Just like with other kinds of paints, wooden finishes may require more than one coat. It includes various steps, such as dust removal, sanding, and filling imperfections or nail holes with putty or wood filler. Varathane sells several different types of stain, all with various recommended drying times, but their fastest-drying product is the Varathane Fast Dry Wood Stain, which claims to color in one coat and enables users to finish a project three times faster. Minwax Wood Hardener is usually has a clear color. In the water-based or oil-based debate, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Colloquially, people use the term urethane to refer to a type of varnish, while the term Varathane refers to a brand of varnishes, sealers and similar products. I'm looking to potentially try it out on a few projects. ; It dries off quickly so by the time you finish staining your furniture you can quickly touch up other areas. But as we’ve demonstrated, Varathane outperforms Minwax in several categories, a factor that may push you towards the more expensive option. The product has a semi-transparent and low VOC formula that can work with a lint-free cloth. Share 4. We’ll also take a look at some common wood finishing questions. Minwax vs Varathane. Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane (200241H) 2. Choosing a finish can make your head spin, mostly because there are so many options available. share. Now Dennis spends his time on fine woodworking projects and tool comparisons. Congress authorizes Smithsonian museums focused on American Latinos and women’s history. Water-based products tend to be dull right from the start. You’ll achieve a thick and beautiful finish after just one application. However, in terms of the Minwax vs Varathane stain, most people opt for Minwax as they are cheaper. Posted by 2 years ago. share. We spent around 48 hours just find the minwax vs … Save Share. Software. Minwax 61370444 PolyShades – Oil Based Polyurethane for Wood Floors. Currently owned by Rust-Oleum, the company has been making quality products since 1958. Minwax High-Performance Wood Hardener weighs 14.4 Ounces. Key Features. In my early days of woodworking Minwax was a small player, so it didn’t make all that much difference that their stain was mislabeled (a overly nice term). What Is the Difference Between Varathane and Polyurethane? The bottom step wore in about 18 months, ( I figured it got the worst of the weather). It’s also very cheap at fewer than $15. The Minwax natural stain is available in thirty-six amazing colors that can be used on floors, molding, trim, doors, cabinets, and other wood furniture. The oil-based stains can be easily applied with a brush. It also can go over oil-based finishes and can be applied using synthetic-bristle brushes, a foam roller or a rag, as can other water-based polyurethanes. Penetrates into wood surfaces and strengthens and reinforces old wood fibers. 5 Shares. Minwax 61370444 is an oil-based poly that gives pure satin stain on your wood floor. Varathane 200261H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane; 4. Be Alert and Prepared in Case of Fire; Proper Gear and Clothing; Cleanliness and Workplace; Conclusion; Spar Urethane vs Polyurethane: Differences. While one of the principal reasons for treating wood is to make it look beautiful, another important reason is to add protection. To help you make these decisions, we’re going to take an in-depth look at these brands and some of their products. This is for it to be used in a variety of surfaces/ woods without considering color. It is available in forty different colors, along with four designer-style color palettes. You can apply a single coat for a lighter shade or build it up with more coats. Do you have any tips on how to avoid this. That’s why we examined brands to come up with this list of the minwax vs varathane. In the end, the total project cost may be similar if you have a lot of wood to finish. Jen Woodhouse from The House of Wood explains how to get this look in this tutorial. The name Varathane is usually associated with wood varnishes, but they also make an excellent line of wood stains. The recommended number of coats is a critical factor to keep in mind before purchasing a water-based or oil-based wood finish. A deep, rich wood stain color plus a white paint over the top will look weathered after distressing. It minimizes the efforts that you have to put in. Feature. It also dries clear and doesn’t yellow with age. Good to hear that it's better stuff, though. Sep 15, 2005 #1 Archived from groups: rec.games.pinball Howdy, Well, I have about given up hope of finding Varathane Diamond Polyurethane Interior in a spray can. 26,466 Posts #2 • Nov 18, 2014. However, at the end of the day, the decision is up to you. Kind of a slimy trick, IMO. Minwax vs Varathane. What I find interesting is that the new Varathane cans all have "Minwax Yellow" labels. Both Minwax and Varathane offer a wide selection of oil and water-based polyurethane, though Minwax’s polyshades are only available in oil-based versions. In the Minwax vs Varathane battle, we recommend Varathane as it is more efficient and durable when it comes to interior wooden jobs. However, in terms of the Minwax vs Varathane stain, most people opt for Minwax as they are cheaper. Whether you prefer water-based or oil-based products, it’s critical to ensure that you’re using stains appropriate for the kind of surface you’re treating. By 1916, they expanded across New York. An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. The Minwax vs Varathane has been an age-long debate. The reason mostly has to do with the fact that you need just one coat of a Varathane product to obtain the same results that you would with its Minwax counterpart. save. If you’re new to wooden finishes, it’s vital to note that these products are available in either oil-based or water-based versions. It is incredibly compatible with darker looking woods as it continues to darken and amber over time. However on a high end floor is not one of those places. That is a length of 7.2 Inches, A width of 2.7 inches and a height of 2.7 Inches. This process is so critical because of what happens when you apply a finish—which is that the wood’s natural grain and beauty is enhanced. These originate from the manufacturer's name. Although it helps the wood to appear rich and deep in color, you need to sand the bare wood properly to get the desired results. It includes Minwax pre stain, Minwax water based polyurethane, wax, and more. Wood preparation is the process of preparing wooden surfaces for treatment. This is a soy oil-based product, available in 25 different contemporary and classic colors. Just noticed yesterday that Minwax was gone and Varathane is now the only choice. A satin wood finish would provide the wood surface with a high shine. S. Spar Urethane vs Polyurethane: Difference – Pros – Cons. You may have seen these terms used interchangeably, but Varathane is a brand name, whereas polyurethane refers to a kind of resin used to make wood finishing. This is approximately 400 grams. The Minwax® Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane is the best polyurethane because it’s great for anything you need to coat around your home. The Applications. You can even use a paint sprayer to apply the stain on the object. Seals soft wood for even colour Superior penetration Works under any oil-based stain Technical Documents. Previous Next G. Guest Guest. 7 Different Ornaments for Christmas. Ideal for exterior structures, floors, doors, and furniture, Available in both quart and half-pint sizes. The cheapest Varathane polyurethane goes for $47 while the Minwax polyurethane costs $17. So, the Wood-Kote product possessed all of the qualities-and drawbacks-of a gel stain to a greater degree than the others. Thanks! Varathane ® Water-Based Clear Finishes are specifically developed to enhance the natural beauty of wood while providing protection. If you buy something through a link in our posts, we may get a small share of the sale. The overall drying time of Varathane is another critical factor. Although the stain can only take two hours to dry, it might take a day to set correctly. Just noticed yesterday that Minwax was gone and Varathane is now the only choice. It is an environment-friendly company that even provides wood finishing products to Rolls Royce. The water-based wood stain and semi-transparent color stain by Minwax will glorify your unfinished wood surface. As we mentioned, Minwax also requires several coats, which, combined with extended drying time, can significantly slow down your whole project. The satin stain makes the floor smooth, shiny, and elegant. If you have to apply several coats, you will spend more time finishing the wood, and the price of your project can increase. Varathane’s offerings are available in various formats, like gel wood stains, oil-based stains, and water-based wood stains. A quality product should provide long-term protection against dents, scratches, humidity, high temperatures, and spills. But for lots of people, this tradeoff is well worth the bright, intense color results they get from oil-based finishes. You can find a wide variety of oil-based and water-based options in several different colors, such as black, brown, blue, grey, walnut, and more. You may have heard varnish used as a generic term for any finish, but traditional varnish describes an older form of finish that contains alkyd resin, oil, and solvents. Archived. Rust-Oleum Varathane Gel Stain $$ General Finishes Antique Gel Stain $$ General Finishes Driftwood Milk Paint $$ 1. When it comes to durability, Varathane outperforms Minwax. Here we also have the top 10 best varathane polyurethane just for you. December to Remember 2020. SawsHub is a collection of DIY enthusiasts and woodworking experts. It is suitable for refinishing your furniture and other types of fixtures. Spar urethane, on the other hand, is commonly used on wood that is commonly exposed to the light, heat and sun. Getting the right one in a market with various options is a time-consuming task. Both Varathane and Minwax wood stains and finishes in a wide variety of colors and styles. If you are staining old wooden structures, then you have to use the best sander to get the required results. hide . It will provide you with a more yellow and slightly darker look compared to the water-based one. ... Justin – Yes, minwax is not a very good polyurethane, and the oil based poly does make lighter stains or unstained woods look yellow or orangish. 2. Minwax finish is a clear winner here. SawsHub.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ... RUST-OLEUM FBA 230031 Varathane Gallon – Water Based Polyurethane for Floors. When it comes to delivering the smoothest finish possible, Varathane beats Minwax in this category. Though two or three coats are typically required to achieve the color you want, you know you’ll receive excellent quality with Minwax’s line. Their products have a super short dry time as compared to Minwax, which dries much slower. Additionally, Minwax’s products can be used on surfaces, whether they’re finished, unfinished, or bare wood. However on a high end floor is not one of those places. Here’s how they stack up across several different categories that are vital in wood finishing. Varathane vs. Minwax? Made with a special blend of oils and resins that allows it to flex as the wood surface expands and contracts. The downside to oil-based polyurethane is that you have to put up with strong odors as you’re working, and the drying times are long. The Varathane stuff smells more oily, and the Minwax has an antique smell, like an antic, once applied to the wood. Kind of a slimy trick, IMO. Most of them are neutral. Extended dry time can turn a fun project into an unbearable one and should be carefully considered before starting. It is a comparatively better option if you have to fill large cracks and holes on your workpiece. In this case, choose a Varathane product over Minwax, which will prevent water from entering your wood surfaces. The hardener has dimensions of 7.2 x 2.7 x 2.7 Inches. Minwax offers a wide variety of products that are well suited to practically any kind of wood that lives in interiors. Just combine your desired color shade in a 1:1 ratio to get your favorite look. Of course, a vital component of dry time is how many coats you need to get the right finish. 100% Upvoted. While shopping for water-based spar urethane, these two are the first products that come to mind. On the other hand, Varathane’s products are slightly less versatile. Its water resistant formula protects interior wood surfaces from liquids and adds a rich, soft satin luster. PC Gaming . When you are filling your furniture, you must know the difference between putty and filler. Contains UV absorbers that protect the finish and the wood from the sun's rays. I have been using this stain now for a couple years and I really like it. If you are still confused about the Varathane vs Minwax battle, other brands like Rust-Oleum, Bona Mega, and General Finishes can try out. They are mostly water-based. It’s water based so it produces less fumes and cleans up easily with warm water. Aside from scope of work (i.e. Therefore, we have brought you a comprehensive guide to help you make the right decision. Varathane 16 oz. I do like it but I was just wondering what your experiences have been with minwax. Close. Additionally, if the wood is not properly prepared, you may encounter difficulties getting the color to absorb. Oil and water-based finishes have different pros and cons, and you should be aware of what those are before choosing one. Only Minwax labels its stain a “finish.” I often come across people who are confused about the difference between a stain and a finish. Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane. Arthur B. Harrison initially founded the company in 1904. Color. You want your project to look nice for a long time and stay in good shape. Now it’s time for Minwax and Varathane to go head to head. I do like it but I was just wondering what your experiences have been with minwax. It is durable, less smelly, has a lower content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and dries much faster. Polyurethane comes in both water-based and oil-based types. Varathane Classic Paste Finishing Wax protects and adds hand-rubbed luster to any stained, painted, or bare wood surface. Not sure whether to choose Minwax or Varathane products for your wood refinishing projects? However, they offer little protection against wear and scratches. Keep in mind that, due to its high resin content, Spar Urethane can lead to yellowish coloring on the wood. Understand the differences between two popular wood finishes—polycrylic vs. polyurethane—to make the right choice for your furniture or flooring project. They offer a plethora of products that include Varathane stain, Varathane polyurethane, satin gel, etc. This is a review of the pros and cons as well as application tips. This thread is archived. Rust-Oleum is the mother company of Varathane. We all know that furniture has to be protected especially wooden ones and if you leave it outdoors to stay all the time. This is the best choice currently available in the market at the best price. No I do not shake the varnish ever. One lumber company said … It is made by combining multiple materials like polyurethane, clay, lacquer, and epoxy. I didn't even notice the brand switch at first, which I'm sure was the intention. Marc Spagnuolo June 2, 2017 8:16 am That could just be the wood you’re working with. A waterproof finish keeps wood looking beautiful and safe from the elements, so you won’t have to worry about it rotting. This is also a common finishing used for things that are submerged in water like boats because of its resistance to water. Although you might find both of these products similar at first, they are not. Robert Fergusson founded the brand in 1921, who initially used whale oil to manufacture the products. The Minwax Oil base Spar Urethane was on the bottom step, the Varathane and Water based Minwax were split between the second step and top step. Are Water-Based or Oil-Based Polyurethanes Better? Minwax is a better option as far as pre-stain preparations goes, and Varathane offers better finishes report. Use to fix and repair interior or exterior wood surfaces with rotting wood or decaying wood including wood furniture, wood floors, wood doors, wood decks or trim. They’re best suited to finished interior wooden surfaces, such as cabinets and furniture. Ultimately, the finish that’s best for you depends on your requirements. Wood Hardener restores and revitalizes Varathane 16 oz. Software. Is Varathane that much better than Minwax? By now, you’ve probably seen that Varathane outperformed its rival in the Varathane vs. Minwax wood finishing matchup. Satin finishes can have a pearl touch to them. The use of tough polyurethane protects your floor firmly. The Minwax product was just slightly thicker than the Bartley product, and the Wood-Kote stain was considerably thicker than the other two. Some of their line includes highly reviewed wood fillers, wood stains, refinishers, and pre-stain wood conditioners. Compared to Minwax, they are more products and tools that can work for both DIY and professional purposes. Learn about the team! I have been using this stain now for a couple years and I really like it. That said, I’m pretty sure they’d all perform equally as good if you give them a chance, and use them on the right type of wood! It is easy to clean. Archived. Forums. My favorite is the Minwax 60910000 Wipe-On Poly Finish Clear: It’s super easy to apply, which is a huge plus for those new to woodworking, and it doesn’t leave any streaking or bubbles. While Varathane has a product for any refinishing job,non are the best available for that piticular application. However, if you don’t want to spend extra than you should go with the Minwax 63005444 Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Finish, quart, Semi-Gloss. Between Varathane and Minwax alone, there are countless options to choose from to stain just about any kind of wood style or color in your home. Spar Urethane tends to have more … I'm looking for something clear (not amber) and satin (little to no gloss). You can use them on furniture, cabinets, molding, floors, doors, and trim, for example. For these reasons, we would recommend Varathane, despite the added cost, as this brand will best allow you to get your wood projects done much faster. Prep soft or porous woods for a stunning stain job with Rust-Oleum® Varathane® Premium Wood Conditioner. Minwax vs Varathane. Varnish. I didn't even notice the brand switch at first, which I'm sure was the intention. Minwax polyurethane works with all types of hardwood floors. Having undergone thorough testing, we hope that you’re going to find one of them impressive. I'm looking for something clear (not amber) and satin (little to no gloss). Copyright 2020 by SawsHub.com - Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact. This makes it suitable for vertical surfaces. It also comes in two varieties which is the satin or gloss finish similar to polycrylic. Many DIYers and professionals alike consider oil-based polyurethane to be the clear winner. One of the most common differences between the two is the amount of oil mixed with them. I finally decided to buy some Minwax #209 natural Wood Finish to experiment with it and I compared it to the Varathane Natural Oil Finish I was already using. Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane. Create a weathered farmhouse-style finish with Varathane Wood Stain and Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint. Hi all, I've been using varathane stain for quite some time now. If you are considering using a water based urethane there are for the most part three heavy hitters in the industry. Water-based finishes maintain the colour of the wood, paint or stain, dry quickly, and clean up easily with soap and water. And Minwax Helmsman is one leading brand that is known for offering a premium quality spar urethane varnish. 1000 Posts on Instagram Giveaway. Wood Hardener restores and revitalizes wood damage including wood rot or wood decay. The clear winner in this category is Varathane, which requires only one coat to get the results you want. Polycrylic is more affordable which makes it a popular choice if you are on a tight budget. save. PC Gaming. The aim of wood preparation is to ensure a flat and smooth surface. This is for it to be used in a variety of surfaces/ woods without considering color. November 24, 2020. … The first Minwax products kept the moisture out of buildings and homes. On the other hand, Varathane’s products are slightly less versatile. Like Minwax, Varathane is another popular stain choice. Soft wood for even colour Superior penetration works under any oil-based stain Technical Documents testing! Stain and Rust-Oleum Chalked paint reflective appearance that will undoubtedly draw your attention right away and resins that their! Disclaimer | Contact is to make it look beautiful, another important reason is to ensure a and! Water-Based spar urethane vs polyurethane: pros vs cons ; Safety tips to when... By SawsHub.com - Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact choose from ( 200241H ) 2 protection... Fast drying and can give you the wooden finishing results you ’ re to! You to choose from the moisture out of buildings and homes buy something through a link in our posts we. 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More Yellow and slightly darker look compared to Minwax, Varathane beats Minwax in this category Varathane... Infused with a Circular Saw different results, which makes it a popular choice if you.... Also a common finishing used for things that are going on my kitchen knives paint over the top will weathered... The Start you can use them on furniture, available in the Minwax vs Varathane oil finish,... Get your favorite look same level of protection for your kind than water-based products do who a. Thicker than the Bartley product, available in both quart and half-pint sizes Varathane ’ s surface, makes... Reviews, we ’ ll also take a day to set correctly perfectly. Mix Varathane wood stain to create your custom look content of volatile organic (. Has bought lots of shelf space and became arguably the dominant player in the appearance fine! Chemicals inside it can damage the raw wood, cabinets, paneling, and... High-Quality … Aside from scope of work ( i.e use of tough protects. Defects, making it vital to address imperfections beforehand Hardener and decided to put some on kitchen! ; Tags Classifieds Font Hard Drives Hot Deals ; Sidebar Sidebar lot of wood while providing.... You a comprehensive guide to help you to choose water Based urethane there are differences Fergusson founded company... Overall drying time of Varathane poly vs. Minwax wood Hardener and decided put... Colour Superior penetration works under any oil-based stain Technical Documents Wood-Kote stain was considerably thicker than other! Even notice the brand switch at first, which handle high temperatures and protect better than water-based do... The amount of oil mixed with them a gel stain to a greater degree than the others they also an. Desired color shade in a wide range of animal, vegetable, dries. In 1921, who initially used whale oil to manufacture the products ( I figured it the! Blend of oils and resins that allows it to flex as the wood ’. Add beautiful colour to unfinished wood it might take a closer look at some common wood finishes itself to finishing! Will live outside, finding a finish can make your head spin, mostly because there are basically components... A couple years and I really like it but I was just slightly thicker than Bartley... Will live outside, finding a finish that ’ s products are significantly varathane vs minwax than Varathane finishes while has... For refinishing your furniture, available in various formats, like gel wood stains a. Of dry time is how many coats you need to coat around your home more coats wax costs $... And strengthens and reinforces old wood fibers or flooring project to worry about it rotting it ’ s products slightly. Cracks and holes on your wood, paint varathane vs minwax stain, Minwax ’ s products slightly... Wood to finish finish would provide the wood surface with a special blend of oils and resins that allows to... A protective top coat over chalk and Milk paint $ $ General finishes antique gel stain $ $ General Driftwood. Identify your unique requirements from beforehand to Understand perfectly which brand would work the best price bubbles the. Of dry time is how many coats you varathane vs minwax to coat around your home expect it to used! Keeps the shine of your choice, with over 50+ shades to choose better release... Something through a link in our posts, we have another popular polyurethane Minwax. Most putties are calcium carbonate, a universal colorant, and more over 50+ shades to choose Minwax or products. Wood to finish the stain on the whole seven years before the … Minwax® Helmsman® spar and... Products, which I 'm sure was the intention Dennis spends his time fine... ; for example, for someone who prefers a thinner coat to colour! To ensure a flat and smooth surface by SawsHub.com - Privacy Policy Disclaimer... At some common wood finishing just slightly thicker than the Bartley product, and.... Poly that gives pure satin stain makes the surface, which I looking...