Minwax vs Varathane: Which For Your Wood Finishing Project?

Man comparing Minwax vs Varathane

Not sure whether to choose Minwax or Varathane products for your wood refinishing projects? To help you make these decisions, I’m going to take an in-depth look at these brands and some of their products. I’ll also take a look at some common wood finishing questions. The top two brands for wood finishing products are …

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Spar Urethane vs Polyurethane: Which to Use?

Spar urethane vs polyurethane

Wood requires proper protection to prolong its life and keep it looking beautiful–and for that, the right wood finish is essential. Spar urethane and polyurethane are two of the most widely used protective products. But which one is best?  The answer? It depends. There are pros and cons to each, and you should understand them …

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Danish Oil vs Wood Stain: Which For Your Project?

Person dipping cloth in a can of wood stain

Two products used to beautify (and sometimes protect) wood are Danish oil and wood stain. Learn more about their similarities and differences by reading this article. I’ll also reveal the major differentiating factor between Danish oil and wood stain, and explain the best applications for each type of finish.  Feature Danish Oil Wood Stain Composition …

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Tung Oil vs Danish Oil: Which Finish For Your Project?

Freshly applied danish oil on a table

This article compares two different kinds of penetrating oil wood finish: tung oil and Danish oil.  Feature/Property Tung Oil Danish Oil Origin Harvested from seeds of the tung tree. Combination of varnish, drying oil, polymers, and solvents. Appearance Transparent liquid with a golden tint. Varies, but generally darkens wood. Toxicity Non-toxic and food safe. Contains …

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Tung Oil vs Teak Oil: Which Wood Finish is Best?

Hand brushing an oil finish on a wooden fence

Since most teak oils contain tung oil, it’s easy to get these two penetrating oil finishes confused. In this article I’ll clear up the confusion by defining each type of oil. I’ll review the similarities and differences between these two products before telling you when to use tung oil and when to choose teak oil …

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Olympic Waterguard vs. Thompson’s WaterSeal

Deck with water repelling finish

In this article, I compared two clear protective decking coats: Olympic Waterguard and Thompson WaterSeal. After reviewing the features of these two products, I’ll discuss the similarities and differences between them. Then, I’ll reveal the major differentiating factor, and advise you on when to use Olympic Waterguard, when to use Thompson WaterSeal, and which is …

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How To Match Wood Stain

Man holding a wooden board with two different kinds of stain

Sometimes you need to match new stain with an existing color. This article discusses how to match wood stain to get the perfect fit.

Shellac vs Polyurethane: Which Wood Finish Is Best?

Wooden chair with shellac finish

When it comes to finishing woods, the options can be overwhelming. If you’re trying to decide whether to use shellac or polyurethane on your next project, you’ve come to the right place.  In this article, I’ll introduce you to these two finishes and compare their qualities. I’ll review both similarities and differences, and define the …

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How Many Coats of Danish Oil Do I Need?

Person applying a coat of danish oil

Transforming the look of your wooden furniture is easy with Danish oil, but how many coats do you need to achieve that perfect finish? After defining this broadly used oil, I’ll also cover how long to wait between coats of Danish oil, how to burnish wood finished with Danish oil, and how to make Danish …

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How to Get a Smooth Lacquer Finish

Man spraying lacquer on wooden chair

Lacquer is a quick-drying, non-curing finish. It dries quickly, making it easy to build up multiple coats in a short period of time. If you work carefully with the right supplies you can easily build a smooth lacquer finish on any workpiece. Read this article to find out how.  How to Apply Lacquer with a …

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What Type of Rag to Use For Staining

Hand cleaning the wooden surface while wearing protective gloves and holding a rug cloth.

There are so many stain applicators from which to choose. For most situations, I recommend using a cotton cloth to apply stain rather than brushes or sprayers. However, rags come in all different types, and it is important to use the correct rage for the situation. Types of Cotton Rags that Can be Used for …

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How to Stain Wood Floors

Staining the wooden floor

Staining wood floors often comes at the end of the long and arduous floor restoration process. It is vital to get this last step perfect to ensure the brilliance of your hard work is on full display. I can guide you through the necessary steps to stain your wooden floors. Preparing to Stain Wood Floors …

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