If you’re in the market for polyurethane products, you’ve probably come across the names Varathane and Minwax. These two brands have established themselves as top players in the industry, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll dive into the differences between Varathane and Minwax, and help you decide which brand is right for you.
Varathane: A Storied Reputation
Varathane, which has been producing wood finishing products since 1958, is known for its high-quality offerings. While the brand is sometimes listed as Rust-Oleum, its parent company, the product is the same. Varathane offers a wide range of polyurethane options, including different sheen types, products for both interior and exterior use, and unique offerings like their triple coat poly and one-step with stain plus poly. They also have various application methods, including brushes, rollers, sprayers, and aerosols.
In terms of specialty, Varathane excels in creating quick-drying products, particularly in the oil-based polyurethane category. Overall, Varathane products are known for their durability, ease of use, and versatility.
Minwax: A Century of Excellence
For over a century, Minwax has been synonymous with high-end wood finishes. The brand, founded in 1904, has a wide range of polyurethane and spar urethane products for both domestic and industrial use. Minwax offers aerosols, water-based finishes, oil-based stains, and the popular trademarked product, Polycrylic.
Minwax is known for its products catering to every skill level, offering a plethora of options for consumers. They provide a variety of sheen and size choices and have a reputation for durability and quality. While Minwax lacks a wipe-on poly in its product lineup, they make up for it in other areas.
Varathane vs Minwax: In-Depth Comparison
When choosing between Varathane and Minwax, several factors need to be considered. Let’s delve into the features and compare the two brands.
Product Range
Both Varathane and Minwax offer an extensive range of polyurethane products. There are oil-based, water-based, and modified oil-based options available, catering to various application methods and sheen preferences. While Varathane lacks a wipe-on poly, it can be easily created at home. On the other hand, Varathane offers a scratch repair polyurethane pen, making it convenient for quick fixes.
In terms of product range, it is challenging to declare a clear winner. However, Minwax, with its longer tenure in the industry, offers a slightly wider range of wood finishing products.
Ease of Application
Applying polyurethane can be a labor-intensive process, requiring multiple steps and often leaving a mess behind. Both Varathane and Minwax offer products that prioritize ease of application. They have aerosol options that provide convenience and simplicity, as well as wipe-on poly products that can be easily made at home.
In terms of ease of application, it’s difficult to determine a clear winner between Varathane and Minwax. Both brands offer user-friendly options to make the process as smooth as possible.
Durability
Durability is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a polyurethane product. Both Varathane and Minwax have products that provide exceptional durability when applied correctly. While some individuals might have a preference for one brand over the other, there is no significant difference in terms of overall durability.
When it comes to durability, both Varathane and Minwax excel, making it challenging to declare a winner in this category.
Versatility
Polyurethane application requires multiple stages, and having versatile products can make the job quicker and easier. Varathane offers stain plus poly, a product that combines wood stain and polyurethane in one, saving time during the application process. Minwax has a similar offering called Polyshades, which simplifies the application process as well.
Both brands also offer aerosol products that eliminate the need for additional tools. The scratch repair pen from Varathane and wipe-on poly from Minwax further enhance versatility by allowing for easy corrections and touch-ups.
In terms of versatility, both Varathane and Minwax offer excellent options, making it a tie in this category.
Toxicity
One crucial consideration when choosing polyurethane products is toxicity. Polyurethane contains isocyanates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause health issues when exposed to them for prolonged periods. It’s important to minimize exposure to these chemicals when selecting a product.
Both Varathane and Minwax meet regulatory thresholds for toxicity levels. However, Varathane’s water-based formulas have a slightly lower VOC content compared to Minwax’s water-based stains and polyurethanes. While the difference is minimal, every effort to reduce toxicity is essential.
In terms of toxicity, Varathane takes a slight lead over Minwax.
Drying Time
Drying time is a significant factor to consider when choosing a polyurethane product, as it affects project timelines. Minwax offers a range of fast-drying options, with names like “super fast drying” and “ultra fast drying” indicating their quick drying capabilities. However, Varathane is known for creating some of the fastest drying polyurethanes on the market.
With Varathane’s ultimate water-based poly drying in two hours and their oil-based version in four hours, the drying times are comparable to Minwax’s fast-drying alternatives. Both brands excel in this area, offering products that expedite the drying process.
Applicable Materials and Colors
When choosing a polyurethane product, it’s essential to consider the material you’ll be applying it to. While polyurethane can be applied to bare wood, certain combinations might yield undesired results. For example, applying oil-based polyurethane to light-colored woods can create an amber hue. Similarly, applying any type of polyurethane to white-painted wood surfaces can cause yellowing, although Varathane’s water-based polyurethane has shown success in this regard.
Varathane edges slightly ahead of Minwax in terms of applicable materials, as its water-based polyurethane has demonstrated the ability to be used on white-painted wood surfaces without yellowing.
The Final Verdict
In the battle between Varathane and Minwax, there is no clear winner. Both brands offer high-quality polyurethane products that cater to a range of needs and preferences. The choice between Varathane and Minwax ultimately depends on the project you are working on and the availability of products in your area.
Whether you choose Varathane or Minwax, you can rest assured that you’ll be satisfied with the results. Both brands have established themselves as industry leaders, ensuring durability, ease of use, and versatility in their offerings.
In conclusion, the decision between Varathane and Minwax comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your project. Explore the options provided by both brands and choose the polyurethane product that suits your needs best. Happy woodworking!
