What clear coat do you use on your painted outdoor projects?

Question

I painted these pots with acrylic craft paint to stack out front to add some color to my front porch. Ive been looking for a polyurethane I can brush on to protect them from the elements. I thought Spar urethane but all of them dry a slight yellow (not good on white) so I am looking for something that is truly clear and having issues locating something.  Any thoughts? I thought about doing a water based polyurethane but they all say indoor only.

Carol T · Answer

Hi, not sure if you have this product available to you, but Yacht Varnish is excellent for outdoor work. It is used on boats so should work for this.

Mary Coakley · Answer

I find Ronseal clear varnish not sure if its available in your area,I live in Ireland

Janet Pizaro · Answer

You can use a clear spray paint. Try Rustoleums 2X which is available in assorted finishes and will give you the added protection you are trying to achieve.

Linda Lester · Answer

If they're terra cotta, don't seal them, I learned the hard way they need to be porous, otherwise all your decoration will chip and peel. I had to start all over again!

Sierra · Answer

Linda, do you mean not to seal if using for plants or what was the issues sealing them? Thx.

Kelly Kolstad · Answer

Terra Cotta pots need to be sealed inside and outside to stop any water from absorbing into the clay and ruining one sided finish.

Wanda.ll · Answer

yes have to seal inside and out otherwise stuff does peel off. I've been doing some kind of decorating clay pots since back in the early 70's. I use Triple glaze spray myself . I love the very glossyfinish.

Linda Lester · Answer

Ah ha! That must've been my problem! I only sealed the outside, thinking about it now, that wasn't my smartest move, lol! Live and learn.

Linda kelley · Answer

I use Rustoleoum Clear Coat Spray...its for outdoors, Seals, Protects, and revitalizes. I use it on all my projects...great stuff.

Johnchip · Answer

Varathane. It is a poly based 'marine varnish' used on boats, will hold up under all weather. Dries crystal clear.

Teri Brewer Maue · Answer

I just use a clear spray sealer.  Put in an enclosed area in the winter or on a porch covered and it will last quite long.  Renew the spray as needed.

Sug29333499 · Answer

Thank you to everyone leaving comments on this question! I just spent two days spraying big plastic pots with Rustoleum American Accents 2x in high gloss white, and I wanted to spray a clear coat to protect them from rust stains from the sprinkler getting on them at the edge of the patio. Going to put small foxtail palm trees in them. I bought the Rustoleum clear coat 2x and going to spray them today!

Abbey · Answer

I use the clear coat spray paint by Krylon.

Dianne Davis · Answer

Is there a brush on varnish for painted stoneware. For outside

Margie Nendza · Answer

I want to protect ceramics that I painted for the garden. What kind of finishing paint should I use.

Chris · Answer

I am painting plastic playhouses with rustoleum 2x having issues with the paint peeling when taping off and want to be able to seal to keep from chipping

Black Hills Rosie · Answer

Peel the tape at 45 degree angle, gently. Don't leave it on more than a day. I left tape on my steel siding for a week thinking no problem. Ha! That was a bad mistake.

Joan Grant · Answer

I paint wooden whisky barrels and I am looking for a outdoor varnish that wont turn white paint yellow

Alison · Answer

I've been using this on all of my outdoor painted projects, like pots and lawn/garden statues: Rust-Oleum 250141H Ultimate Spar Urethane Water Based, Quart, Semi Gloss Finish. It works really well.

Kathy Gunter Law · Answer

Depending on the element exposure, you might want to use marine varnish. It is tough.

Simple Nature Decor · Answer

this works https://amzn.to/3tQa2FG

Simple Nature Decor · Answer

I have used this stuff to clean all my outdoor lights https://amzn.to/3ht5YZF

Kim |Exquisitely Unremarkable · Answer

We have made wooden kayaks and the marine varnish is strong, but it certainly works and protects like nothing else. Wear a mask though, it's strong...

Chloe Crabtree · Answer

Plaid brand clay pot sealer should work perfectly for you.

Libbie B · Answer

I like using a spray version of poly. The coats are nice and thin.

Simple Nature Decor · Answer

Rusteluem has a clear coat

MARIA · Answer

Has anybody decorated an old toilet bowl to use as a planter for the garden? And if you did what would you recommend to paint over the paint to seal it from the weather? Needs to be able to stick to shiny china.

Amber · Answer

Rustoleum but my fav is using a resin coat vs clear coat. It’s waterproof and way prettier

Mogie · Answer

Seal inside and outside of the pots.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Exterior or Yatch Varnish?

What clear coat do you use on your painted outdoor projects?

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What clear coat do you use on your painted outdoor projects?

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