnish makes your wooden surface water-resistant. Thus, it is traditionally used for boats to stop water from seeping into the wood's pores. Bearing this highly flexible characteristic, it does not crack while the wood is submerged in water or bent under seawater pressure.

Naturally, the finish of this varnish type is a secondary feature, but some are now advertised to exude a high gloss finish. While it is ideal for outdoor wooden surfaces, it makes a poor varnish for your wooden floors indoors. 

The absence of solvent allows the oils in the solution to dry and solidify quicker. This type of varnish helps the solvent evaporate as soon as it gets applied to the wood. For a quick touchup on your furniture with faded-out finishes, opt for the fast-drying ones, and they will be ready for use within a short period.

This also sports a hard finish, making it the right choice for when you don't have the luxury of time to wait on your wooden fixtures and furniture to dry. It usually takes less than 24 hours to cure. However, this type tends to get brittle easily when exposed to changing weather conditions.

If you're willing to wait, this type of varnish takes days to cure and harden, roughly around 72 hours. That's because its components react to the solvents long after the resins have evaporated. The reason behind this is the inclusion of other additives in the product to bring out favorable properties of the wood and the varnish itself. 

Varnishes of this type highlight the color of the wood while being applicable to various types of wood surfaces. It also has UV protection, which will serve well when your varnished furniture is displayed outdoors. 

Mold sprouts from wood when it is placed under humid conditions and all the more when it is not coated or protected. Thus, picking varnishes with antimicrobial substances is wise to prevent mold from growing and spreading. Resistance against mold will prevent your furniture from rotting sooner.

We all know what prolonged and direct sun-exposure does to everything it touches, which is why varnishes are now equipped with a UV-protection to help maintain the color of outdoor wooden fixtures. 

Not only does direct sunlight fade the color of the wood, but it can also crack and overdry it. With UV-protected wooden chairs and furniture, you can be assured that they wouldn't rot as most varnishes with this feature also have a waterproofing effect. 

This is especially vital for varnishes applied to gymnasium floors, as they need a thick and hard finish to withstand strenuous conditions. The harder the varnish, the better the wood's protection from heavy use or surface friction, so you wouldn't have to worry about retouching repeatedly.