Review on Minwax Water Based Helmsman Spar Urethane 1 Quart Gloss: Ultimate Protection for Wood Surfaces by Mark Green

This is one of those products that, when used correctly, are excellent. It's not something you just give up and expect great results. As they say, preparation is everything. I have used many different sealants - oil based, water based, wiper and spray urethanes. Everything works well, depending on the project. It is very easy to apply, dries quickly and you can apply many layers in one day. It is also easy to clean compared to oil-based products. I've applied with a sponge brush as well as good quality nylon brushes and they all work great when used properly. For previously painted or sealed wood, I sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper or higher, making sure it's very clean. It MUST be mixed very well before and even during application to achieve good results. The first layer should be very light and don't worry about how it will look just yet. Just stay thin and don't overdo it. Wait more than 2 hours for the next shift. Another quick sand, repeat. You'll find that each layer goes on more easily as it develops, and any spots you may have missed will now disappear. I didn't sand at all after the first two coats. For interior wood, I get great results with 3-4 coats. For garden furniture I applied 6 coats to teak and the end result was excellent. When you live near a Southern California beach, nothing beats the constant sun and salty air. It does an excellent job of preserving teak furniture. It REALLY added a little warm amber "tone" to teak that I like. You can dilute it a bit with water if needed but I found the consistency to be very easy to work with and very easy to clean up unlike oil based. I believe that anyone who has problems does not follow instructions. As a personal preference, I used a semi-gloss finish for the patio furniture and a satin finish for the interior, both of which gave excellent results.