When staining wood projects, a common question that arises is whether a top coat is necessary after applying a Varathane wood stain. The short answer is – it depends! There are pros and cons to using a top coat over Varathane wood stain that are important to consider when deciding on your project’s finish.
What is Varathane Wood Stain?
Varathane is a popular brand of wood stain made by Rust-Oleum. Varathane offers oil-based and water-based wood stains in a variety of opacities and colors for staining and protecting wood projects.
Here are the key features of Varathane wood stain:
- Penetrates deep into wood for rich, uniform coloring
- Enhances the natural grain and texture of the wood
- Dries faster than traditional oil-based stains
- Provides some protection from UV damage
- Available in over 100 custom wood stain colors
Varathane makes wood stains in different finishes:
- Clear or Transparent – allows the natural wood grain to show through
- Semitransparent – offers partial wood grain visibility
- Semi-solid – provides more solid color with some grain visibility
- Solid or Opaque – obscures most of the natural wood grain
Do You Need a Top Coat with Varathane Stain?
There are a few considerations when deciding on a top coat over Varathane stained wood:
Pros of Using a Top Coat
- Added protection – Top coats create a protective barrier over the stain
- Increased durability – Top coats help resist scratches, scuffs and fading
- Enhanced aesthetics – Top coats can create extra vibrancy and depth
- Easier to clean – Top coated surfaces can just be wiped down
Cons of Using a Top Coat
- Additional time – Applying a top coat adds extra time to the project
- Potential chip or scratch – Top coats can chip or scratch over time
- Cost – Top coats add extra cost in supplies
- Odors – Oil-based top coats have strong fumes
When a Top Coat is Recommended
Here are some situations when a top coat is recommended over Varathane stained wood:
- High traffic surfaces like floors and tabletops
- Outdoor furniture exposed to weathering
- Furniture that will get frequent handling or cleaning
- If you want extra protection and vibrancy
- For additional durability on kids’ furniture or toys
When a Top Coat May Not be Needed
Here are some examples when a top coat may not be necessary:
- Interior wood that won’t get heavy use
- Wood surfaces purely for aesthetic purposes
- Projects where you prefer a more natural, matte finish
- If cost and time constraints are a concern
Best Top Coats to Use Over Varathane
If you do choose to top coat over your Varathane stained wood, here are some great options:
| Top Coat | Features |
|---|---|
| Polyurethane |
|
| Varathane Premium Polyurethane |
|
| Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane |
|
| Water-based Polyacrylic |
|
| Lacquer |
|
| Shellac |
|
| Rubio Monocoat |
|
How to Apply a Top Coat Over Varathane
When top coating over a Varathane stained wood surface, proper preparation and application technique will ensure optimal results:
- Allow the Varathane stain to fully cure as directed, typically 24-48 hours.
- Lightly sand the surface with 220-400 grit sandpaper to promote adhesion.
- Clean away any sanding dust with a dry lint-free cloth.
- Apply the first coat of top coat according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Allow proper drying time based on humidity and temperature.
- Gently sand again with 320-400 grit after first coat dries.
- Wipe away dust and apply the second coat of top coat.
- For best results apply 2-3 coats of top coat, sanding in between coats.
- Allow the final top coat to fully cure 72 hours before use.
Applying thin, even coats of top coat and proper sanding between coats will produce a beautifully smooth, durable finish showcasing the richness of your Varathane stained wood.
FAQs
Does Varathane need to be sealed?
Varathane wood stains do not require a top coat or sealer in all cases. For indoor wood surfaces that won’t get heavy wear, Varathane can stand alone without a top coat. For outdoor projects or frequently used surfaces, a top coat is recommended over Varathane for added protection and longevity.
What sheen top coat goes with Varathane stain?
The sheen of top coat that pairs best with Varathane stain comes down to personal preference. Most commonly satin or semi-gloss polyurethanes are used over Varathane stained wood. Satin provides a smooth finish with some subtle shine. Semi-gloss has a bit more luster for extra richness.
Can I use water based polyurethane over Varathane?
Yes, water-based polyurethane can be used as a top coat over Varathane oil-based wood stain. Water-based polys dry faster and have less odor during application. The clarity of the water-based poly helps showcase the Varathane wood stain color beautifully.
How long does it take for Varathane to cure before top coat?
It’s important to allow Varathane wood stain to fully cure before applying a top coat. Oil-based Varathane stains take 24-48 hours to cure. Water-based Varathane stains dry faster, in as little as 1 hour, but still need additional curing time of 24 hours before top coating for best durability.
Conclusion
Choosing whether to top coat Varathane stained wood requires weighing factors like the intended use of the project, desired look, and time constraints. For heavy use surfaces, outdoors, or when you want extra protection, a top coat is recommended over Varathane wood stain. Polyurethane, polyacrylics or lacquer make excellent clear top coat pairings. But for lightly used indoor wood, Varathane can stand alone with beautiful results. Test samples boards help determine if your project would benefit from the additional time and cost of a protective top coat over stained wood.
