A clear coat (often referred to as a poly finish or topcoat) is basically a clear protective layer that you brush on your painted or stained furniture piece after it has dried. This clear acrylic layer gives the piece a shield against scratches, water rings from drinking glasses, and just dirt in general.

Clear finish can be applied over stain or directly to raw wood. It’s an extra step, but it’s always worth the time. A clear finish provides a protective coat for your wood that guards it against stains, water damage, and natural wear and tear.

There are two types of clear finish: a penetrating finish and a surface coat. A penetrating finish goes inside the wood and seals it, whereas a surface coat, forms a layer on top of the surface of the wood. You can use either, depending on your requirements. A clear finish can be in the form of polyurethane, shellac, or lacquer.

There are four basic choices for clear coating bare wood: oil, varnish (including polyurethane), sprayed lacquer, and shellac.

Some popular choices for the best clear finish for wood include polyurethane, lacquer, and varnish. There are a lot of different clear finishes that you can use on wood, and it can be tough to decide which one is the best for your project. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular clear finishes and what they are best suited for.