But the most pressing concern for most users is this: does the brand matter? The enhanced ultraviolet absorbers found in Water Based Helmsman reduce the graying and fading effects of the sun and its superior formula allows for a rapid recoat. You can still see all customer reviews for the product. One other painted furniture item I want to mention are chairs either accent, kitchen or barstools. Required fields are marked *. But I thought maybe it was like that ceiling paint, where it is tinted to help you with application but dries clear. 0
I guess that is almost like asking if the brand of car you buy matters. Thanks. u, S 7Ry-^!,uK*If!y~5\%CID"jt6L=Dfm"Oj$fC.UGA5WHG>B~&y6 ^ee"zw\n-B2\
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W:]a~@jkZy+`j=UOG0Pz0uN? Then think if the painted finish is durable or not. Please read our comprehensive comparison guide to decided which polyurethane is best suited for your project. As such, Varathane Ultimate water-based poly is ready for a recoat in 2 hours, same as the ultra fast-drying Minwax options. While both products are good for wood, which one is the best? Impressed by Cabot's rep, I purchase a gallon of their semi-gloss water based polyurethane about 18 months ago waiting for the right time to use it. I dont recommend oil paint in general due to the difficult clean up, high VOCs, and because it yellows overtime. FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with large amounts of water for 15 minutes and get medical attention. But as you would expect from the market leaders, they remain one step ahead. The Varathane has a more oil-like odor, and the Minwax has an antique aroma when applied on wood surfaces. 
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Immediately place rags, steel wool, other waste soaked with this product, and sanding residue in a sealed, water-filled, metal container. While this was only 1/2 a pint I started applying it to my two short, oak book cases and covered the inside, outside and two shelves. Want to see ALL of my paint tutorials? In this article, were going to break down the differences between these two brands and help you decide once and for all. By looking at individual features in detail, we will be able to ascertain if there is a difference and how it should affect your buying decision. 0
This page works best with JavaScript. Applying polyurethane can be a pain on the wood surface. What that means is instead of creating different products with varying drying speeds, they put all of their eggs into one fast-drying basket. 
hb```c``*e`a`fc@ >f(Ov000 D `g`@, yt#EA6;o 11OH330
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There are also fast-drying polyurethanes, one-coat poly, aerosols, and four to five different sheens. However, that is not to say that VVarathanesproducts are left behind. Thanks for the info! As long as its bare wood, you can apply polyurethane on it, right? 
they ONLY seem to carry Varathane. Porch Daydreamer was named a 2021 Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker. I actually purchased this polyurethane through Amazon because it is difficult for me to get to a store that carrys any polyurethane in my neighborhood. Is this a big deal? HWKo6W(+F|,! For that reason, even when comparing Varathane vs Minwax water based polyurethane, it is difficult to call a clear winner. 
Dissimilar plastics will not adhere to each other. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. If you experience eye watering, headaches, or dizziness, increase fresh air, or wear respiratory protection (NIOSH approved) or leave the area. r\k5xFBKb#i\yh.mY7$o7}UmWl6-vj} IF~3/q K:?/v_.|o)0rM+7g#mQxx8kH(lNRUq#)NO8XwC`3{ZW/&XX|}i?h=1fNlwn85!g5ZLUIbyD k7h4-bMIn6g,ozYsUO]O[X'Vlrp)}]5$Plvd$MN1nG It is also worth knowing that Watco, which Rust-Oleum also owns, has a wipe-on poly, so Varathane sort of technically has one too? https://porchdaydreamer.com/category/home-design/home-tours/, 2022 Paint Color of the Year: Nature Inspired, The Right Length Cabinet Pulls for Doors and Drawers, 20 Cabinet Paint Color Combos for the Kitchen. It went on a bit PINK but I've used water borne products before and they had a little color during application. Good luck in your painting adventures , HOW-TO TEST A COLOR BEFORE PAINTING FURNITURE. The brand is sometimes listed as Rust-Oleum, which is the name of their parent company, but its the same product. endstream
endobj
startxref
Hello, I painted my kitchen cabinets with valspar cabinet and furniture enamel but two of the drawers are very close to one another and it scratched the paint. Of course, Im talking about Minwax wipe-on poly, which is one item Varathane lacks in its repertoire, but well get back to this later. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. If youre turning stabilized wood urethanes just arent compatible with stabilizing resin they either dont adhere and in some cases wont dry. Terry. Quick Drying Sealers to Put Over Painted Floors, Kitchen Cabinet Depot: Applying Polyurethane Finish to Kitchen Cabinets, 17 gardening gifts for the plant-lovers in your life, Scratch-Resistant Top Coat for Painted Wood Furniture. I need to paint over a dark green bookshelf and an oak table thats never been painted. My general rule of thumb on deciding to add a clear coat or not comes to some simple rules. If swallowed, call Poison Control Center, hospital emergency room, or physician immediately. To keep the furniture protected from toddler activities and messes, I applied 3 coats of semi-gloss polyurethane sanding in between. While that doesnt necessarily make them the best, they are certainly the most popular brands, and for a good reason. After all, what can beat super fast and ultra-fast? hYQo6+|l1(6m
t-AD#~wIdb.x,'pH -'$KjWD1mF,&.S9(29ag02pDi&5WtbN9Ne 5 If the answer is no, apply POLYURETHANE. CAUTIONS: CONTAINS ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS. Her work has been featured in HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens Magazine, Holiday Decor Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Apartment Therapy, Family Handyman, plus more! On unfinished wood, apply sufficient material to seal open joints, edges and end-grain. DANGER:Rags, steel wool, other waste soaked with this product, and sanding residue may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. Their storied reputation carried on as they became part of the Rust-Oleum company. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. If you are still just researching and havent painted your furniture, when faced with a sheen choice, please always use a SEMI-GLOSS sheen. My hope is ALL of these examples help you make your decision on whether to polyurethane your painted furniture finish or or not. If I could give this product negative stars I would! https://porchdaydreamer.com/category/home-design/home-tours/, Your email address will not be published. Dispose of in accordance with local fire regulations. As a result, minimizing the level of toxicity should always be a priority when choosing products. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal. Follow directions for application instructions and dry times. On the other hand, Varathane has a scratch repair polyurethane pen, which does exactly as the name suggests, and its pretty cool. When choosing the right polyurethane, many factors have to be considered, some of which I will elaborate on below. The table has held up to my many accessory changes, WITHOUT any polyurethane. No, Sherwin-Williams Co. acquired Thompson Minwax Holding Corp. from Forstmann Little & Co. for $830 million, making it the companys biggest acquisition to date in its effort to expand its market share in the United States. Besides that, they also have unique products like their triple coat poly, otherwise known as one-coat poly, and one-step wood stain + poly,gel wood stains, wood putty, oil-based wood stains, and water-based stains. G=>7tz`'cV_M'Mb*+]p[IlomroWwJzZWMU;V^ &;R93~Z*Xo*t
74*((Zm- IrzD."}H$xK>ttQTf*(X
If you havent guessed, I have some serious paint project experience and am an expert in painted finishes.
\q)O(V~tIJ"`wA xMC5#z4}/a@\O72ShcQd/K4NSnP&*YdqLk9RYvY.o This is a paint technology that acts like an oil and cures to a hard tough finish, Water based, which means soap and water clean up, Low odor, low VOC (volatile organic compounds/gasses), Available in almost all of Valspars paint colors (2,000+) plus custom tintable into other manufacturers colors. Minwax and many other manufacturers outrightly warn against this. Contains UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects, Forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture, Special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change, Ideal for use on doors, windows, trim, bathroom cabinets, bar tops, kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture. The more complex one is applying any type of polyurethane on the white-painted wood surface. Semi-Gloss and Satin finishes give you a nice balance between being easy to clean and also resisting scratches or other damage, but without being too shiny. Other products that help make applying polyurethane easier and quicker are aerosols. Hopefully, that will help you decide when to polyurethane over your painted furniture. It is also not the easiest to apply, and neither is it the most eco-friendly. Varathanes water-based polyurethane has been successfully applied on the white-painted wood surface without yellowing. Refund isn't enough, I want the time back I spent trying to remove this finish. With so many household name brands, it is not surprising that Minwax products sit on top of the polyurethane food chain. So, when choosing Varathane Vs Minwax polyurethane, does it even matter?
There really is no situation in which you must use one brand over the other. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. That is why we not only have water-based polyurethane but fast-drying water-based polyurethane and the increasingly popular one-coat poly. endstream endobj 658 0 obj <. endstream endobj 267 0 obj <>stream I took before and after pictures with a digital camera, but as I now have no memory card in the camera I cannot upload them to the site but will attempt to do so at a later date. If you want your woodworking project to be a blotchy coral-pink, then this is the product for you! Not at all, but its enough to give Minwax products the edge on this one. After all, Minwax has been in the industry for a good half-century longer, so it makes sense that theyll have more wood finishing products. But what sets it apart from other wood finishes is its durability. I then coated them with the Cabot poly. I need a white and an aqua. As they are rival companies, Minwax will only recommend you use their own products, but that isnt necessary. Spending a few days to apply a protective coat that will last for years is a good trade-off unless it makes you sick in the process. Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane is specially formulated as a protective clear finish for exterior or interior wood exposed to sunlight, water, or temperature changes. If you must use poly over white paint, test it on a small area first. Sorry for the crummy old picture, but you get the idea. This product shaves hours off the application process. If a third coat is desired, repeat Step 6 before applying. Minwaxs water-based stains and polyurethanes have a maximum VOC of 275 grams per liter (g/L), which is very impressive. Now, we return to the age-old battle between polyurethane and speed. That furniture stood up to years of abuse and looked great until the day I sold it! Note: For exterior surfaces or for previously unfinished wood, 3 coats are recommended. Each piece of painted furniture is unique, so I wont to cover every scenario, but can at least give you some general guidelines.
It really gets into the grain of the wood. I have heard of urethane primers but I have not experiment much with this? Whereas- Lowes carry Minwax and NOT varathane. There are no hard and fast rules, so hopefully this guide gets you thinking about how the painted piece is used. Polyurethane is plastic as is epoxy. Because I used an enamel hybrid the finish is hard and durable. The easiest way to apply polyurethane might be with an aerosol can, and both companies have those. Before coating a painted surface with water-based floor polyurethane, it's essential to allow the paint to cure. Besides exterior polyurethane, you can also use spar urethane for outdoor works. Sanding it off was a bear. While all polyurethanes do the same task, some do it better than others, which is a similar argument for cars. -sXJ F2FF?skZ+~J`Sh :J}+ *iqyG:ob?Zh>HaF\4Qp-;pNv1?&x:oL$t:ry\Xt mmzO;CQmoBV=ria+8Bh.Kr~EfzYZ=V%$i_\}y;:b$ *C!(*#bT~gMDJg1J!H?(+ W-6&NMqI-P>}Q_="C?!Y{\_8&a},em*GqJL&6U9m&KX>`0'$.Ap}D;s'qO,:cZ)`eO>Y YDw Id be highly surprised if they were going under.
261 0 obj
<>
endobj
Immediately place rags, steel wool, other waste soaked with this product, and sanding residue in a sealed, water-filled, metal container. While this was only 1/2 a pint I started applying it to my two short, oak book cases and covered the inside, outside and two shelves. Want to see ALL of my paint tutorials? In this article, were going to break down the differences between these two brands and help you decide once and for all. By looking at individual features in detail, we will be able to ascertain if there is a difference and how it should affect your buying decision. 0
This page works best with JavaScript. Applying polyurethane can be a pain on the wood surface. What that means is instead of creating different products with varying drying speeds, they put all of their eggs into one fast-drying basket. hb```c``*e`a`fc@ >f(Ov000 D `g`@, yt#EA6;o 11OH330
@(`
There are also fast-drying polyurethanes, one-coat poly, aerosols, and four to five different sheens. However, that is not to say that VVarathanesproducts are left behind. Thanks for the info! As long as its bare wood, you can apply polyurethane on it, right? they ONLY seem to carry Varathane. Porch Daydreamer was named a 2021 Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker. I actually purchased this polyurethane through Amazon because it is difficult for me to get to a store that carrys any polyurethane in my neighborhood. Is this a big deal? HWKo6W(+F|,! For that reason, even when comparing Varathane vs Minwax water based polyurethane, it is difficult to call a clear winner. Dissimilar plastics will not adhere to each other. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. If you experience eye watering, headaches, or dizziness, increase fresh air, or wear respiratory protection (NIOSH approved) or leave the area. r\k5xFBKb#i\yh.mY7$o7}UmWl6-vj} IF~3/q K:?/v_.|o)0rM+7g#mQxx8kH(lNRUq#)NO8XwC`3{ZW/&XX|}i?h=1fNlwn85!g5ZLUIbyD k7h4-bMIn6g,ozYsUO]O[X'Vlrp)}]5$Plvd$MN1nG It is also worth knowing that Watco, which Rust-Oleum also owns, has a wipe-on poly, so Varathane sort of technically has one too? https://porchdaydreamer.com/category/home-design/home-tours/, 2022 Paint Color of the Year: Nature Inspired, The Right Length Cabinet Pulls for Doors and Drawers, 20 Cabinet Paint Color Combos for the Kitchen. It went on a bit PINK but I've used water borne products before and they had a little color during application. Good luck in your painting adventures , HOW-TO TEST A COLOR BEFORE PAINTING FURNITURE. The brand is sometimes listed as Rust-Oleum, which is the name of their parent company, but its the same product. endstream
endobj
startxref
Hello, I painted my kitchen cabinets with valspar cabinet and furniture enamel but two of the drawers are very close to one another and it scratched the paint. Of course, Im talking about Minwax wipe-on poly, which is one item Varathane lacks in its repertoire, but well get back to this later. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. If youre turning stabilized wood urethanes just arent compatible with stabilizing resin they either dont adhere and in some cases wont dry. Terry. Quick Drying Sealers to Put Over Painted Floors, Kitchen Cabinet Depot: Applying Polyurethane Finish to Kitchen Cabinets, 17 gardening gifts for the plant-lovers in your life, Scratch-Resistant Top Coat for Painted Wood Furniture. I need to paint over a dark green bookshelf and an oak table thats never been painted. My general rule of thumb on deciding to add a clear coat or not comes to some simple rules. If swallowed, call Poison Control Center, hospital emergency room, or physician immediately. To keep the furniture protected from toddler activities and messes, I applied 3 coats of semi-gloss polyurethane sanding in between. While that doesnt necessarily make them the best, they are certainly the most popular brands, and for a good reason. After all, what can beat super fast and ultra-fast? hYQo6+|l1(6m
t-AD#~wIdb.x,'pH -'$KjWD1mF,&.S9(29ag02pDi&5WtbN9Ne 5 If the answer is no, apply POLYURETHANE. CAUTIONS: CONTAINS ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS. Her work has been featured in HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens Magazine, Holiday Decor Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Apartment Therapy, Family Handyman, plus more! On unfinished wood, apply sufficient material to seal open joints, edges and end-grain. DANGER:Rags, steel wool, other waste soaked with this product, and sanding residue may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. Their storied reputation carried on as they became part of the Rust-Oleum company. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. If you are still just researching and havent painted your furniture, when faced with a sheen choice, please always use a SEMI-GLOSS sheen. My hope is ALL of these examples help you make your decision on whether to polyurethane your painted furniture finish or or not. If I could give this product negative stars I would! https://porchdaydreamer.com/category/home-design/home-tours/, Your email address will not be published. Dispose of in accordance with local fire regulations. As a result, minimizing the level of toxicity should always be a priority when choosing products. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal. Follow directions for application instructions and dry times. On the other hand, Varathane has a scratch repair polyurethane pen, which does exactly as the name suggests, and its pretty cool. When choosing the right polyurethane, many factors have to be considered, some of which I will elaborate on below. The table has held up to my many accessory changes, WITHOUT any polyurethane. No, Sherwin-Williams Co. acquired Thompson Minwax Holding Corp. from Forstmann Little & Co. for $830 million, making it the companys biggest acquisition to date in its effort to expand its market share in the United States. Besides that, they also have unique products like their triple coat poly, otherwise known as one-coat poly, and one-step wood stain + poly,gel wood stains, wood putty, oil-based wood stains, and water-based stains. G=>7tz`'cV_M'Mb*+]p[IlomroWwJzZWMU;V^ &;R93~Z*Xo*t
74*((Zm- IrzD."}H$xK>ttQTf*(X If you havent guessed, I have some serious paint project experience and am an expert in painted finishes.
\q)O(V~tIJ"`wA xMC5#z4}/a@\O72ShcQd/K4NSnP&*YdqLk9RYvY.o This is a paint technology that acts like an oil and cures to a hard tough finish, Water based, which means soap and water clean up, Low odor, low VOC (volatile organic compounds/gasses), Available in almost all of Valspars paint colors (2,000+) plus custom tintable into other manufacturers colors. Minwax and many other manufacturers outrightly warn against this. Contains UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects, Forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture, Special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change, Ideal for use on doors, windows, trim, bathroom cabinets, bar tops, kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture. The more complex one is applying any type of polyurethane on the white-painted wood surface. Semi-Gloss and Satin finishes give you a nice balance between being easy to clean and also resisting scratches or other damage, but without being too shiny. Other products that help make applying polyurethane easier and quicker are aerosols. Hopefully, that will help you decide when to polyurethane over your painted furniture. It is also not the easiest to apply, and neither is it the most eco-friendly. Varathanes water-based polyurethane has been successfully applied on the white-painted wood surface without yellowing. Refund isn't enough, I want the time back I spent trying to remove this finish. With so many household name brands, it is not surprising that Minwax products sit on top of the polyurethane food chain. So, when choosing Varathane Vs Minwax polyurethane, does it even matter?
There really is no situation in which you must use one brand over the other. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. That is why we not only have water-based polyurethane but fast-drying water-based polyurethane and the increasingly popular one-coat poly. endstream endobj 658 0 obj <. endstream endobj 267 0 obj <>stream I took before and after pictures with a digital camera, but as I now have no memory card in the camera I cannot upload them to the site but will attempt to do so at a later date. If you want your woodworking project to be a blotchy coral-pink, then this is the product for you! Not at all, but its enough to give Minwax products the edge on this one. After all, Minwax has been in the industry for a good half-century longer, so it makes sense that theyll have more wood finishing products. But what sets it apart from other wood finishes is its durability. I then coated them with the Cabot poly. I need a white and an aqua. As they are rival companies, Minwax will only recommend you use their own products, but that isnt necessary. Spending a few days to apply a protective coat that will last for years is a good trade-off unless it makes you sick in the process. Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane is specially formulated as a protective clear finish for exterior or interior wood exposed to sunlight, water, or temperature changes. If you must use poly over white paint, test it on a small area first. Sorry for the crummy old picture, but you get the idea. This product shaves hours off the application process. If a third coat is desired, repeat Step 6 before applying. Minwaxs water-based stains and polyurethanes have a maximum VOC of 275 grams per liter (g/L), which is very impressive. Now, we return to the age-old battle between polyurethane and speed. That furniture stood up to years of abuse and looked great until the day I sold it! Note: For exterior surfaces or for previously unfinished wood, 3 coats are recommended. Each piece of painted furniture is unique, so I wont to cover every scenario, but can at least give you some general guidelines.
It really gets into the grain of the wood. I have heard of urethane primers but I have not experiment much with this? Whereas- Lowes carry Minwax and NOT varathane. There are no hard and fast rules, so hopefully this guide gets you thinking about how the painted piece is used. Polyurethane is plastic as is epoxy. Because I used an enamel hybrid the finish is hard and durable. The easiest way to apply polyurethane might be with an aerosol can, and both companies have those. Before coating a painted surface with water-based floor polyurethane, it's essential to allow the paint to cure. Besides exterior polyurethane, you can also use spar urethane for outdoor works. Sanding it off was a bear. While all polyurethanes do the same task, some do it better than others, which is a similar argument for cars. -sXJ F2FF?skZ+~J`Sh :J}+ *iqyG:ob?Zh>HaF\4Qp-;pNv1?&x:oL$t:ry\Xt mmzO;CQmoBV=ria+8Bh.Kr~EfzYZ=V%$i_\}y;:b$ *C!(*#bT~gMDJg1J!H?(+ W-6&NMqI-P>}Q_="C?!Y{\_8&a},em*GqJL&6U9m&KX>`0'$.Ap}D;s'qO,:cZ)`eO>Y YDw Id be highly surprised if they were going under.