Made with a special blend of oils and resins that allows it to flex as the wood surface expands and contracts. Currently owned by Rust-Oleum, the company has been making quality products since 1958. 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. 7 Different Ornaments for Christmas. What I find interesting is that the new Varathane cans all have "Minwax Yellow" labels. Just noticed yesterday that Minwax was gone and Varathane is now the only choice. 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. This thread is archived. share. But as we’ve demonstrated, Varathane outperforms Minwax in several categories, a factor that may push you towards the more expensive option. Minwax vs Varathane. Understand the differences between two popular wood finishes—polycrylic vs. polyurethane—to make the right choice for your furniture or flooring project. But through the years Minwax has bought lots of shelf space and became arguably the dominant player in the consumer and amateur-woodworker market. Minwax Polycrylic is an example of a fortified water-based polyurethane than can stand up a bit better to rough conditions. If you are considering using a water based urethane there are for the most part three heavy hitters in the industry. This is for it to be used in a variety of surfaces/ woods without considering color. Hi all, I've been using varathane stain for quite some time now. The Minwax wood finishing wax costs around $8 while the Varathane wood finishing wax costs $10. Varathane’s offerings are available in various formats, like gel wood stains, oil-based stains, and water-based wood stains. Finally, price is another crucial consideration, and there’s quite a bit of difference between these Minwax and Varathane when it comes to cost. 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. That’s why we examined brands to come up with this list of the minwax vs varathane. 4 comments. Is Varathane that much better than Minwax? You can even use a paint sprayer to apply the stain on the object. Ideal for exterior structures, floors, doors, and furniture, Available in both quart and half-pint sizes. 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. 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. You can easily mix Varathane wood stain to create your custom look. What I find interesting is that the new Varathane cans all have "Minwax Yellow" labels. It’s also a great polyurethane because it’s … When it comes to durability, Varathane outperforms Minwax. It’s also very cheap at fewer than $15. How to Cut a Laminate Countertop With a Circular Saw, How to Cut Laminate Shelving With a Circular Saw. 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. Additionally, Minwax’s products can be used on surfaces, whether they’re finished, unfinished, or bare wood. Minwax Polycrylic is an example of a fortified water-based polyurethane than can stand up a bit better to rough conditions. On the other hand, Varathane’s products are slightly less versatile. One reason users turn to this company is for the fast drying time, which helps you complete projects faster. Satin finishes can have a pearl touch to them. Keep reading for our Minwax vs Varathane comparison. Minwax Wood Hardener is usually has a clear color. Varathane 16 oz. If you buy something through a link in our posts, we may get a small share of the sale. Its water resistant formula protects interior wood surfaces from liquids and adds a rich, soft satin luster. 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. Varnish. Copyright 2020 by SawsHub.com - Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact. The completed look offers a reflective appearance that will undoubtedly draw your attention right away. Wax will not enhance its appearance much. The cheapest Varathane polyurethane goes for $47 while the Minwax polyurethane costs $17. A waterproof finish keeps wood looking beautiful and safe from the elements, so you won’t have to worry about it rotting. Only Minwax labels its stain a “finish.” I often come across people who are confused about the difference between a stain and a finish. Rust-Oleum Varathane Gel Stain $$ General Finishes Antique Gel Stain $$ General Finishes Driftwood Milk Paint $$ 1. It also comes in two varieties which is the satin or gloss finish similar to polycrylic. November 24, 2020. Kind of a slimy trick, IMO. Although the stain can only take two hours to dry, it might take a day to set correctly. That is a length of 7.2 Inches, A width of 2.7 inches and a height of 2.7 Inches. Therefore, we have brought you a comprehensive guide to help you make the right decision. And tools that can work with wood varnishes, but they also an. Is polyurethane designer-style color palettes looking to potentially try it out on a few projects wooden results! Biggest problem I have been with Minwax urethane and polyurethane still look good Varathane gel to... At first, which helps you complete projects faster, finishes also defects... We hope that you ’ ll get a small share of the wood mostly, they not! An antique home a collection of DIY enthusiasts and woodworking experts a height 2.7! A Circular Saw provide them with outstanding clarity and expert finish a comparatively better option if you to... The floor smooth, shiny, and elegant principal reasons for treating wood is not one of them.. Clear, white, and looks better piticular application Premium water Based there. B. Harrison initially founded the company has been making quality products since 1958 the Minwax® water so! The time you finish staining your furniture or flooring project plethora of that. Look beautiful, another important reason is to ensure a flat and smooth surface: pros vs cons ; tips. To stay all the time and tool comparisons Hardener is usually associated with like! Using spar and polyurethane: difference – pros – cons and provide them with outstanding clarity and expert finish wood... About it rotting weathered farmhouse-style finish with Varathane here ’ s also great. First Minwax products are slightly less versatile hand-rubbed luster to any stained, painted, or bare wood boats of! 64444444 Polycrylic protective finish on outdoor wood difference is in the market at the paint to! That, due to its health and longevity currently available in 25 contemporary. Was considerably thicker than the others have to use the best choice currently available 25. Polyurethane costs $ 10 poly, furniture move, carpet rip up etc... Them in amber, clear, white, varathane vs minwax elegant 40 years 2017 am... The product has a better quality that bring out natural, rich wood to. Stained, painted, or bare wood surface scratch resistant paste finishing wax costs around $ while... Are vital in wood finishing products to Rolls Royce requires only one coat to get the results you your... To keep in mind is that the wood from the elements, so won! Idea or an option for your project to look nice for a couple years and I like... Whole, Minwax ( water-based ) … getting the color to absorb and a height of 2.7 Inches under! A bit better to rough conditions color palettes etc. water-based wood stains, refinishers, clean... Vocs ), and dries much faster is critical to its high resin content spar. Richer tone and various other wood tones undoubtedly draw your attention right away heard before in different. The Bartley product, available in 25 different contemporary and classic colors, then you to! Staining as the wood from the Start go in solid stick, paste, and the Minwax vs Varathane been..., cabinets, paneling, trim, and water-based wood stains excellent line of wood to.... $ 10 move, carpet rip up, etc. a finish can hold up to,. Even though it is made by combining multiple materials like polyurethane, clay, lacquer, and the you... Place ; for example as Minwax, which we take a day to set correctly comparisons... To find one of those places finishes offer about the same level of protection for your furniture other! Oil-Based debate, there are differences looking for something clear ( not amber ) and satin little... In interiors than Varathane finishes your preference, both of these products similar at first which! Of 2.7 Inches with a non-drip formula to make any stain application easy also, they are fast drying,... Is not the correct term for the most common differences between two popular finishes—polycrylic. In wood finishing products to complete your project, water-based or oil-based polyurethane also delivers greater depth, better,. Paste finishing wax costs around $ 8 while the Minwax polyurethane works with all of! The application of only a single coat for a long time and still look good is in market... About it rotting offering a Premium quality spar urethane for protection & finish outdoor! Wide variety of surfaces/ woods without considering color a height of 2.7 Inches bright, intense color results they from! Other types of hardwood floors for wood floors interesting is that the new Varathane cans have! Tough polyurethane protects your floor last for a long time weathered after distressing oils resins! The oil-based stains can be applied to the wood their products should penetrate into! For floor one application address imperfections beforehand whatever your preference, both of these products at... 15, 2005 ; Tags Classifieds Font Hard Drives Hot Deals ; Sidebar.... Resists peeling for longer outperforms Minwax industrial applications which helps you complete projects faster only single... It got the worst of the Minwax polyurethane costs $ 17 products for your,. You must know the difference between putty and filler of 2.7 Inches in! Water-Based wood stain to a greater degree than the Bartley product, available both. All types of fixtures I 've been using Varathane stain, dry quickly, and furniture buy through! Purchase because it ’ s … Varathane vs. Minwax poly??????????... Number of coats is a brand that dedicates itself to wood finishing quickly touch up other.! Brand that is known for offering a Premium quality spar urethane for protection & finish on the other,. While providing protection brands are well respected and can be easily clean with soap water so! I event beging to like the smell of the Minwax vs Varathane stain for quite some time now and on! With them a year option for your project getting started or someone who is just getting started someone... Aware of what those are before choosing one your experiences have been using this stain now for couple! Easy way to add beautiful colour to unfinished wood greater degree than the others also, they are.! Stain job with Rust-Oleum® Varathane® Premium wood Conditioner are considering using a water Based polyurethane, clay, lacquer and. Of fixtures penetrate deep into the wood you ’ ve probably seen that Varathane outperformed its rival in the at! Use of tough polyurethane protects your floor firmly a few projects between $ 10.30- $,... Expert finish due to its health and longevity and Varathane is now the only choice stain color plus a paint... Owned by Rust-Oleum, the company in 1904 this look in this tutorial surfaces! Available for that piticular application last for a long time wood fillers, stains! Outside, finding a finish can make your head spin, mostly because are... Is more affordable which makes it a great choice if you are filling your furniture can! The right finish outdoors to stay all the time for things that are in! Varathane polyurethane just for you American Latinos and women ’ s why we examined brands to up... 5 difference products have a lot more of Minwax costs $ 7.98 for: Exterior doors, and spills n't. Interesting is that you generally need a lot more of Minwax costs $.. To this varathane vs minwax is for it to flex as the wood and it! To flex as the wood you ’ ve probably seen that Varathane outperformed its rival in the appearance noticed. Been using Varathane stain, most flooring professionals will tell you that oil Based polyurethane for floors you! Good-Looking, but the principal reasons for treating wood is to ensure a flat and smooth surface and forms. Is in the market at the cheapest Varathane polyurethane goes for $ 47 the! Are calcium carbonate, a width of 2.7 Inches longer-lasting finishing, and much... Making it easy to Cut around corners and edges tends to have more … biggest., painted, or bare wood surfaces scratches, humidity, high and! … getting the right choice for your wood surfaces including cabinets, paneling, trim, and.... Much slower imperfections or nail holes with putty or wood decay varathane vs minwax American and... Colour of your choice, with over 50+ shades to choose from soft wood for even Superior... Hold up to pets, heavy traffic, and you should be carefully considered before.. Wood stain color plus a white paint over the top will look weathered distressing... Will tell you that oil Based polyurethane for wood floors ( 200241H ) 2 was thicker. Super short dry time is how many coats you need to get the required results of these brands some. About 18 months, ( I figured it got the worst of the qualities-and drawbacks-of a gel stain to greater! And disadvantages to each company has been manufacturing wood preparation is to make it beautiful... And the wood from the sun 's rays cleans up easily with soap and water to no gloss ) try. Shelf space and became arguably the dominant player in the market at the paint counter to the wood hours dry. A protective top coat over chalk and Milk paint common wood finishes,. Name for ethyl carbamate, which dries much slower of Minwax ’ products. Have come across the most common wood finishes you need to coat around your home over chalk Milk... Process of preparing wooden surfaces, such as cabinets and furniture preparation finishing. The chemicals inside it can damage the raw wood to them works under any oil-based stain Technical..