Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted.

Polycrylic Max Water-based Clear Transparent Gloss Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

Ratings & Reviews for Minwax Polycrylic Max Water-based Clear Transparent Gloss Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

3.9
210
Review
 3.9 out of 5
210 Reviews


59% Recommend this product

Ratings may include incentivized customer reviews.

What Customers Are Saying

The Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish provides a clear, durable finish that many customers found easy to apply and dries quickly. However, some users reported issues with the product drying too fast, leading to an uneven finish with visible brush marks or a hazy appearance. Additionally, a number of customers experienced peeling or cracking over time, particularly on surfaces that get wet. The product may work well for certain applications, but may not be suitable for all projects requiring a very smooth, uniform finish.

Customer review summary generated by AI, including incentivized reviews.
210 Customer Reviews

Easy to apply.

Would Recommend

Does a good job sealing the wood from moisture before outdoor use.

Was this Review Helpful ?

Durable, fast-drying clearcoat

Would Recommend

It provides a durable, quick-drying coating. I was able to finish the project fairly quickly, although there was a tradeoff when it dries so quickly - it is not as smooth as a slower-drying version. Using a roller helped with even texture.

Was this Review Helpful ?

Nice

Would Recommend

I recently purchased Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish from Lowe's and couldn’t be happier. It goes on smoothly, dries quickly, and leaves a beautiful, clear finish without yellowing. Clean-up is easy with water, and the durability is excellent. It really enhanced the natural look of my wood project. Highly recommend!

Was this Review Helpful ?

Its wood finish.

Would Recommend

We purchased this to refinish some wood furniture. We like the satin look.

Was this Review Helpful ?

Great product

Would Recommend

I’ve used this on a few different furniture pieces now and it works great. Easy to apply, fast drying, and holds up well over time, even with kids using the pieces.

Was this Review Helpful ?

Stir well with a paint stick.

Would Recommend

Covers well with one coat. Clear finish when dry. Easy cleanup. I used it to coat the interior surface of a log home. I am very happy with the finish.

Was this Review Helpful ?

Works on a counter top

Would Recommend

The paint worked out very well to coat an old countertop. It dried nicely and appears to be durable.

Was this Review Helpful ?

Fast drying, only one coat

Would Recommend

Dries very fast and really only needed one coat. Make sure to get streaks out on the first couple of brush strokes, because they will not settle during drying.

Was this Review Helpful ?

Great all around finish

Would Recommend

Goes on great. Easy clean up and very low odor. It's my go to finish

Was this Review Helpful ?

Great Product

Would Recommend

Great results really easy no odor and fast drying

February 10, 2026
Verified Purchaser
Was this Review Helpful ?

Easy to use on wood counter

Would Recommend

I liked the fact that it was water based so it had no smell and could clean the brush easily.

Was this Review Helpful ?

Good substitute for Varithane

Would Recommend

I tried this product on some workbenches and a desk. It dries absolutely clear. The clearness adds a level of difficulty when applying. Surface dries very hard. Retains brush strokes but sanding between successive layers helps.

Was this Review Helpful ?

ARTIST BEWARE! DO NOT BUY!!!!!

Would Not Recommend

This product ruined my $5,000 mural!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT USE THIS!!! I’ve used many top coat sealers and the product sales rep at Lowe’s sold us on this ensuring that it dries clear, IT DOES NOT!!!!! I am in quite a pickle now because this absolutely ruined a mural I’ve spent almost 80hours on. This product does not deserve the 1 star required to submit this review. I am so disappointed and not quite sure what to do.

Was this Review Helpful ?
Response from MINWAX

Thank you for taking the time to review the Polycrylic Max. We apologize you did not get the expected results when using on your mural project. So ...

MINWAXJanuary 30, 2026

MINWAX

Worst top coat ever

Would Not Recommend

I am a furniture restorer and am proud of my results. This product nearly ruined my hard work. Streaky lumpy and just looked horrible. I wanted to return for a refund but couldn’t find a receipt and Lowe’s probably won’t accept it back. I just threw it where it belongs. In the trash

Was this Review Helpful ?
Response from MINWAX

Thank you for taking the time to review the Polycrylic Max. We apologize you did not get the expected results when using for your project. If you w...

MINWAXJanuary 27, 2026

MINWAX

Great product

Would Recommend

This dried so fast on the surface applied. Great product

Was this Review Helpful ?

Do NOT buy

Would Not Recommend

I bought the semi-gloss version of this product without reading the reviews. This product is the worst poly coating product I’ve ever used. Clumps in the can upon opening that I didn’t notice until I brushed it on. Dries so quickly on the surface that it is impossible to get a smooth finish. I now have to re-sand my tabletop and get a different poly. I’m an experienced user. I should have known one and done is a shortcut that never works well. If you care at all about how smooth the finis...

Was this Review Helpful ?
Response from MINWAX

Thank you for taking the time to review the Polycrylic Max. We apologize you had an issue with the application and did not get the expected results....

MINWAXJanuary 14, 2026

MINWAX

Do not use on rough surfaces

Product does not dry clear on rough surface

Was this Review Helpful ?
Response from MINWAX

Thank you for taking the time to review the Polycrylic. We apologize you did not get the expected results when using for your project. If you would l...

MINWAXJanuary 12, 2026

MINWAX