Watch Before You Buy Varathane One Step Stain & Poly

Is Varathane One Step Poly any good or is it a waste of money? In this video you can see what a finished table top looks like after using the product.

[AshlyCuster]

Forget the haters! I appreciate the honest review of the products…and I totally agree with you on the stain+poly one step product! Tried it once and I HATED it. Thought maybe the spray might be better but I’m skeptical so I landed here watching your video. Good thing, because I’m not going to waste my time sanding it down twice. I’m sticking to the good old fashion way of refinishing. It’s more work, but the result is unmatched (not to mention reliable). Thanks for saving me the trouble!! Keep up the awesome reviews!

[shack]

you totally right, i have the same issue and got poor paint out of the can, bought it at Amazon and not able to get paint, to be clear Varathane no good at all.

[majorpixchannel]

I have to agree... however, if you are completely new to finishing timber and have no interest in learning! This might be for you!
It leaves the project looking loads better and does give it protection!

[danalaniz]

Excellent review and demonstration. You saved me from the temptation of taking a short cut. Thanks!

[mario-t]

Thanks Tom for saving tip. Do you know any other product to apply over polyurethane without removing finish?
I

[JohnOsen]

I tried the 'liquid' brush on version before seeing this video. Seam lines were extremely disappointing. Thanks for posting. Now I need to strip the project. How did you strip it?

[carolinahurtado]

Hi, you mentioned that you removed the initial test with the Varathane spray stain, how you did it? I’m trying by sanding, not sure if this is a foos way good to go?

[coachrooney]

Howdy Tom. I been toying with an idea of making wipe on poly using the polyshade stuff. What’s your thoughts.

[pteddie]

Hey, Tom. You did a good job sanding off the finish on that table. I'm with you. I don't like any of those 'one step wonders'. Thanks for showing us what the spray does and doesn't do.
The final job on that table is outstanding. The finish is perfect.
Again, thanks for sharing this.

[Thnbzr]

I used this stuff on my table. How did you get it all off? Did you just sand it off? I think I'm going to remove all of it and start over as well.

[draconisdragonheart]

The product is really a toner. If you sand down to the wood, then the two step process stain first then poly works best. I used it when I refinished a desk but didn't remove the original stain.

[MarkMcCluney]

Okay, I'm convinced. The final job looks just magnificent. Incidentally, Stumpy Nubs has a wee vid about making your own wipe-on polyurethane varnish. It's just the usual oil-based product diluted with white spirit (is that what's called mineral spirits there?) It works out a good bit cheaper and (according to James) it's the same stuff. Diluting it fifty-fifty, or even weaker, makes a very useful product too. You splosh it on, wipe it well in and it will dry in no time, almost immediately. Lots and lots of thin coats can be applied quickly. I used this method for some ukulele and mini-guitar necks that I wanted to get finished quickly and it worked terrifically well. It may take some experimentation but I'd really recommend trying. Thanks Tom, this was great food for thought. Cheers mate.

[alanmcwilliams]

You're right it's garbage love the finish you ended up with looks very professional

[RJSampsonite]

I've had horrible experience as well, black 2 in 1 dried very cloudy/white

[chriskitzman]

My thoughts exactly poly +stain sucked I'll never use it again I've always stained first then polyurethane thank you for this video.

[tuberoast]

I bought two cans of this, one wouldn't spray, the red mahogany can worked but was blotchy so I had to strip it off. Varathane clear coat worked just fine though.

[jacquibossier]

Hi Tom just thought I would check in with you I was in the hospital for 8 days then in hospital rehab for 2 weeks I have been pretty sick my kidneys where just about in failure. BP all over the place.

[Flippables]

One step is for lazy people or for things you can not sand down to bare wood. Nothing beats proper sanding down to bare wood, and properly staining and sealing. But... when you can not do it, brush on (not spray) is not bad at all. I'm trying their brush on oil now on my spare golden oak kitchen cabinets. Seems to be OK so far. It is tricky to apply, because it is runny, but when one can not sand off old stain and poly it offers a decent alternative. Oh, forgot to mention, if your surface is unevenly worn out like on your table, nothing will do a good job, if you want to see the wood grain. You can do chalk paint it will cover all the little problems, but it will hide the wood. On your table if you want a nicely sealed wood there is not a concoction in the world that will do it unless you remove or even out old surface (stripping it chemically is a bit faster, but when one can sand it down, it is best). There is one exemption - epoxy (but it gives very unnatural glassy surface).

[photo]

Totally agree it looks like utter alley trash. but the spray might be palatable on a small plaque or something if your in a hurry

[Mikkeyboyy]

you need to do another video on this one using not the spay cans but the quart cans