Product of the month: Resene Aquaclear

08 Jul 2025

If you’re looking to protect and elevate timber surfaces then Resene Aquaclear is the perfect choice that also leaves a beautiful natural matte, satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish. While Resene Aquaclear was created to protect timber surfaces, the satin to gloss levels are also a perfect finish and sealer for a multitude of interior surfaces including cork, fibre and particle boards (MDF) parquet, timber veneers, panelling, skirting boards, as well as desks and other furniture.

“Resene Aquaclear is very versatile and especially recommended for use on native timber to protect it from wear and tear, moisture, UV damage and also for enhancing its beauty,” says Jeff Jurlina, Resene Technical Services Manager.

This living, dining and kitchen has modern touches with added old-world charm from original timber flooring coated in Resene Aquaclear. The dark timber ceiling is stained in Resene Colorwood Dark Rimu with walls and trims painted in Resene Milk White. Project and image by Russell Allen.

Resene Aquaclear is a waterborne alternative to turps thinned oil-modified urethanes, which means there is less odour and fewer harmful fumes. Most importantly, Resene Aquaclear is an Eco Choice approved waterborne alternative which means it’s safer to apply and more sustainable than traditional solventborne products.

“This product was in response to moving from a traditional solvent based varnish to a waterborne offset,” says Jeff. “It’s had a few changes over the years, and its durability is as good as any solventborne, but a key feature is that it doesn’t turn yellow or continue to harden over time.”

Before applying Resene Aquaclear, you should always prepare the surface and ensure it is clean, dry and free from dirt and dust. For the application of satin, semi-gloss and gloss onto surfaces, a speed brush is recommended, rollers are not, but for the natural applied to flat surfaces, rollers are ideal.

This coastal kitchen with natural wooden cabinetry and finished ceiling is in Resene Aquaclear. The natural wood is complemented by the surrounding walls painted in fresh and light Resene Sea Fog. Design by Anna Major from Haus of Design, image by Aimee Kelly Photography.

Resene Aquaclear is the perfect pairing to the extensive range of Resene Colorwood stains and adds richness and depth to timber while maintaining its natural grain. One of the benefits of Resene Aquaclear is its easy recoating. For best protection, on most projects 3-4 coats of Resene Aquaclear are required. 

Resene Aquaclear is a waterborne clear coat and has a whiter and cloudier finish than oil-based finishes which tend to impart an amber hue. This means it is ideal direct onto lighter timbers or as a finishing clear for wood stains. It is crucial to finish interior timbers to help protect them, make them easier to clean and help them last longer.

Main image: The plywood walls and ceilings of the Studio 19 Bach in Onemana, Coromandel are sealed in Resene Aquaclear Satin. Design and build by Strachan Group Architects (SGA), built in partnership with Unitec students and John ‘Cocksy’ Cocks.

Published: 08 Jul 2025