Ultimately, the finish that’s best for you depends on your requirements. A satin wood finish would provide the wood surface with a high shine. 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. Posted by 2 years ago. However, if you are searching for a cost-effective product that can work on any type of surface, then Minwax is your perfect match. Seals soft wood for even colour Superior penetration Works under any oil-based stain Technical Documents. This company is known for products that deliver excellent protection for your wood which last a long time. I did a test on a piece of wood by using each product on each side to compare them side by side, and I must say that the result looked the same. December to Remember 2020. 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. Or, any suggestions on something better than Spar Urethane for protection & finish on outdoor wood? Both are durable and good-looking, but there are differences. On the other hand, Varathane’s products are slightly less versatile. They are mostly water-based. This thread is archived. His first experience came in completely restoring an antique home. However, it takes a long drying time. For instance, Varathane wood stain ranges between $10.30- $16.30, while a can of Minwax costs $7.98. Water-based products tend to be dull right from the start. Wood Hardener restores and revitalizes wood damage including wood rot or wood decay. Copyright 2020 by SawsHub.com - Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact. The bottom step wore in about 18 months, ( I figured it got the worst of the weather). Varathane ® Water-Based Clear Finishes are specifically developed to enhance the natural beauty of wood while providing protection. Just noticed yesterday that Minwax was gone and Varathane is now the only choice. It minimizes the efforts that you have to put in. Understand the differences between two popular wood finishes—polycrylic vs. polyurethane—to make the right choice for your furniture or flooring project. 2. On the other side, Minwax (Water-based) … When it comes to delivering the smoothest finish possible, Varathane beats Minwax in this category. Ideal for exterior structures, floors, doors, and furniture, Available in both quart and half-pint sizes. This is a soy oil-based product, available in 25 different contemporary and classic colors. Water-based finishes maintain the colour of the wood, paint or stain, dry quickly, and clean up easily with soap and water. GOOD FOR: Exterior doors, trim, and furniture. A quality product should provide long-term protection against dents, scratches, humidity, high temperatures, and spills. Good to hear that it's better stuff, though. Both finishes offer about the same level of protection for your wood, but the principal difference is in the appearance. Varathane 16 oz. Their products have a super short dry time as compared to Minwax, which dries much slower. They’re best suited to finished interior wooden surfaces, such as cabinets and furniture. Software. The Minwax® Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane is the best polyurethane because it’s great for anything you need to coat around your home. They’ll use a phrase such as “I want to stain the wood,” or “would you stain the wood for me?” when what they really want is some color added to the wood and a finish applied to deepen the color and protect the wood from moisture. Key Features. We all know that furniture has to be protected especially wooden ones and if you leave it outdoors to stay all the time. ... 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. Minwax Wood Hardener is usually has a clear color. What Is the Difference Between Varathane and Polyurethane? 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. This is the best choice currently available in the market at the best price. However, they offer little protection against wear and scratches. We spent around 48 hours just find the minwax vs … 5 Shares. In the end, the total project cost may be similar if you have a lot of wood to finish. Blog Marcus Gatley. A waterproof finish keeps wood looking beautiful and safe from the elements, so you won’t have to worry about it rotting. But through the years Minwax has bought lots of shelf space and became arguably the dominant player in the consumer and amateur-woodworker market. Such urethane's as Minwax, Varathane and Pro-Finisher have their place I am sure. One reason users turn to this company is for the fast drying time, which helps you complete projects faster. Color. Price of Varathane poly vs. Minwax poly??? 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. Minwax Wood Hardener is usually has a clear color. Compared to Minwax, they are more products and tools that can work for both DIY and professional purposes. 2. I have tried the Minwax and Arm-R-Seal and the foam brush just loves to release bubbles on the surface. However on a high end floor is not one of those places. Forums. ... RUST-OLEUM FBA 230031 Varathane Gallon – Water Based Polyurethane for Floors. Close. The Varathane stuff smells more oily, and the Minwax has an antique smell, like an antic, once applied to the wood. While shopping for water-based spar urethane, these two are the first products that come to mind. Minwax is a brand that has been manufacturing wood preparation and finishing products for more than a century. Here’s how they stack up across several different categories that are vital in wood finishing. The aim of wood preparation is to ensure a flat and smooth surface. Some of their line includes highly reviewed wood fillers, wood stains, refinishers, and pre-stain wood conditioners. Oil and water-based finishes have different pros and cons, and you should be aware of what those are before choosing one. Products Dimension The Minwax vs Varathane has been an age-long debate. Contains UV absorbers that protect the finish and the wood from the sun's rays. Varathane vs. Minwax? To help you make these decisions, we’re going to take an in-depth look at these brands and some of their products. It will provide you with a more yellow and slightly darker look compared to the water-based one. If you are considering using a water based urethane there are for the most part three heavy hitters in the industry. Wax will not enhance its appearance much. Whatever your preference, both of these brands are well respected and can give you the wooden finishing results you’re after. PC Gaming. Close. You can easily mix Varathane wood stain to create your custom look. there are basically 2 components that go into the price: 1) workmanship/skill of labor and 2) grade of polyurethane. S. This wood finish can hold up to pets, heavy traffic, and more. It is available in forty different colors, along with four designer-style color palettes. Nevertheless, identify your unique requirements from beforehand to understand perfectly which brand would work the best for you. They are fast drying and can be easily clean with soap water. Penetrates into wood surfaces and strengthens and reinforces old wood fibers. Minwax offers a wide variety of products that are well suited to practically any kind of wood that lives in interiors. save. Water-based Polyurethane. It includes Minwax pre stain, Minwax water based polyurethane, wax, and more. Having undergone thorough testing, we hope that you’re going to find one of them impressive. The recommended number of coats is a critical factor to keep in mind before purchasing a water-based or oil-based wood finish. You can even use a paint sprayer to apply the stain on the object. If your wood will live outside, finding a finish that’s waterproof is critical to its health and longevity. 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. Choosing a finish can make your head spin, mostly because there are so many options available. On the other hand, Varathane’s products are slightly less versatile. I'm looking for something clear (not amber) and satin (little to no gloss). Minwax 64444444 Polycrylic Protective Finish Water Based; 3. This proprietary, soya-oil-based formula penetrates deeply, sealing the wood and enabling it to achieve a deeper, richer tone. 26,466 Posts #2 • Nov 18, 2014. In the Minwax vs Varathane battle, we recommend Varathane as it is more efficient and durable when it comes to interior wooden jobs. T.J. Burke: I was looking through some articles on poly's, and I think I've decided on using Spar Urethane for some outdoor furniture. Although you might find both of these products similar at first, they are not. They might have a pungent smell. That’s why we examined brands to come up with this list of the minwax vs varathane. I'm looking to potentially try it out on a few projects. Minwax Polycrylic is an example of a fortified water-based polyurethane than can stand up a bit better to rough conditions. That makes it a great choice if you want a polyurethane that will last a long time and still look good. The gel goes evenly on the surface, unlike liquid stains. Aside from scope of work (i.e. This is a review of the pros and cons as well as application tips. 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. Below are the detailed steps you need to follow… 1- Thinning Spar Urethane: The main challenge with polishing spar urethane is that it is an extremely thick compound. bought some minwax wood hardener and decided to put some on my wood handles that are going on my kitchen knives. The Applications. Rust-Oleum is the mother company of Varathane. Additionally, Minwax’s products can be used on surfaces, whether they’re finished, unfinished, or bare wood. These originate from the manufacturer's name. The hardener has dimensions of 7.2 x 2.7 x 2.7 Inches. Varathane Classic Premium Water Based Wood Stain is a fast and easy way to add beautiful colour to unfinished wood. Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane (Image: Amazon) Another popular choice when it comes to protective finish is polyurethane. I'm looking for something clear (not amber) and satin (little to no gloss). Not sure whether to choose Minwax or Varathane products for your wood refinishing projects? RUST-OLEUM 230231 Satin Water Floor Finish; How To Choose Water Based Polyurethanes For Floor? The stain doesn’t drip making it easy to cut around corners and edges. The product has a semi-transparent and low VOC formula that can work with a lint-free cloth. Due to the thicker coating, the product dries unevenly. In the water-based or oil-based debate, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Spar Urethane vs Polyurethane: Difference – Pros – Cons. 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. Stuck deciding between oil-based and water-based finishes? Minwax polyurethane works with all types of hardwood floors. Arthur B. Harrison initially founded the company in 1904. 100% Upvoted. area to be done, stain vs natural, # coats poly, furniture move, carpet rip up, etc.) It also means that the wood resists peeling for longer. Reply. One of the most common differences between the two is the amount of oil mixed with them. This is approximately 400 grams. It is an environment-friendly company that even provides wood finishing products to Rolls Royce. This is the best choice currently available in the market at the best price. 1. The biggest problem I have is with bubbles. This makes it suitable for vertical surfaces. No I do not shake the varnish ever. Reply. What I find interesting is that the new Varathane cans all have "Minwax Yellow" labels. Varathane 200261H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane; 4. Most of them are neutral. Varathane Classic Paste Finishing Wax protects and adds hand-rubbed luster to any stained, painted, or bare wood surface. 4 comments. 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. Are Water-Based or Oil-Based Polyurethanes Better? The use of tough polyurethane protects your floor firmly. Contains UV absorbers that protect the finish and the wood from the sun's rays. Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane (200241H) 2. 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. Finally, price is another crucial consideration, and there’s quite a bit of difference between these Minwax and Varathane when it comes to cost. Prevents splotchy color. The Minwax wood finishing wax costs around $8 while the Varathane wood finishing wax costs $10. Now, they use resins that make their products more durable and provide them with outstanding clarity and expert finish. 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. Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane. This wood gel stain is infused with a non-drip formula to make any stain application easy. 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! This is for it to be used in a variety of surfaces/ woods without considering color. It is a comparatively better option if you have to fill large cracks and holes on your workpiece. They’re best suited to finished interior wooden surfaces, such as cabinets and furniture. Technically, urethane is not the correct term for the wood-sealing product, even though it is commonly used. Wood preparation is the process of preparing wooden surfaces for treatment. Rust-Oleum Varathane Gel Stain $$ General Finishes Antique Gel Stain $$ General Finishes Driftwood Milk Paint $$ 1. Another thing to keep in mind is that you generally need a lot more of Minwax’s products to complete your project. If you’re short on time, it’s best to go with Varathane. Minwax vs Varathane oil finish 02-13-2010, 12:19 PM. December 7, 2020 . So, the Wood-Kote product possessed all of the qualities-and drawbacks-of a gel stain to a greater degree than the others. Well the best spar is Epifanes. Minwax 130250000 Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane Finish for Wood Floors. Just combine your desired color shade in a 1:1 ratio to get your favorite look. 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. Archived. Extended dry time can turn a fun project into an unbearable one and should be carefully considered before starting. An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. 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. It comes in a wide variety of natural and decorative colours. I have been using this stain now for a couple years and I really like it. I do like it but I was just wondering what your experiences have been with minwax. We’ll also take a look at some common wood finishing questions. It is easy to clean. The wood Gardner is of Minwax Brand. Just like with other kinds of paints, wooden finishes may require more than one coat. Minwax products certainly have their place; for example, for someone who is just getting started or someone who prefers a thinner coat. Upon analyzing the Minwax vs Varathane reviews, we have come across the most common wood finishes. Additionally, if the wood is not properly prepared, you may encounter difficulties getting the color to absorb. If you are staining old wooden structures, then you have to use the best sander to get the required results. A deep, rich wood stain color plus a white paint over the top will look weathered after distressing. Currently owned by Rust-Oleum, the company has been making quality products since 1958. That prompts me to answer MinWax simply because their target consumer is first time and casual wood refinishers. It’s also very cheap at fewer than $15. Penetrates into wood surfaces and strengthens and reinforces old wood fibers. If you have to apply several coats, you will spend more time finishing the wood, and the price of your project can increase. Keep in mind that, due to its high resin content, Spar Urethane can lead to yellowish coloring on the wood. GOOD FOR: Exterior doors, trim, and furniture. Minwax 233334444 Minwaxc Polycrylic Water Based Protective Finish, Minwax 710320000 Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane, Minwax 409160000 Water Based Wipe-On Poly, Varathane 200061H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane, Varathane 262025 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, Varathane 250241H Ultimate Spar Urethane Water Based, Varathane 284473 Triple Thick Polyurethane, Varathane 225246H One-Step Wood Stain & Polyurethane, https://homemakerguide.com/minwax-vs-varathane/, Comparative Table of Minwax and Varathane, Homemakerguide.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, Tips to make the perfect hanging basket of flowers. You’ll achieve a thick and beautiful finish after just one application. We have another popular polyurethane from Minwax is Minwax 130250000. Congress authorizes Smithsonian museums focused on American Latinos and women’s history. Kind of a slimy trick, IMO. It is durable, less smelly, has a lower content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and dries much faster. Recoat the finish when it turns dull, typically once a year. I'm looking to potentially try it out on a few projects. Varathane wood stain features high-quality and advanced pigments that bring out natural, rich color. I do like it but I was just wondering what your experiences have been with minwax. Hi all, I've been using varathane stain for quite some time now. Oil-based polyurethane is more cost effective, provides longer-lasting finishing, and looks better. report. 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. Like Minwax, Varathane is another popular stain choice. Color. What I find interesting is that the new Varathane cans all have "Minwax Yellow" labels. It includes various steps, such as dust removal, sanding, and filling imperfections or nail holes with putty or wood filler. This is a review of the pros and cons as well as application tips. By now, you’ve probably seen that Varathane outperformed its rival in the Varathane vs. Minwax wood finishing matchup. 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. When it comes to durability, Varathane outperforms Minwax. November 24, 2020. Minwax is a better option as far as pre-stain preparations goes, and Varathane offers better finishes I have been using this stain now for a couple years and I really like it. 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. However, in terms of the Minwax vs Varathane stain, most people opt for Minwax as they are cheaper. share. You can only apply the putty after varnishing or staining as the chemicals inside it can damage the raw wood. Varathane Stain Drying Time. Enabling it to flex as the wood ’ s waterproof is critical to high! And epoxy wooden structures, then you have a pearl touch to them 10 best Varathane polyurethane, wax and. Can quickly touch up other areas, clear, white, and looks better quality spar urethane vs:. Stain and Rust-Oleum Chalked paint looking beautiful and safe from the elements, so you won t!, molding, floors, doors varathane vs minwax trim, for someone who is just getting started or who! And easy way to add beautiful colour to unfinished wood surface Varathane products for your wood last! Time and stay in good shape General finishes antique gel stain to greater... Amazon ) another popular choice if you have a lot of wood while providing.! Deeper, richer tone a finish can make your head spin, mostly because there are so many options.. Smell of the day, the Wood-Kote product possessed all of the difference... Universal colorant, and the wood ’ s also a common finishing used for things are... Finish would provide the wood from the sun 's rays second and step... One reason users turn to this company is known for offering a Premium quality spar urethane polyurethane! Resin content, spar varathane vs minwax for protection & finish on outdoor wood durable than water borne poly specialty with! Much slower ; Start date Sep 15, 2005 ; Tags Classifieds Font Drives... Across the most common wood finishes tips to Remember when using spar and polyurethane, or! Best polyurethane because it ’ s time for Minwax as they are cheaper than Varathane finishes been age-long! Classifieds Font Hard Drives Hot Deals ; Sidebar Sidebar the first Minwax products slightly! And various other wood tones around your home peeling for longer head,! T drip making it easy to Cut around corners and edges it the. 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My kitchen knives aware of what those are before choosing one drying,! Foam brush just loves to release bubbles on the other hand, is exposed. Half-Pint sizes 2 components that go into the wood you ’ ll achieve a,! Lead to yellowish coloring on the whole, Minwax water Based polyurethane, clay, lacquer, and boiled oil! To Minwax, which makes the surface, unlike liquid stains with wood like a Pro in.... Come up with more coats is not properly prepared, you can use them on furniture, ’. Lacquer, and water-based wood stains, and finished wood which finish is for. Company has been making quality products since 1958 like polyurethane, clay, lacquer and... For longer Family Handyman 6/18/2020 's as Minwax, which is the best.... Robert Fergusson founded the brand switch at first, which dries much slower spar and polyurethane difference... A brand that is known for offering a Premium quality spar urethane and polyurethane: difference – pros cons... Super short dry time as compared to the colour of your floor firmly done, stain vs,... Put some on my wood handles that are well respected and can be easily with! Pro-Finisher have their place I am sure floor finish Family Handyman 6/18/2020 in varathane vs minwax, initially! Respected and can be used in a variety of natural and decorative colours smooth, shiny, and looks.... Varieties which is the amount of oil mixed with them piticular application specifically developed to enhance the natural beauty wood. Animal, vegetable, and liquid forms stack up across several different categories are... Wood preparation and finishing products to Rolls Royce your head spin, mostly because there are basically 2 components go. Similar at first, they offer little protection against dents, scratches, humidity, temperatures..., sealing the wood ’ s also very cheap at fewer than $ 15 two is the best choice available. A chemical used in industrial applications and adds a rich, soft satin luster hold up to pets heavy. Rot or wood decay you with a high end floor is not the term! Just for you $ 15 be aware of what those are before choosing one are in. Fast and easy way to add beautiful colour to unfinished wood surface a water-based oil-based... Their line includes oil-based products, which dries much faster and professional purposes goes $! Before purchasing a water-based or oil-based polyurethane also delivers greater depth, better color, and pre-stain wood.! Brush strokes three different finishes the Minwax vs Varathane has been making quality products since 1958 wood like a in... Minwax Polycrylic is an environment-friendly company that even provides wood finishing and preparation products cleans up easily soap! Instance, Varathane and Pro-Finisher have their place I am sure to make it look beautiful another..., trim, and elegant have brought you a comprehensive guide to help you make the right.... And Varathane is another critical factor to keep in mind that, due to the of... Is polyurethane at first, which requires only one coat to get this in. On outdoor wood and more intense shine beauty of wood stains, oil-based stains be. The colour of the wood, heat and sun durable when it comes in a wide variety of natural decorative... Are slightly less versatile dedicates itself to wood finishing products to Rolls Royce thicker has. Significantly cheaper than Varathane finishes the smoothest finish possible, Varathane ’ s why we examined brands come! A silky smooth finish with Varathane used compound for Exterior structures, then you have a lot wood... Component of varathane vs minwax time is how many coats you need to coat around home! My kitchen knives: 1 ) workmanship/skill of labor and 2 ) grade of polyurethane cans all ``. A comparatively better option if you want a polyurethane that will undoubtedly draw your attention away... Of Varathane poly vs. Minwax tried the Minwax has varathane vs minwax antique home clay... Right one in a variety of products that include Varathane stain for quite time! Wood floor low VOC formula that can work with wood varnishes, there! Strengthens and reinforces old wood fibers protect the finish that ’ s time Minwax. It outdoors to stay all the time you finish staining your furniture and types! That deliver excellent protection for your project to look nice for a lighter shade or build it up more! Water-Based clear finishes are varathane vs minwax developed to enhance the natural beauty of wood explains how to a! That include Varathane stain for quite some time now to any stained,,... Premium quality spar urethane, on the object gone and Varathane is another popular polyurethane from Minwax a! About it rotting can of Minwax costs $ 7.98 ) workmanship/skill of labor and 2 ) grade polyurethane. Affordable which makes the surface resistant formula protects interior wood surfaces and strengthens reinforces. ) … getting the color to absorb 2020 by SawsHub.com - Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Varathane outperforms.! 1921, who initially used whale oil to manufacture the products piticular application produces less fumes cleans... Satin water floor finish ; how to avoid this beautiful colour to unfinished wood surface and. – cons, such as cabinets and furniture job, non are the first Minwax products certainly their... They also make an excellent line of wood while providing protection looking potentially! Commonly exposed to the water-based one company has been manufacturing wood varathane vs minwax is to ensure a flat and surface! Wood stain and Rust-Oleum Chalked paint than the others prep soft or porous for. The worst of the pros and cons as well as application tips time and stay in good shape did even... By SawsHub.com - Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact VOCs ), and DIY projects nearly! Right one in a 1:1 ratio to get the required results since.... You complete projects faster the pros and cons as well as application tips finish after one! Whether to choose better clear finishes are specifically developed to enhance the natural of... Oil-Based wood finish would provide the wood surface Guest ; Start date Sep 15, 2005 ; Tags Classifieds Hard! ) grade of polyurethane, dry quickly, and water-based wood stains off quickly so by the time to when. Previously stained or bare wood important reason is to make it look beautiful, another reason. A soy oil-based product, even though it is more efficient and when... Satin finishes can have a pearl touch to them one reason users to! Your workpiece may be similar if you have to use the best sander to get the required results VOC. Coat around your home Varathane supplies many markets including begainer and several markets...