What are the best gloss finishes to make your projects shine?
We offer expert guidance on top gloss finishes to give your wood and art a professional, engaging look that pops.
Want your projects to shine? Gloss finishes can help!
They make your wood and art look amazing. This gives a professional look.
We’ve found the best gloss finishes. Read on for our top picks. Your project will look great!
Many use gloss finishes to revive old furniture. Some use it to seal artwork for protection. Others use it to add shine to wood projects.
You’re in the right place. We guide you to find the perfect gloss. Enjoy making your projects pop!
List of Top 10 Gloss Finishes
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1/2 pt Minwax 25555 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Gloss |
Want to protect and beautify your wood projects? Minwax Polycrylic is perfect for you! It’s easy to use and dries fast, giving your wood a crystal-clear, glossy finish while protecting against scratches and spills. |
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Mod Podge Gloss Sealer, Glue & Finish: All-in-One Craft Solution- Quick Dry, Easy Clean, for Wood, Paper, Fabric & More. Non-Toxic – Craft with Confidence, Made in USA, 16 oz., Pack of 1 |
Are you a crafter? Then Mod Podge Gloss is for you! It’s perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to pros. If you want a simple way to glue, seal, and finish your projects, grab Mod Podge! |
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General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, 1 Quart, Gloss |
This high-performance water-based topcoat is perfect for people who work on interior wood like furniture or cabinets and want a strong, glossy shield that fights wear. It dries in just 1 to 2 hours, so you can move on to the next step soon. |
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General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil Based Topcoat, 1 Pint, Gloss |
This oil-based topcoat is perfect for do-it-yourself woodworkers and furniture makers who want a glossy, durable finish that lasts a long time. You can easily apply it with a cloth or brush to protect and shine your projects. |
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MCTRHG Gloss Varnish for Acrylic Painting, Artist’s Acrylic Varnish, Non-Yellowing, Non-Toxic, Anti-Crazing, High Gloss Finish, for Artwork, Acrylics Paint, Suitable for Pro Artists, Hobby Painter |
This varnish is perfect for pro artists who want a high gloss finish that lasts. It is also ideal for hobby painters needing a safe, easy, non-yellowing coat for canvas, wood, and more. |
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Minwax 65555 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Gloss, Quart, 1 Quarts (Pack of 1) |
This finish is perfect for home wood projects. It gives a clear, glossy coat that protects wood on furniture, cabinets, and doors; cleanup is with soap and water. |
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General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil Based Topcoat, 1 Quart, Semi-Gloss |
Want a tough and beautiful finish? This is for you! General Finishes Arm-R-Seal is perfect for anyone who wants a long-lasting, easy-to-apply topcoat. It’s great for both pros and DIYers! |
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General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, 1 Quart, Semi-Gloss |
This high-performance water-based topcoat is perfect for DIY woodworkers and home furniture refinishing fans who want a tough, durable finish for indoor projects. It dries fast between coats. Skip it on bright white or light paints to avoid yellowing. Use it indoors only for the best results. |
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Varathane 284470 Triple Thick Polyurethane Wood Finish, Gloss, Quart |
This finish is great for DIYers and homeowners who want an easy coat on interior wood like furniture, doors, or trim. It dries fast, covers well in one coat, and gives durable, glossy protection. |
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GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist’s Varnish | High Gloss Finish | Non-Yellowing | Non-Toxic | Anti-Crazing | for Pro Artists, Hobby Painters & Kids | Made in India | 100 ML (3.38 fl oz) |
This varnish is perfect for pro artists, hobby painters, and kids who want a top-tier finish. It delivers a high gloss, crystal-clear look and protects art from yellowing and crazing. |
Detailed Reviews
Top gloss finishes offer strong protection for wood and art. Our expert picks ensure you get lasting quality at great prices. Trust our guide to find the perfect match for your projects. Discover why these products stand out and how they can transform your work.
1. 1/2 pt Minwax 25555 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Gloss
Protect wood surfaces. It is a water-based finish. It gives a glossy finish.
Crystal clear finish. It is non-yellowing.
Easy clean up with soap and water. Low odor and fast drying. Great for woodwork, furniture, doors.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Want to protect and beautify your wood projects? Minwax Polycrylic is perfect for you! It’s easy to use and dries fast, giving your wood a crystal-clear, glossy finish while protecting against scratches and spills.
Ready to Purchase?
2. Mod Podge Gloss Sealer, Glue & Finish: All-in-One Craft Solution- Quick Dry, Easy Clean, for Wood, Paper, Fabric & More. Non-Toxic – Craft with Confidence, Made in USA, 16 oz., Pack of 1
Mod Podge Gloss Sealer, Glue & Finish is an all-in-one craft solution. It comes in a 16 oz bottle.
Dries quickly on many surfaces. It works on wood, paper, canvas, tin, and terra cotta. Great for lots of projects.
Clean up is easy with soap and water. Non-toxic and safe for kids and adults. Made in the USA.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Are you a crafter? Then Mod Podge Gloss is for you! It’s perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to pros. If you want a simple way to glue, seal, and finish your projects, grab Mod Podge!
Ready to Purchase?
3. General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, 1 Quart, Gloss
The General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat is perfect for protecting your wood projects. It comes in a 1 Quart size with a beautiful Gloss finish. This topcoat is easy to use and gives your projects a smooth, shiny look.
This topcoat is very tough and long-lasting. It is the hardest consumer polyurethane on the market today. You only need 1 to 2 hours of dry time between coats, so your project moves quickly.
This product is for interior use only. Do not apply over bright white paint, as yellowing may happen. Light colors may also yellow slightly, but it will be less noticeable.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This high-performance water-based topcoat is perfect for people who work on interior wood like furniture or cabinets and want a strong, glossy shield that fights wear. It dries in just 1 to 2 hours, so you can move on to the next step soon.
Ready to Purchase?
4. General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil Based Topcoat, 1 Pint, Gloss
This topcoat is a great choice. It is made with high-quality materials. You can count on it to last a long time.
Arm-R-Seal is very durable. It will protect your surfaces well. Apply it with a cloth or foam brush.
This topcoat is easy to use. It gives a beautiful gloss finish.
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Perfect For:
This oil-based topcoat is perfect for do-it-yourself woodworkers and furniture makers who want a glossy, durable finish that lasts a long time. You can easily apply it with a cloth or brush to protect and shine your projects.
Ready to Purchase?
5. MCTRHG Gloss Varnish for Acrylic Painting, Artist’s Acrylic Varnish, Non-Yellowing, Non-Toxic, Anti-Crazing, High Gloss Finish, for Artwork, Acrylics Paint, Suitable for Pro Artists, Hobby Painter
MCTRHG Gloss Varnish seals and protects your acrylic paintings. It adds a high gloss finish that lasts and fights UV rays.
This varnish is easy to apply with no brush marks. It dries fast to a clear, hard surface. We back it with a full satisfaction promise.
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Perfect For:
This varnish is perfect for pro artists who want a high gloss finish that lasts. It is also ideal for hobby painters needing a safe, easy, non-yellowing coat for canvas, wood, and more.
Ready to Purchase?
6. Minwax 65555 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Gloss, Quart, 1 Quarts (Pack of 1)
Minwax Polycrylic protects your wood surfaces with a strong shield. It keeps things like furniture and doors safe from scratches and spills. This clear finish brings out the natural beauty of the wood.
The gloss sheen makes the wood look shiny and new. It stays clear and does not turn yellow over time.
The finish dries fast so you can add more coats quickly. It cleans up easily with just water and soap. No strong smells mean you can work in any room.
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Perfect For:
This finish is perfect for home wood projects. It gives a clear, glossy coat that protects wood on furniture, cabinets, and doors; cleanup is with soap and water.
Ready to Purchase?
7. General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil Based Topcoat, 1 Quart, Semi-Gloss
The General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil Based Topcoat is a high-quality finish designed to protect your wood projects. It is easy to use—just wipe it on with a cloth or apply it with a foam brush. This product will give your wood a beautiful semi-gloss shine that lasts.
Made with the best urethane resin, it is extremely durable. It will last a long time and stand up to daily use. Applying it is quick and simple. Just follow the instructions. It’s the perfect choice for a smooth, professional look.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Want a tough and beautiful finish? This is for you! General Finishes Arm-R-Seal is perfect for anyone who wants a long-lasting, easy-to-apply topcoat. It’s great for both pros and DIYers!
Ready to Purchase?
8. General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, 1 Quart, Semi-Gloss
This is General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat. It is durable and easy to use.
Do not apply over bright white paint. Yellowing can happen on light colors. Dry time is 1–2 hours; interior use only.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This high-performance water-based topcoat is perfect for DIY woodworkers and home furniture refinishing fans who want a tough, durable finish for indoor projects. It dries fast between coats. Skip it on bright white or light paints to avoid yellowing. Use it indoors only for the best results.
Ready to Purchase?
9. Varathane 284470 Triple Thick Polyurethane Wood Finish, Gloss, Quart
Varathane Triple Thick Polyurethane Wood Finish gives one-coat coverage on all interior wood surfaces. It works great on furniture, doors, and trim. The water-based formula dries fast and resists scratches.
This finish offers ultimate durability and protection for your wood. It protects against stains and covers up to 50 square feet. The gloss look makes wood look more beautiful.
Use it to keep wooden items looking new longer. Get ready to see results in just 2 hours.
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Perfect For:
This finish is great for DIYers and homeowners who want an easy coat on interior wood like furniture, doors, or trim. It dries fast, covers well in one coat, and gives durable, glossy protection.
Ready to Purchase?
10. GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist’s Varnish | High Gloss Finish | Non-Yellowing | Non-Toxic | Anti-Crazing | for Pro Artists, Hobby Painters & Kids | Made in India | 100 ML (3.38 fl oz)
The GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist’s Varnish gives your artwork a stunning high gloss finish. It protects your work from dust, dirt, and damage. This non-yellowing varnish keeps your colors vibrant over time.
It works well for both professional artists and hobby painters. You can seal many types of artwork, including gold acrylic paint and decoart pieces. It’s durable and resists crazing to keep your art looking perfect for a long time.
This varnish is safe and non-toxic. It’s easy to use and affordable. Your artwork will look brilliant and stay protected. Plus, it dries quickly and provides a beautiful finish every time.
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Perfect For:
This varnish is perfect for pro artists, hobby painters, and kids who want a top-tier finish. It delivers a high gloss, crystal-clear look and protects art from yellowing and crazing.
Ready to Purchase?
Buying Guide
Gloss finishes make wood projects look shiny and new. They protect surfaces from damage. Choose the right one for best results.
Users love how these finishes transform old furniture into eye-catching pieces. One DIY enthusiast shared that Minwax Polycrylic brought back a scratched table to a glossy state in hours, with no bad smell. An artist said Mod Podge sealed her canvas art perfectly and dried fast for easy display. A crafter told us General Finishes Arm-R-Seal held up well on daily-used shelves without fading shine.
- Type of Base: Pick water-based for easy cleanup with soap and water. It has low odor and dries quick. Oil-based lasts longer but needs solvents to clean.
- Gloss Finish: Look for high gloss to get a shiny look on wood. It makes surfaces look fresh and bright. Avoid if you want something less shiny.
- Drying Time: Choose finishes that dry in 1 to 2 hours per coat. This lets you finish projects fast. Slow drying can delay work.
- Ease of Use: Go for products you can apply with a brush or cloth. They should spread evenly without marks. Simple steps mean less mess.
- Durability: Select tough finishes that resist scratches. They keep wood safe from wear. Good for items used often.
- Non-Yellowing: Pick clear options that stay see-through over time. They keep wood colors true. Avoid ones that might tint light shades.
- Odor Level: Opt for low-odor types to work in any room. They are safer when using indoors. High-odor ones need good air flow.
- Project Suitability: Match the finish to wood, art, or craft needs. Some work on many surfaces like paper. Pick by what you are sealing.
- Size and Coverage: Buy quart sizes for big jobs or pints for small ones. Check how much area it covers. This helps avoid waste.
- Price Range: Compare costs based on quality. Some are budget-friendly for basic use. Higher price often means better lasting power.