Polyurethane is the main component in modern varnish. Choose the best polyurethane finish for your project from these ...

Combustible. Unpleasant smell. Best bang for your buck: Minwax Water-Based Helmsman Spar Urethane Our take: Traditional super-tough coating now in more environmentally friendly formulation.

Another issue is finish choice. More than 15 years ago, the people behind the Bluenose II began using Helmsman spar urethane on the ship, and they’ve stuck with it ever since.