Home
... Musical Instruments
Instrument Accessories
Guitar & Bass Accessories
Cleaning & Care
Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Crystal Clear Satin

Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Crystal Clear Satin main image

Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Crystal Clear Satin image 2

Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Crystal Clear Satin image 3

Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Crystal Clear Satin

^# 80

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$29.72

Find out who is using Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane

1 community setup

0 wishlisted

0 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 20, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.2 (13)

Used

View Deal

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

When it comes to caring for your cherished guitar or bass, preserving its finish is crucial. Enter the Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Crystal Clear Satin, a premium solution for musicians who demand the best in long-lasting protection and aesthetic appeal. This versatile polyurethane offers a crystal-clear finish, ensuring that your instrument's natural beauty shines through while providing a protective barrier against wear and tear.

Ideal for use on both acoustic and electric instruments, the Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane dries quickly, allowing you to get back to making music without extended downtime. Its satin finish offers a subtle sheen that enhances the wood grain without the glossy glare, making it perfect for those who prefer a more understated look. This product is not only about aesthetic improvement but also about practical protection, safeguarding your instrument from scratches, dust, and humidity.

Easy to apply, it’s suitable for all skill levels, whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional luthier. The formula is designed to be low odor and clean, making the application process pleasant and mess-free.

Key Features:

Crystal-clear satin finish for an enhanced, natural look
Quick-drying formula for minimal downtime
Provides durable protection against scratches, dust, and humidity
Low odor for a more pleasant application experience
Suitable for both acoustic and electric instruments

Videos

Add video

Bates1960

Varathane Polyurethane Clear Satin Home Depot Review

Bates1960

Polying hardwood Floor Results water based clear satin Varathane 2x

JohnnyG

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Extremely durable, withstands heavy use and cleans easily
Non-toxic when dry, safe for small animals
Dries quickly, ideal for projects in a hurry
Easy water cleanup, simplifies maintenance
Versatile application on various surfaces like wood and tape
Enhances smoothness, great for distressed or shabby chic looks
Low odor, comfortable to use indoors
Works well with different application tools (brushes, rollers)
Effective top coat over sealers for enhanced grain visibility
Provides a professional, smooth satin finish

CONS

May alter wood grain visibility, not ideal for deep, rich finishes
Susceptible to scratches over time, affecting long-term durability
Over-application can cause visible milky white bubbles

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Crystal Clear Satin.

Build quality

0 0

The Varathane can develop a slight blue haze on dark woods, which can be mitigated by tinting with red, yellow, and sienna.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

It's important to apply carefully to avoid drips and sand between coats with 220 to 400 grit for optimal adherence.
Source
0 0

A Dyson hairdryer can speed up drying to touch within 5 minutes, allowing handling without messing up the Varathane finish.
Source
0 0

Allowing the product to dry overnight between coats can prevent issues, even though it's touch-dry in 2 hours.
Source
0 0

Thinning Varathane oil-based polyurethane with a 3:1 ratio of poly to paint thinner is recommended for horizontal surfaces to help improve application and reduce bubbles.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Achieving a satin finish is easily done using white scotchbrite, and it polishes out nicely with minimal pressure using a soft cloth wheel.
Source
0 0

Using low odor mineral spirits is reported to cause issues, such as a milky opacity; standard paint thinner is recommended instead for better compatibility.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The product works well as a topcoat for a Tobacco burst telecaster, offering a durable and smooth finish.
Source

User experience

0 0

Applying the Varathane in thin coats can provide a smooth finish with some brushstrokes, appealing to those who prefer a more natural wood feel.
Source
0 0

Owners report that Varathane water-based triple thick takes several days to fully cure despite being dry to touch quickly.
Source
0 0

The thick consistency of Varathane oil-based polyurethane makes it challenging to apply evenly, often leading to streaks and air bubbles during application.
Source
0 0

The product requires careful application techniques, such as dragging the brush from the center to the edges without pushing, to achieve a smooth finish.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Spraying high proof alcohol before applying a new coat can improve the finish's texture.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Varathane oil-based polyurethane is thicker compared to MinWax Clear Semi-Gloss, making it more protective but harder to apply smoothly.
Source

Add review

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Crystal Clear Satin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Stratocaster® Tremolo Arm Tension Springs Miscellaneous Guitar Parts

Squier Bullet Stratocaster SSS Solid Body Electric Guitars

Graph Tech PQ-5000-00 TUSQ Nut Slotted Strat Style Miscellaneous Guitar Parts

Allsound Tremolo Springs & Claw for MIM/Import Stratocaster Miscellaneous Guitar Parts

Allsound Whammy Bar for MIM/Import Stratocaster Miscellaneous Guitar Parts

Allsound Steel Block Tremolo Bridge for MIM/Import Stratocaster Strat, Narrow Spacing Guitar Bridges and Tailpieces

Allsound 54mm (2 1/8") Solid Brass Bridge Saddles Guitar Bridges and Tailpieces

3M Scotch Tape Tools

Walgreens Mineral Oil Cleaning & Care

Blank Sheet Paper Instrument Accessories

Community setups

Show yours

donald_hubert_duffy_iii

Gear IQ 2342

More Cleaning & Care

GHS Fast Fret Cleaning & Care

$7.56 - $15.94

7 available stores

4.5 (35)

^# 1

Pricing and availability

Description

Videos

Reviews

PROS

CONS

Owner Insights

Build quality

Setup and maintenance

Features and functionality

Use cases and applications

User experience

Mods and upgrades

Comparisons

Used With

Community setups

More Cleaning & Care

Artist usage

Similar

Most Popular Brands