Varathane 381119 Water Based Wood Stain, Quart, Dark Walnut

I just finished a desk build project where I integrated an epoxy resin river with LED lights. I wanted dark wood, but didn't want to break the bank on a walnut slab. So, I went with butcher block countertops from the big orange hardware store. They're made of hevea wood from Vietnam. Very solid, maple-like hardwood that's really inexpensive... but it's white wood. So, I wanted to stain the wood a dark walnut color. I did my due diligence and found out that you absolutely, positively must use water-based stain when it may come in contact with epoxy. Guess what my local big orange hardware store doesn't carry? Water-based stain... Amazon to the rescue. Not only does this go on really well and was the color I wanted (after a couple of coats), it is super easy to clean up! When I accidentally brushed some onto the epoxy, it was as simple as wiping it up with a damp towel. pay attention though... that wet towel dragged across the actual wood will pull up the stain. All in all, I'm really happy with the end result!(Side note: the pictures give the stain a slight yellow tint. It's a much deeper brown.)

This matched the original color of project perfectly. I was very pleased with the stain and the directions for use were easy to follow. I would definitely use this product again. Thin coats work well.

Love this color of wood stain! Arrived on time and didn’t leak or anything during shipping. Easy to apply and clean up since it is water based.

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.

Worked very nicely on a update bathroom project I am working on.

looks like and goes on like paint. let it sit for 2 min, and wipe off the excess. nice , but how different is it from stain of the old days ? ok.... cleans up with soap and water and no huge odor.

Less messy than oil based stain. Really made birch furniture pieces look modern and clean.

You can never go wrong with Varathane stain. The dark bourbon is gorgeous. Easy to apply and seal. Works awesome