Minwax® Indoor/Outdoor Helmsman® Spar Urethane

Minwax® Indoor/Outdoor Helmsman® Spar Urethane

Improved formula for advanced performance. Our trusted Helmsman Spar Urethane protective clear finish for exterior and interior wood shields wood from sunlight, water, salt and weather, making it an excellent choice for areas exposed to rain, moisture or high humidity. Improved formula now offers mold and mildew protection along with marine-tough durability.


  • Versatile for interior and exterior use on doors, windows, trim, cabinets, bar tops, railings, outdoor furniture and wood boats above the waterline

  • Helmsman contains UV inhibitors to reduce graying and fading caused by sunlight

  • A unique formula that expands and contracts with seasonal temperature changes, it also helps prevent cracking and peeling

Sheens
Warm Satin, Warm Semi-Gloss, Warm Gloss
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From Real Homes

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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® or Minwax® Wood Finish® Color Series, to unfinished interior wood surfaces. Follow directions for application instructions and dry times.
    • Stir well before and occasionally during use. Do not thin.
  • APPLICATION
    • Apply a thin coat of Helmsman Spar Urethane using a high-quality brush. On unfinished wood, apply sufficient material to seal open joints, edges and end-grain.
    • Let dry at least 6 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. If a third coat is desired, repeat Step 6 before applying. Note: For exterior surfaces or for previously unfinished wood, 3 coats are recommended.
    • After final coat, allow 24 hours before normal use.
  • CAUTIONS
    DANGER:Rags, steel wool, other waste soaked with this product, and sanding residue may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. Immediately place rags, steel wool, other waste soaked with this product, and sanding residue in a sealed, water-filled, metal container. Dispose of in accordance with local fire regulations. CAUTIONS: CONTAINS ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS. Contents are COMBUSTIBLE. Keep away from heat and open flame. VAPOR HARMFUL. 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. DELAYED EFFECTS FROM LONG TERM OVEREXPOSURE. Contains solvents which can cause permanent brain and nervous system damage. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal. 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
027426010529 Warm Gloss 1 Quart SDS PDS
027426010536 Warm Satin 1 Quart SDS PDS
027426010543 Warm Semi-Gloss 1 Quart SDS PDS
027426010550 Warm Gloss 1 Gallon SDS PDS
027426010567 Warm Satin 1 Gallon SDS PDS
027426010574 Warm Semi-Gloss 1 Gallon SDS PDS
027426010666 Warm Gloss 11.5 oz SDS PDS
027426010680 Warm Satin 11.5 oz SDS PDS
027426010697 Warm Semi-Gloss 11.5 oz SDS PDS

HOW DOES HELMSMAN® SPAR URETHANE DIFFER FROM OTHER POLYURETHANES?

Helmsman® contains special ultraviolet absorbers to help protect wood from the graying and fading effects of the sun. Helmsman® also contains special oils that allow it to expand and contract with seasonal temperatures changes.

CAN I USE HELMSMAN® ON INTERIOR FLOORS?

No. Helmsman® is formulated to expand and contract with temperature changes. Because it is flexible, it is not suitable for use on floors. Floors require a harder finish such as Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane, Minwax® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors or Minwax® Water-Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane.

SHOULD HELMSMAN® SPAR URETHANE BE APPLIED TO EXTERIOR FURNITURE?

Yes, but no clear exterior finish will permanently protect wood against direct sun, snow, ice and rain. Be sure to check the finish annually to determine if it needs to be recoated. If the finish warrants, apply an additional coat of Helmsman® according to the label directions.

IS HELMSMAN® SUITABLE FOR DECKS AND FENCES?

No. Decks and fences have special requirements for protection against the elements. Use an exterior waterproofing product such as Thompson's® WaterSeal® Waterproofer Plus Clear Wood Protector.

HELMSMAN® LOOKS DARK IN THE CAN. WILL THIS BE THE COLOR THAT ENDS UP ON THE WOOD?

No. Minwax® Helmsman may appear slightly dark or purple in the can, but it dries to a beautiful clear finish.

  • 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.