Let's get into polyurethane, spar varnish, and what you should take into account when considering whether to use one or the other.

Polyurethane: polyurethane is essentially a plastic in liquid form; it is available as both water-based and oil-based.

Water-based polyurethane is much more popular because it has low toxicity, less odor, and dries much faster.

Oil-based polyurethane is more durable and more heat-resistant, so using it for a kitchen table for example would be ideal. If you are working with oil-based polyurethane, you need to do so in a ventilated area with a respirator.

Polyurethane is also available as a (easier to apply) spray, which gives a good enough result.

Spar Varnish: spar varnish is very durable because it contains high amount of solids in the ratio. It is actually good for outdoor projects and wood used for doors.

Varnish protects wood from termites and also has natural protection against ultraviolet (UV) light. Spar varnish is normally applied to the wood that sits in a humid or wet environment such as on a boat.

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1. Polyurethane is more durable.
2. It's scratch-resistant.
3. Water-based polyurethane dries very quickly, making it ideal for those who don't want to use safety equipment.
4. Polyurethane can be applied with any method such as hand rubbing, spraying or brushing.
5. Its water-based formula is less toxic.
6. Oil-based polyurethane is very resistant to heat exposure; this makes it great for a kitchen counter top.

Polyurethane is commonly used on wooden household items like bookshelves, desks and wood floors. Because of modern improvements to UV protection, it can also be used on outdoor tables and desks.

A water-based formulation is ideal to use for amateur painters who want to work on their own and don't want to use any safety equipment.

Once dry, polyurethane is transparent. Water-based polyurethane is considered to be ideal for indoor use.

Overall, if the advantages listed above appeal to you, and you're planning to finish items similar to those listed above, it's probably a better idea to choose polyurethane.

I hope this information has helped make your decision easier on whether to use polyurethane or spar varnish. Good luck!

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