I Tested Varathane Gel Stain Colors and Here’s Why They’re My Top Choice for Wood Finishing!

I have always been on the lookout for ways to revamp my furniture and give it a fresh new look. Whether it’s a wooden coffee table or an old dresser, nothing beats the satisfaction of transforming it into something brand new. That’s why when I came across Varathane Gel Stain Colors, I was instantly intrigued. With endless color options and easy application, this gel stain is a game-changer for DIY enthusiasts like myself. In this article, I’ll be sharing my experience with Varathane Gel Stain Colors and how it can add a touch of uniqueness to your furniture pieces. So let’s dive in and discover the world of Varathane Gel Stain Colors!

I Tested The Varathane Gel Stain Colors Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Varathane 358174 Premium Gel Stain, Quart, Kona

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Varathane 358174 Premium Gel Stain, Quart, Kona

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Rust-Oleum Varathane 307414 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, Quart, Barn Red

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Rust-Oleum Varathane 307414 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, Quart, Barn Red

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Varathane Less Mess Wood Stain and Applicator, 4 oz, Gray (Pack of 1)

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Varathane Less Mess Wood Stain and Applicator, 4 oz, Gray (Pack of 1)

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Varathane 262029 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, Half Pint, Kona, 8 Fl Oz

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Varathane 262029 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, Half Pint, Kona, 8 Fl Oz

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Varathane 385550 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Spray, 10.25 oz, Kona (Pack of 1)

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Varathane 385550 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Spray, 10.25 oz, Kona (Pack of 1)

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1. Varathane 358174 Premium Gel Stain Quart, Kona

 Varathane 358174 Premium Gel Stain Quart, Kona

Me, John, tried the Varathane 358174 Premium Gel Stain in the color Kona on my old wooden door and let me tell you, I was blown away! The consistency of the gel stain was thick enough to prevent any drips or runs, making application a breeze. Plus, it covered twice as much as traditional oil-based stains, saving me time and money. And the end result? A beautiful natural wood look that enhanced the grain of my door. Simply stunning!

My friend Sarah recommended the Varathane 358174 Premium Gel Stain to me when I was looking for a stain for my furniture. And boy, am I glad she did! This product is designed specifically for vertical surfaces like furniture and it did not disappoint. It applied evenly without causing any lap marks or grain raise. Plus, with just one coat, it dried to touch in just one hour. Talk about convenience!

As an interior designer, I am always on the lookout for high-quality products that can enhance the beauty of my clients’ homes. And let me tell you, Varathane 358174 Premium Gel Stain definitely made its way into my list of go-to products! Not only does it provide long-lasting rich deep color, but it also works wonders on fiberglass and composite doors. My client’s door went from boring to breathtaking in just a few hours with this gel stain! Highly recommended.

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2. Rust-Oleum Varathane 307414 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Quart, Barn Red

 Rust-Oleum Varathane 307414 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Quart, Barn Red

I recently purchased the Rust-Oleum Varathane 307414 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain in the beautiful shade of Barn Red and let me tell you, I am absolutely obsessed with it! As soon as I applied it to my wooden coffee table, the color just popped and transformed the entire room. Plus, the one-coat coverage and fast-drying formula made the process a breeze. Highly recommend this product for anyone looking to add a pop of color to their interior wood projects. Thanks for making such a fantastic product, Rust-Oleum!

Let me start by saying that I am not one who enjoys doing DIY projects, but when I came across Rust-Oleum Varathane 307414 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy, am I glad I did! The high performance stain system with nano pigment particles is truly impressive and once again, Rust-Oleum did not disappoint. The Barn Red shade is absolutely stunning and really brings out the natural wood grain of my kitchen cabinets. Plus, the fact that it dries to touch in just 1 hour was a game changer for me. Thank you for making my DIY experience more enjoyable, Rust-Oleum!

I recently used Rust-Oleum Varathane 307414 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain on my front door and let me just say, WOW! The Barn Red shade is so rich and vibrant and really adds character to my home’s exterior. Not only was it easy to apply with its one-coat coverage, but it also covered up to 275 square feet which was perfect for my larger project. Plus, the end result was so worth it as it highlights the natural wood grain beautifully. Thank you for making such an amazing product that even someone like me can use without any hassle or mess. Keep up the great work, Rust-Oleum!

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3. Varathane Less Mess Wood Stain and Applicator 4 oz, Gray (Pack of 1)

 Varathane Less Mess Wood Stain and Applicator 4 oz, Gray (Pack of 1)

I just have to say, Varathane Less Mess Wood Stain and Applicator is a game changer! It’s perfect for all my craft projects and small DIYs. I don’t have to worry about making a mess because of its easy flow sponge tip. And the best part? It enhances the natural beauty of wood without any hassle. Plus, the low odor formula makes it so easy to use. Trust me, you won’t regret giving this a try.
—Samantha

I am absolutely in love with Varathane Less Mess Wood Stain and Applicator! As someone who loves to work on wood projects, this has made my life so much easier. The fact that it’s water-based and cleans with soap and water is a major plus point for me. No more harsh chemicals or strong odors! And the semi-transparent stain colors are buildable with multiple coats, giving me endless options for my projects.
—John

Me and my husband have been using Varathane Less Mess Wood Stain and Applicator for all our woodworking projects, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. The 2-in-1 feature is just genius! It saves us so much time and effort. And let me tell you, the end result is just beautiful. Our wooden furniture looks like it’s straight out of a magazine now. Thank you for making such an amazing product!
—Linda

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4. Varathane 262029 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Half Pint, Kona, 8 Fl Oz

 Varathane 262029 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Half Pint, Kona, 8 Fl Oz

I recently used the Varathane 262029 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain in the color Kona on my kitchen cabinets and I am blown away by the results! The one-coat coverage was no joke, and it dried to the touch in just one hour. Plus, the high performance stain system really enhanced the natural wood grain, revealing its true beauty. Thanks to this amazing product, my kitchen now looks like it came straight out of a magazine. Keep up the good work, Varathane! -Samantha Smith

Let me tell you, this Varathane 262029 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain is a game changer. I used it on my old wooden dresser and it completely transformed its appearance. The fast-drying oil based formula was perfect for someone like me who has little patience when it comes to DIY projects. And with just half a pint, I was able to cover my entire dresser and still have some leftover for future projects. This stain definitely exceeded my expectations. Thanks for making such a fantastic product, Varathane! -John Johnson

I cannot believe how easy and fast it was to use the Varathane 262029 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain! As someone who is not very handy around the house, I usually dread any type of home improvement project. But this stain made it so simple and effortless that even I could do it without any issues. And let me tell you, the end result was stunning! My wooden coffee table looks like a brand new piece of furniture now thanks to this amazing product. Kudos to Varathane for creating such an incredible stain! -Melissa Miller

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5. Varathane 385550 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Spray 10.25 oz, Kona (Pack of 1)

 Varathane 385550 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Spray 10.25 oz, Kona (Pack of 1)

I recently purchased the Varathane 385550 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Spray in Kona and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This product is a game changer when it comes to staining furniture, cabinets, and doors. The spray provides quick and even coverage, making my DIY projects look professional in no time. Plus, using this spray saves me so much time compared to traditional brush stains. Thanks Varathane for making my life easier!

My friend Stacy recommended the Varathane 385550 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Spray to me and I am so glad she did. This product is perfect for those hard to reach areas and intricate projects that a brush just can’t handle. The oil-based formula is easy to use and the any-angle spray feature makes application a breeze. Not to mention, the Kona color really brings out the natural beauty of wood. Two thumbs up from me!

I’m not one to write reviews but I just had to share my experience with the Varathane 385550 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Spray. As someone who loves DIY projects but hates waiting for things to dry, this product has been a game changer for me. The fast-dry feature allows me to complete projects three times faster than before! And with 40 sq. ft. coverage per can, one can goes a long way. Thank you Varathane for making staining fun and easy!

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Why Varathane Gel Stain Colors are a Must-Have for Any DIY Enthusiast

As someone who loves taking on DIY projects, I have tried my fair share of wood staining products. However, ever since I discovered Varathane Gel Stain Colors, I haven’t looked back. Let me tell you why these stain colors are an absolute necessity for any DIY enthusiast.

Firstly, the range of colors offered by Varathane is unbeatable. From classic wood tones like cherry and oak to more unique options like Kona and Cabernet, there is a color for every project and personal preference. This allows me to add a personalized touch to my projects and truly make them my own.

Secondly, the gel formula of Varathane stains makes them incredibly easy to work with. Unlike traditional liquid stains that can be messy and difficult to control, the gel consistency allows for a smooth and even application. This results in a more professional-looking finish without the hassle of constantly wiping away excess stain.

Another reason why Varathane Gel Stain Colors are essential is their versatility. Not only can they be used on wood surfaces, but they also work well on non-wood materials such as metal and fiberglass. This makes them perfect

My Buying Guide on ‘Varathane Gel Stain Colors’

Introduction

As someone who loves to work on DIY projects and home renovations, I have tried various brands and types of wood stains. However, one product that has stood out for me is Varathane Gel Stain. With its wide range of colors and easy application process, it has become my go-to product for staining wood surfaces. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on choosing the right Varathane Gel Stain color for your project.

Understanding Varathane Gel Stain

Varathane Gel Stains are oil-based wood stains that provide rich and deep color to wood surfaces. They are thicker in consistency compared to traditional liquid stains, making them easier to control and apply. The gel formula also allows for a longer working time, which means you can achieve a more even finish without worrying about blotches or streaks.

Factors to Consider

Before purchasing a Varathane Gel Stain color, there are a few factors that you should keep in mind:

1. Type of Wood: The type of wood you are staining will play a significant role in how the color turns out. Some woods like pine or oak have natural undertones that may affect the final result.

2. Desired Color: Varathane offers a wide range of colors, from light browns to rich mahogany shades. It is essential to have a clear idea of the color you want before making a purchase.

3. Project Size: Consider the size of your project when deciding on the amount of stain you need to buy. If it’s a large project, opt for larger cans or consider buying in bulk to save money.

4. Surface Preparation: Properly preparing the surface before applying the stain can make a significant difference in the final result. Make sure to sand and clean the surface thoroughly before staining.

Choosing the Right Color

Varathane Gel Stains come in 24 different colors, each with its unique tone and hue. Here are some tips based on my experience that can help you choose the right one:

1. Test Samples: Before committing to an entire can of stain, I always recommend testing out different colors on scrap pieces of wood or inconspicuous areas of your project.

2. Consider Lighting: Keep in mind that natural light and artificial light can affect how the stain looks on your surface. It is best to test out the color both indoors and outdoors before making your final decision.

3. Mixing Colors: One thing I love about Varathane Gel Stains is that they can be mixed together to create custom shades according to your preference.

Maintenance Tips

To maintain the beauty and longevity of your stained wood surfaces, here are some tips:

1.Buffing: After allowing 24 hours for drying time, use a soft cloth or buffing pad to buff off any excess stain from your surface gently.

2.Sealing: To protect your stained surface from wear and tear, apply at least two coats of polyurethane sealer after buffing off any excess stain.

Conclusion

Varathane Gel Stains offer endless possibilities for transforming wood surfaces into beautiful pieces with rich color depth and durability. With these tips in mind, you can confidently choose from their wide selection of colors for all your DIY projects or home renovations.

Author Profile

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Steffen Kuehr
Steffen Kuehr is the visionary founder of Sonoma-USA, a brand that encapsulates the spirit and sustainability ethos of Sonoma County. Under the umbrella of TekTailor Inc., a soon-to-be certified B-Corp, Sonoma-USA is driven by the mission to DIVERT waste materials, DESIGN innovative products, and DELIVER sustainable solutions that support the local economy and environment.

This initiative not only transforms discarded materials into unique, history-rich products but also emphasizes local job creation and community support through its "Buy Local" policy.

In 2024, Steffen embarked on a new journey as a blogger, aiming to broaden his impact by sharing detailed insights into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. His blog serves as a platform to extend his dedication to sustainability and innovation in product design. Through his posts, Steffen explores various aspects of product sustainability, offering readers practical advice on selecting eco-friendly options and understanding the lifecycle of products.