Top 5 Best Clear Coat Over Latex Paint (Reviews & Buying Guide 2022)

Does latex paint needs to be coated? Latex paints don’t necessarily need coating; nevertheless, applying a clear coat over your latex paint comes with many benefits. Besides protecting surfaces from damage such as water, alcohol, chipping, or abrasion, it protects latex.

Painted furniture and other surfaces subject to wear and tear, such as tabletops, desks benefit from protective coats such as water-based polycrylic protective finish. The best clear coats meet the industry’s requirement, and they produce lower volatile organic compounds (VOC). They also offer greater elastic bonding capacities.

This article has answered frequently asked questions about coating or sealing your latex paint with the best coat. Here, you will find a step-by-step way to coat over latex paint and how long after painting you can apply polycyclic. You would also get answers to which is better, polycyclic or polyurethane.

Over and above that, you will learn how to achieve smooth latex paint on wood or furniture without bubbles, what kind of brush you should use for polycyclic, and the best clear coat to use over latex paint.

Choose from our top 3 Picks

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Clear-Coat over Latex Paint for Outdoor Use

If you need to coat outdoor furniture, ensure that you go for a compatible coating. You can either go for polycrylic coats or polyurethane coats. Polycrylic is an exact acrylic product with polyurethane resins that protect paints from moisture and duress. This coating adheres best with flat latex paint.

If your outdoor wood is painted with glossy paint, you may have bonding issues. This is because the chemicals used in manufacturing the gloss prevent polycrylic from bonding well. Hence, it is best to use polycrylic coaters with flat paints only. A clear polyurethane clear coat can coat exterior latex paints, thus prolonging the life of the Finish. Water-based polyurethane is most suitable for latex and acrylic painted finishes. Another

Can you put Clear Coat over Latex Paint?

Yes, you can put a clear coat over latex paint. Applying a clear coat over latex paint helps in sealing and protecting the surface area. A clear coat over latex paint also helps to protect the area. It gives your surface an impressive, lustrous, and protective finish. Having known this, your next question should be what kind of clear coat should I use over my latex paint and how do I apply polycrylic without bubbles. You find out in the section below.

What Kind of Clear Coat Should I Use over Latex Paint (Water-based Finish Versus oil-based Finish)

The best clear coat to seal your latex paint is a water-based polycrylic protective finish. This is because a water-based polycrylic Finish does not yellow furniture over time, which is essential for projects with light paints. In choosing the right paint, we recommend using water-based paint, also known as latex paint. They are the most common paint. They to use

How to Coat or Seal over Latex Paint: Simple Guide for DIY

• Step 1: Remove wall hangings and pictures if you are applying coat on the wall
• Step 2: Cover floors, furniture, and other surfaces you do not want to ruin with the coat
• Step 3: Sand latex surfaces using fine-grit sandpaper. Clean surface with a damp cloth to remove sanded particles
• Step 4: Apply a thin coat of protective clear coat with a synthetic bristle brush. Follow your manufacture’s instruction and allow to dry. The drying time is usually 2 hours.
• Step 5: Sand surface lightly again. Wipe sanded particles with a clean damp cloth to remove sanding particles
• Step 6: Apply a second coat of protective clear coat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions by allowing it to dry for another couple of hours.
• Step 7: Sand surface again lightly with sandpaper, clean with a damp cloth to remove sanded particles.
• Step 8: Apply the third coat and allow drying for yet another two hours. Simple right?

How to Apply Polycrylic without Streaks

One important tip you take note of in working with this sealant is not to over-brush. You will know if you have over-brushed as soon as your brush starts to stick instead of gliding effortlessly. Air bubbles will settle as it dries. The best way is to keep moving along rather than going back.

It can also get tacky if you apply too many coats or apply your coats too thick without sanding in between. So when you are coating your furniture over the latex paint, you can coat double for the areas subject to more contact. Sanding between coats and drying time will help to avoid the tacky Finish. Minwax 63333444Water Based Polycrylic Protective Finish comes with an Aerosol Spray in Clear Satin, which is excellent for the hardware.

Read Also: Top 8 Best HVLP Spray Gun for Latex Paint (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

Choosing the best brush

The better the brush, the better the finishing. When laying a smooth coat of latex paint on your furniture or other things, the brush has a significant impact on how it looks when it dries. This is why picking the right brush is just as important as choosing the best clear coat over latex paint.

Natural bristle brushes swell when they come in contact with water, and as they swell, they lose their shape. So, instead of using a natural bristle brush with your water-based polycrylic protective Finish over a latex coat, you should use a synthetic bristle brush such as Minwax Polycrylic Brush (bottom brush). These brushes do not absorb water, so they don’t lose their shape.

Cleaning this brush is so easy. They get washed with soap and water.

Tip: Once you’re done cleaning, wrap up the damp bristles in a paper towel and then secure them with a rubber band. Hang your brush so the bristles are pointing down, so any remaining stain or Finish drips out before it hardens. Once they are dried, replace your brush with its cupboard sleeve to maintain its shape.

How to Apply Polycrylic without Bubbles

The best way to apply polycrylic without bubbles is to use it in one direction with the grain. One important tip you take note of in working with this sealant is not to over-brush. You will know if you have over-brushed as soon as your brush starts to stick instead of gliding smoothly, and air bubbles will settle as it dries. The best way is to keep moving along rather than going back.

Allow it to dry for at least 2 hours. Then you can sand with sandpaper (220 grit) to give an even finish and firm adhesion of additional coats. Furthermore, don’t apply too many coats. It can get tacky if you use too many coats or apply your coats too thick without sanding in between.

So when you are coating your furniture over the latex paint, you can coat double for the areas subject to more contact. Sanding between coats and leaving 24 hours of drying time will help to avoid the tacky Finish. Minwax 63333444Water Based Polycrylic Protective Finish comes with an Aerosol Spray in Clear Satin, which is excellent for the hardware.

1. Minwax 710510000 Water Based Helmsman Spar Urethane

Special Features: Manufacturer: Minwax Co, Inc, Dimension- 9.6 x 6.88 x 7 inches, Weight-1.6 ounces, Color- Clear Semi-Gloss, Material-Water Based, Coverage: Approximately 500 square feet per gallon, UV blockers, Special oils for Temperature Changes, water-based formula of 207 VOC rating

Minwax Water-Based Helmsman Spar Urethane is a water-based crystal clear gloss finish that is particularly formulated as a clear protective finish for woods for interior and exterior purposes. Minwax produced one of the leading brands of interior wood stains in the United States.

The water-based formula contains a 275 VOC rating. It offers protection from sunlight, rain, and moisture, and temperature changes. This crystal clear Finish contains ultraviolet blockers that reduce the sun’s graying and clearing effect over wood surfaces. It also has special oils that permit the Finish to expand and contract with the wood in response to seasonal and temperature change.

With this feature in place, you save your wood from drying, cracking, and deteriorating or swelling if exposed to moisture.
Minwax 710510000 Water Based Helmsman Spar Urethane can be applied on windows, doors, outdoor furniture, kitchen countertops, bar tops, restaurant table tops, bathroom cabinets, etc.

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It is an excellent product that can be used on corn hole boards as well as cedar planters. It is also formulated such that it is easy to apply with a synthetic bristle or a foam brush to avoid brush marks.

2. Minwax 63333444Water Based Polycrylic Protective Finish

Special Features: Item Model Number: 63333444, Dimension-4.3×4.9×4.9inches, Weight-2.25pounds, Color- Clear Satin, Material-Water Based, Coverage: Approximately 1.25 sq. ft. per. Quart. Size Name: Quart, Number of Pieces: 1, Interior used only

Minwax 63333444Water Based Polycrylic Protective Finish is a crystal clear finish from Minwax manufacturers, America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. This clear Finish is water-based; hence allows it can be cleaned using soap and water. It has some VOC and should be used in a properly ventilated area.

It also has an ultra-fast drying formula that permits you to recoat in another two hours. It is a perfect finish for use over light woods such as maple, ash, birch, and over Minwax Water-Based Wood stains. When used on dining tables, it holds up very well across almost all of the tables, so glasses do not leave rings.

Over and above that, Minwax 63333444Water Based Polycrylic Protective Finish has a low odor that permits you to apply to wood surfaces conveniently without having to hold your breath in between. It has a non-yellowing formula; hence it does not give a yellow tint on white surfaces.

Minwax wax-based finish stains and protects the wood. It also prepares, maintains, cleans, and repair the wood it is applied on.
You can use on Minwax water-based polycrylic protective finish over 100% acrylic latex paint as a protective overcoat. It works great and gives a tough, durable finish even after one year.

You can use three coats of paints than 3 coats of polycrylic as a top sealer for cabinetry. Sanding in between coats is crucial because it improves adhesion and removes raised wood surfaces. You can also use it over oil-based paints. In addition to this, this product can be used on unstained woods.

However, you should know that Minwax water-based polycrylic protective Finish is used only on woods. In applying it, you must use it in thin coats first. Recoat in another 2 hours. Then allow the final coat to dry for another 24 hours; after that, clean with soap and water.

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Also, do not apply with a foam roller to avoid bubbles; instead, use a high-quality brush. In some cases, it has been reported that this product does not cure to hard Finish, more like a rubbery plastic that scratches easily. This product is available in gloss, semi-gloss, satin, matte and ultra-flat

3. Rust-Oleum 1976730 Painter’s Touch Latex

Special Features: Brand Name: Rust-Oleum, Model Name: Rust-Oleum, Dimension:-8.7×5.2×4.4inches, Weight-2.38kg, Color-Flat Black, Material-Water Based, Number of Items: 2, Included Component: Latex Paint, Size: Quart (2 Pack), Capacity: Covers up to 120sq ft., Indoor and Outdoor purposes, Odor-free

Rust-Oleum 1976730 Painters Touch Latex is a water-based acrylic formula that you can use for both indoor and outdoor surfaces. It helps to minimize surface imperfections by providing an excellent base. It is low in odor and gives long-lasting protection to your project. It dries quickly to the touch in 30 minutes, permitting coating.

Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex is significantly cheaper than buying a quart of other paint. Another added advantage you have when you purchase this product is that you do not have to choose the color and wait to get mixed. It is glossy and dries a lovely black. It also works excellent without primer.

The good thing is that this product can be used on wood, metal, masonry, plastic, or unglazed ceramic. Before applying Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex, it is necessary that you sand the surfaces of your project with 180/200 grit sandpaper, wash with a degreaser, and then allow the surface to dry before applying paint.

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It can cover up to 120sq ft. In addition to this, ensure you apply thinly at least 4 coats. Using more may be just too thick, and it may give you a pool on a flat surface and a drip or drag on a vertical surface.

4. KILZ Restoration Interior Primer

Special Features: Dimension-, Manufacturer: Masterchem Industries LLC (Drop Ship), Weight- 16 ounces, Size: 1 Gallon, Color- White, Material-Water Based, Surface Recommendation-Metal, For interior Use only, Paint Type: Oil, Enamel, Coverage: Approximately 300-400 sq. ft. per gallon

KILZ Restoration Interior Primer is a new generation water-based primer, sealer, and stain blocker formulated to perform like a traditional oil-based or shellac-based product. It is manufactured to be used as a topcoat with latex or oil based paint on interior surfaces that are adequately prepared. It is used on interior surfaces such as brick, stucco, wood, drywall, ceramic tile, glass, masonry, painted metal, plaster, and other glossy surfaces.

This product is efficient in tackling stubborn heavy water damage stains and other tough stains, including pet stains, permanent marker, crayon, felt pen, graffiti, pencil, grease, rust, tannin, and nicotine, and ink stains. You can use it on the smoke stains in your fireplace as well.

By investing in the product, you can get rid of the strong odors in your home due to fire, smoke, or pets’ urine with its odor-sealing properties. One unique feature about its usage as an odor blocker is that You can use it on subfloors before lying down on carpet or laminate. It is essential for you to know that this primer is not designed for active leaks, however.

KILZ Restoration Interior Primer forms an effective seal for porous surfaces for smooth application of paint. In applying KILZ Restoration Interior Primer, ensure your surfaces are free of dust, chalk grease, mold rust, and peeling paint.

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Ensure that you mix well before using and applying with a brush, roller, or an airless sprayer. This primer dries hard, affording you durability. It is an excellent enamel undercoat. KILZ has an answer to the beauty and air around your home!

5. UGL DRYLOK Latex Base Masonry Water-proofer

Special Features: Brand Name: United Gilsonite Laboratories, Manufacturer: Jensen (Home Improvement), Item Model Number: 27613, Item Package Quantity: 1, Dimension- 6.23 x 6.25 x 7.5inches, Weight- 8pounds, Color- Gray, Surface Recommendation:- Masonry, Material- Latex Paint, Indoor use only

UGL DRYLOK Latex Base Masonry Water-proofer is your perfect coat option for sealing or stopping water. If you have an existing masonry leaking or need to protect new construction, investing in UGL Drylok Latex Base Masonry Water-proofer is a great idea! It can withstand 10 pounds of hydrostatic pressure (PSI) which is equivalent to a wall of water of 22 feet high.

This is how UGL Drylock water-proofer works: On application, it binds to the masonry, thereby creating an impenetrable barrier against water, unlike ordinary paint that simply adheres to a surface can be forced off by incoming water pressure or can be chipped off with the fingers.

This coat does not trap moisture in the masonry as it contains a breathable film. It helps to reduce water vapor hence protecting radon gas penetration. It has a low odor formula that complies with all current VOC requirements.

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UGL DRYLOK Latex Base Masonry Water-proofer should be used on masonry. It is an excellent product for painting basement cinderblocks. However, You can also use it on concrete, indoor wood, and metal. You can paint on top of it after applying it to the concrete block. You can also use it in the exterior coating of DIY Halloween projects.

Final Verdict – Best Clear Coat Over Latex Paint

Miniwax Water-Based Polycrylic Protective Finish comes up as our best clear coat over latex paint because of some reasons. It is a polycrylic water-based polyurethane coating. If you are looking for the best clear coat that can add beauty to the interiors of your home, this clear coat is the best for you.

Besides being less toxic, it dries fast upon application. Minwax clear coat features good characteristics of the best clear coat over latex. It has a non-yellowing formula that does not permit yellow stains on white surfaces. It also provides strong resistance to dust, dirt, and scratches, and it gives the wood a semi-gloss finish. However, You can only use it for interior purposes.

Minwax Water-Based helmsman Spar Urethane is the second leading clear coat. It is a unique coat for both exterior and interior use. It has ultraviolet blockers that offer resistance to sunlight. When used over latex paint, it forms a barrier against rain and moisture. It also comes with special oils that allow it to expand and contract, responding to temperature changes.

KILZ Restoration Interior Primer follows suit. It is manufactured mainly to be used as a topcoat with latex or oil based paint. It is a water-based primer, sealer, and stain blocker. It forms a sufficient coat for porous surfaces to facilitate the smooth application of latex paint. It is also widely known for blocking the most stubborn stains from rust, graffiti, etc. It gets rid of annoying, disgusting, and pungent odors from pets’ urine. It is used for interior purposes.

UGL DRYLOK Latex Base Masonry Water-Proofer stands as the fourth. It is a water-based waterproof latex paint perfect for both exteriors, interior, above and below grade, basement, foundation, landscape, and retaining walls. It affords you waterproof protection for up to 10 years and can withstand 10 pounds of hydrostatic pressure.

It is tint-able that is available in white colors plus three ready-mixed colors. It can create custom colors with a 2 oz alkali-proof universal colorant per gallon. It can also serve as a topcoat for different paints, including latex paint.

Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex takes the fifth position. Although it is a water-based finish, it may sometimes be unstable. It contains lead and may cause drips or pools on the surfaces it is applied on. However, Rust-Oleum finish covers and defends surface areas from climate, and it works great without primer. It is a clear coat for interior and exterior uses. Investing in it will not be a bad idea after all!

Important Reads:

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• How to keep painted cabinets from chipping