Varathane Brand Stains

[Neill]

I purchased a quart can of the Cabernet color stain yesterday.  Looked good on the store samples.  Has anyone got any comments on this brand before I open the can?  It was not real expensive so I guess I am now somewhat wary.

Thanks much.

Neill

 

[nickao]

If it is the stuff they sell at Farm and Fleet it is a good stain. The stuff I used looked like a can like this:

Varathane

nickao

 

[Neill]

Nick -

That's it.  Appreciate your comments.  Good to know since it is readily available from my local Ace Hardware store at a reasonable price and in a wide variety of colors.

Neill

 

[nickao]

I believe if the Cabernet is used on poplar you get a Pennsylvania Cherry look if I am thinking of the right color. Anyway there are some good things said about this company that makes the varathane products.

nickao

 

[Neill]

I believe if the Cabernet is used on poplar you get a Pennsylvania Cherry look if I am thinking of the right color. Anyway there are some good things said about this company that makes the varathane products.

nickao

Nick -

I think they are also Rust-o-Leum and Watco.

Neill

 

[nickao]

I read somewhere they actually make stains and other products for many others companies that just slap their names on them.

Let us see the results when you use it.

I always had good luck with the Rust-Oleum products.

nickao

 

[JJ Wavra]

Varathane stains is what i use and have been very happy with them.  They sell their stains in all different quantities which is one of the reasons that I like it.  I think that their oil poly also got a good rating but I have not used it so I don't know for sure.

good luck with the staining!

JJ

 

[Neill]

Varathane stains is what i use and have been very happy with them.  They sell their stains in all different quantities which is one of the reasons that I like it.  I think that their oil poly also got a good rating but I have not used it so I don't know for sure.

good luck with the staining!

JJ

JJ -

Thanks for the reply.  Have you noticed any application differences between colors and types of wood?  Have you used any sealers?  What topcoats have you used?

I'm not too nervy, am I?

Neill

 

[Cannuck]

I haven't used the varathane stains, but I have used the Varathane Poly topcoat.  I use the Professional version that you can apply three coats in one day...works great for trim (or second-fix work as our overseas friends seem to refer to it).

You can apply first 2 coats without sanding, but results improve dramatically with sanding between final coat.

 

[JJ Wavra]

Varathane stains is what i use and have been very happy with them.  They sell their stains in all different quantities which is one of the reasons that I like it.  I think that their oil poly also got a good rating but I have not used it so I don't know for sure.

good luck with the staining!

JJ

JJ -

Thanks for the reply.  Have you noticed any application differences between colors and types of wood?  Have you used any sealers?  What topcoats have you used?

I'm not too nervy, am I?

Neill

Neill,

I always seal first with zinsser seal coat (cut shellac).  The colors of the stain usually look a little or even a lot lighter with the seal coat.  I usually dye first before putting on the stain to give a richer color or to actually achieve the color I am looking for.  I tried the sanding sealers and did not care for them much I had much more "blotchiness" versus the zinsser.  I sometimes just use shellac as a top coat or I have used behlens rock hard table top varnish(ala per swenson) or a quick dry varnish from sherwin williams.

JJ