Varathane 381118 Water Based Wood Stain, Quart, Espresso

The color went on to a cabinet with a great finish job. It was easy to work with and made me look like I was a professional. I used only two rags for a cabinet that I stained in white. The first one to rub off the heavy part and the second one to smooth it out and the cabinet came out fantastic.

I used Varathane 381119 Water Based Wood Stain on a table I built, and I’m really happy with how it turned out. It went on smoothly, dried fast, and had very little odor, which made it easy to use indoors. The color came out even and clean, and it really brought out the grain in the wood. Overall, it was simple to work with and gave my table a solid, professional-looking finish.

Works great and great prices too. Cheaper than priced at the hardware stores. Love that it comes in the small can, so it can be easily used on smaller projects. Highly recommend! Dries almost clear. Has a small tint but much better than other products and water based, so very easy to clean up and won't yellow over time.

Not one complaint.. easy clean up good coverage and nice dark color covered existing paint stain etc I will buy again

I've never used a water-based stain before, so this was a new experience and not without lessons learned. I needed something that would hold up to a clear epoxy finish, and this one works. The stain is darker than I had imagined and I used it on Acacia, a hardwood with a fairly narrow wood grain. I can't imagine how dark this would be on a softwood, but it would have to be borderline black. It's also kind of a dustier looking finish than what I'd thought, though that will certainly change when I put the clear epoxy over the top. Overall, this is a good value for the money and I did two bathroom countertops plus a small shelf and still didn't go through more than 1/4th of a quart. It dried quickly and has a good quality in my opinion, with no stain coming off on my hand or a cloth after it dried. That was something I was concerned with using a water based stain. Completely dry in 24 hours, though I could have put additional stain on in under an hour with boards left outside in the sun. Lessons learned: * Work fast - there isn't much time to even out coloring as it starts to dry quickly * Have all your brushes and tools very handy and get the residual spread fast and wiped down or you'll end up with blotches * If working with a large area, have an extra set of hands. One to apply, the other to rub it in and remove it. * Apply lightly as it tends to be darker faster than anticipated. You can always go back and apply more later.

Used Smoke Gray to stain “premium” Home Depot 2x6 pine boards for some simple shelves I built. I like the aged/weathered look and usually apply a gray stain layer then add “highlights” using a black stain to bring out some darker edges and grains. With this version, I didn’t have to add the second highlight coat. I just left some heavier areas of stain and they naturally provided the contrast. I like this better than the other gray Varathane weathered wood stain I usually use. This version is thicker and more gel like vs. being watery. The smell is much less too. Cleanup is easy with Dawn and water. I applied it with a cheap acrylic brush and wiped of excess in some areas with a rag and paper towel.

This was a Disaster! I cannot believe the Terrible quality of this product. I am so surprised. The stain pigment did not bind to the liquid inside can, no matter how much you stir, shake, doesn't matter. It is chunky, gritty liquid that went onto my deck like dirt. See photos. I don't know if this is just an expired can but I will not make this purchase again. It ruined the portion of deck I tried it on. I will have to sand it off in order to start over.

Bought this as an external protectant for my above ground planters. I love the dark color! It coats very well, wipes away easily, dries very fast in the sun (VERY FAST). It smells like stain, but I did it outside and in CO there is always a wind of some sort so it wasn't all that bothersome. It cleaned up pretty easily as it's water based. All in all it was a good value. I used 2 of these to stain both planters. I'd use it again easily.

Realmente no tiene el tono de nogal oscuro ni siquiera de el nogal americano no se dejen engañar por el tono de la presentación