Minwax® Water Based Helmsman® Indoor/Outdoor Spar Urethane

Minwax® Water Based Helmsman® Spar Urethane is specially formulated to protect wood against nature's toughest conditions. Water Based Helmsman® forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture and its special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons, temperatures, and humidity change. The enhanced ultraviolet absorbers found in Water Based Helmsman® reduce the graying and fading effects of the sun and its superior formula allows for a rapid recoat.


  • Contains UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects
  • Forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture
  • Special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change
  • Ideal for use on doors, windows, trim, bathroom cabinets, bar tops, kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture
  • Crystal clear finish is ideal for use over light-colored woods and stains
  • Dries quickly and cleans up easily with warm water
  • Formulated to comply with environmental regulations that limit VOC content to 275 grams per liter
Sheens
Gloss, Satin, Semi-Gloss

From Real Homes

Get Inspired

See what’s possible, and then make it happen. Tag @minwaxusa on Instagram to have your project featured.

Application Directions

  • Preparation Warning
    Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.
  • PREPARATION
    • Surface must be dry and free of paint, wax, grease, polish, old finishes in poor condition or any foreign matter.
    • Sand to obtain a smooth, uniform surface. Remove all dust with a damp cloth.
    • If desired, apply stain, such as Minwax® Wood Finish™ Stain to unfinished interior wood surfaces. Follow directions for application instructions and dry times.
    • Stir well before and occasionally during use.
  • APPLICATION
    • Apply a thin coat of Water Based Helmsman® using a high-quality synthetic bristle brush. On unfinished wood, apply sufficient material to seal open joints, edges and end-grain.
    • Let dry at least 2 hours, then sand entire surface lightly with very fine sandpaper (220 grit) to ensure an even finish and proper adhesion of additional coats.
    • Apply second coat. Water Based Helmsman® reuires a third coat-repeat Step 6 before application. Note: For exterior surfaces or for previously unfinished wood, 4 coats are recommended.
    • After final coat, allow 24 hours before normal use. If applied to countertops, allow 72 hours before normal use.
  • CAUTIONS
    CAUTIONS: CONTAINS 1-METHYL-2-PYRROLIDONE. CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT MAY CAUSE ADVERSE REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS AND MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE DEVELOPING FETUS BASED ON ANIMAL DATA. Use only with adequate ventilation. To avoid overexposure, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure fresh air entry during application and drying. If you experience eye watering, headaches, or dizziness, increase fresh air, or wear respiratory protection (NIOSH approved) or leave the area. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Wash hands after using. Keep container closed when not in use. Do not transfer contents to other containers for storage. FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with large amounts of water for 15 minutes and get medical attention. For skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. In case of respiratory difficulty, provide fresh air and call physician. If swallowed, call Poison Control Center, hospital emergency room, or physician immediately. WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

Data Sheets:

Product Number Base Container Size SDS PDS
027426630505 Clear 1 Quart SDS PDS
027426710504 Clear 1 Gallon SDS PDS
027426630512 Clear 1 Quart SDS PDS
027426710528 Clear 1 Gallon SDS PDS
027426710511 Clear 1 Gallon SDS PDS
027426630529 Clear 1 Quart SDS PDS

  • Minwax® Product Warranty
    SATISFACTION GUARANTEE LIMITED WARRANTY. This warranty is made to you, the product purchaser who owns the property where the product is applied. This warranty is not transferable except that if a contractor purchased and applied the product to the property for you, then the warranty is transferable to you. If this product, when applied and maintained according to product application and maintenance instructions to a properly prepared surface, fails to perform to your complete satisfaction, Minwax shall, upon presentation of proof of purchase, either replace an equivalent quantity of product free of charge or refund the original purchase price. For a replacement or refund please contact customer service at 1-800-523-9299. This warranty shall not apply to any defect, damage, or product failure resulting from improper surface preparation, structural defects, environmental damage, failure of a previous product, deterioration or defect in the underlying substrate, or improper application or maintenance of the product. Your exclusive remedy, and Minwax's sole liability, under this warranty is the replacement of product or refund and does not include labor or costs associated with the application or removal of any product. IN NO EVENT SHALL MINWAX BE LIABLE FOR ANY TYPE OF INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES WHETHER OR NOT PURCHASER IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL HAVE THE SAME DURATION AS THE ABOVE EXPRESS WARRANTY. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or limitations on incidental or consequential damages, so portions of the limitations above might not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state.