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Internet # 203332265

Model # 266256

Store SKU # 983957

1 qt. Ebony Premium Fast Dry Interior Wood Stain

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  • One coat coverage, premium wiping stain highlights wood grain
  • Fast dry wood stain creates rich color that dries in 1 hour
  • Easy to use wood finish covers up to 275 sq. ft. per quart
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Product Details

About This Product

Varathane 1 qt. Ebony Premium Fast Dry Interior Wood Stain provides high quality color in 1 coat to enhance the natural beauty of interior wood surfaces. Fast drying formula dries in 1 hour and uses nano pigments to offer superior color and coverage. Superior wood stain saves time, energy and provides a great value. Easy to apply with a good quality synthetic brush or clean lint free rag without the need for pre-stain or wood conditioner.

Highlights

  • One coat coverage, enhances natural grain of interior wood surfaces such as furniture, cabinets, doors, trim, floors, paneling and more
  • Achieves rich, deep color in one coat - covers up to 275 sq. ft. per quart
  • Semi-transparent, high performance stain features nano pigments for ultimate color clarity
  • Premium formula seals wood pores and enhances wood grain with superior coverage
  • Available in a wide variety of trendy and vintage colors to finish any project
  • Dries in 1 hour saving time on projects
  • Cleans up with mineral spirits
  • Top coat with Varathane polyurethane for durable, long lasting protection
  • No wood conditioner required prior to application
  • New project? Click here to find the right wood stain products
  • Browse Available Floor Refinishing Tool Rental Options
  • Return Policy
  • California residents
     see Prop 65 WARNINGS

Product Information

Internet # 203332265

Model # 266256

Store SKU # 983957

Specifications

Dimensions

Container Size

1 Quart

Coverage Area (sq. ft.)

275 sq ft

Details

Application

Specialty Finish/Small Project

Application Method

Brush, Wipe On

Base Material

Oil Based

Color Family

Brown / Tan

Color/Finish

Ebony

Dry to Touch (min.)

60 min

Interior/Exterior

Interior

Number of coats recommended

1

Number per Package

1

Paint/Stain Clean Up

Mineral Spirits

Paint/Stain Features

Fast Drying, Top Coat Required

Product Form

Liquid

Substrate Condition

Bare Wood, Finished Wood, Old/Reclaimed Wood, Stained Wood, Unfinished Wood

Surface Material Use

Wood

Time before recoating (hours)

1

Transparency

Transparent

Vertical/Horizontal

Vertical / Horizontal

Wood Effects

No Additional Effect

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

Satisfaction guaranteed for full refund of purchase price

Questions & Answers

I’d like to use this to stain a portion of a wooden reptile enclosure. Reptile are especially sensitive to VOCs. How long should I wait after application until it is absolutely VOC free.
ByJul 19, 2026
1 Answer | 
Answer This Question

Thank you for reaching out, Justin! Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain has not been tested for use in reptile enclosures. This product will take at least 7 days to fully cure, but this timeline will be heavily dependent on the amount of stain in the wood, weather conditions, and air circulation. It is essential that all excess stain be wiped away from the surface shortly after application. We also recommend wiping the surface down with a mild soap and some water after curing to remove any lingering solvents on the surface. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

By|Jul 20, 2026


    Can this be used on already stained cabinets if it’s the same color and gets a light sanding prior to applying? And if so how long should one wait before applying top coat and how long should top coat be left to dry before reinstalling cabinet doors.
    ByJul 9, 2026
    1 Answer | 
    Answer This Question

    Happy to help, Andy! Since this is a penetrating stain, the condition of the wood and how much stain is already in the wood will affect the final color of Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain. If the wood only has a stain and no finish, you can sand the surface to help open the pores that would allow some additional stain to be applied. This stain can be topcoated with a polyurethane after 1 hour provided all excess stain has been wiped away from the surface. The cure time for the topcoat will be dependent on which product you use and how many coats are applied. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

    By|Jul 26, 2026

      (1)

      would your golden pecan be simliar to minwax Penetraits, stains & seals?
      ByJul 5, 2026
      1 Answer | 
      Answer This Question

      We appreciate you reaching out, Mary! Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain is a penetrating stain that does stain and seal wood pores. For the best protection and durability, we do recommend applying a suitable polyurethane or spar over the stained surfaces. For interior surfaces that are not floors, we recommend Rust-Oleum Varathane Ultimate Water-Based Polyurethane. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathane-1-qt-Clear-Satin-Water-Based-Interior-Polyurethane-200241H/100169146 - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

      By|Jul 26, 2026

        (1)

        can you apply 2 coats
        ByMay 21, 2026
        1 Answer | 
        Answer This Question

        Happy to help, Matthew! For the best results, we do recommend applying one coat of Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain. If needing to deepen the color, we recommend allowing the stain to dwell on the surface a little longer before wiping the excess off. If a coat has already been applied, a second coat can be applied after 1 hour; however, please keep in mind that the second coat may not add as much color as the first one. Make sure all the excess stain is still wiped away too to ensure proper drying. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

        By|Jul 26, 2026

          (2)

          Does it cover scratches or black stains?
          ByMay 15, 2026
          1 Answer | 
          Answer This Question

          Grace, happy to clear things up! Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain must be applied to a bare wooden surface. Any prior stains or imperfections must be removed to ensure proper penetration. Rust-Oleum Varathane High Performance Classic Wood Filler will help fill and fix cracks, scratches, gouges, and nail holes. This will need to be done before staining the surface. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathane-12-oz-High-Performance-Wood-Filler-340228/305626726 - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10

          By|May 19, 2026


            Should stain be wiped with cloth after brushing it on?
            ByMay 14, 2026
            1 Answer | 
            Answer This Question

            Happy to clear things up, Duane! Yes, Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain does need to be wiped with a cloth shortly after application to remove all excess stain. This ensures proper drying of the stain and the best apperiance. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

            By|Jul 9, 2026

              (1)

              Which is more penetrating for a deep rich color, this or the or the Classic Interior Wood Stain?
              ByMay 6, 2026
              1 Answer | 
              Answer This Question

              Dina, this is a great question! Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain is formulated with nano-pigments to offer superior color and coverage. For a deeper color, you can allow the stain to sit longer on the surface, but ensure it does not dry before removing the excess off the surface. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10

              By|May 6, 2026


                Stain looks grey. How can I make it more transparent?
                ByApr 21, 2026
                1 Answer | 
                Answer This Question

                Let's see if we can help, Rick. The color when applying Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain is dependent on how much stain can penetrate the pores of the wood. Allowing the stain to dwell on the surface for less time before wiping it away will allow for less stain to penetrate, providing a less dramatic color. Please also note, multiple colors of the same product can be mixed to create your own custom color. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

                By|Apr 22, 2026


                  Viewing 1-8 of 653

                  Customer Reviews

                  4.3 out of 5

                  • 4.3 out of 5,603 reviews
                  • 79% recommend this product
                  Filter by:
                  Showing 1-10 of 5,603 reviews
                  Briarsmoke Saves The Day!
                  After Early American turned some knotty alder wood bright orange, I needed a rescue. Fortunately for me, ChatGPT recommended Briarsmoke to tone down the warmth and… it worked! The orange color was replaced with a cool brown I was going for all along. One thing to note: knots in the wood absorbed the gray Briarsmoke more than I would have liked, but overall the coverage was exceptional and the color saved the day!
                  by
                    • Recommended
                    Sandstone NOT as advertised
                    I bought sandstone and it came out GREY. Applied to poplar wood
                    by
                    Response from Rust-OleumSupportMay 26, 2026
                    We appreciate you reaching out! Since Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain is a semi-transparent product, the final color will be heavily dependent on the condition of the wood and how long the stain is allowed to dwell on the surface. Because of this, we always recommend applying on a scrap piece first to ensure a favorable appearance.
                    - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3 Rustoleum
                      One of my favorite stains, I’ve gone through probably a dozen cans of this color. The ability to do one coat, wipe after 5-10 minutes, and then let it dry makes this stain a breeze. It’s a great neutral brown that goes well with other woods. Photos attached are on pine, sanded to 180.
                      by
                      • Verified Purchase
                      Great product. I was able to match the stain of my cabinets and cover the plastic wood I used to fill up some holes. Easy to use and dries quickly.
                      by
                      Definitely have the associate in the paint section test this on a piece of wood as the color on the can and sample do not match. See the before and after for applying on pine.
                      by
                      Response from Rust-OleumSupportApr 24, 2026
                      Thanks so much for taking a moment to share your feedback! Please keep in mind the final finish with Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain can vary depending on the wood species. We always recommend testing our product in an inconspicuous area first to ensure the desired results.
                      - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10 Rustoleum
                      • Verified Purchase
                      This customer chose to rate the product and not provide text.
                      by
                      Response from Rust-OleumSupportApr 20, 2026
                      Thanks so much for taking a moment to share your rating with us regarding Rust-Oleum Varathane Fast Dry Wood Stain.
                      - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10 Rustoleum
                      Exceptional coverage!
                      I’m blown away with how well this worked!!!!!! I had the most hideous table that we got preowned, with a horrible dark orange stain that I had to put a ton of effort into removing/sanding off and finally got it to a good base enough to think about a stain. It definitely took more than one coat and a lot longer dry time because I put it on so heavy but this sun bleached color really makes a huge difference and makes it look like it’s back to the original beautiful natural teak!!
                      by
                        This is a great product at a great price. I used it to refurbish some antiques wine barrels. Special kudos to these exceptional HD Customer Service Team members Jennifer. Leo. Eddy. Just10. Landon. Jenna. Cathy. Peter M. Mati. and Jermiah,
                        by
                        • Verified Purchase
                        Worked great on my table, I did 1 coat. Probably 15 hrs drying time and then 3 coats of Varathane polyurethane that dried immediately.
                        by
                        • Verified Purchase
                        No Bone Appétit For This "Stain"
                        Varathane "Bone" Wood Stain is anything BUT..It is BATTLESHIP GRAY. Went down like a paint, wiped off 60 seconds later; and still looked like Battleship Gray paint. Not at all like the stained pine in the photo. Doesn't do justice to the PINE grain either. Too bad, I really had a bone appétit!
                        by
                        Response from Rust-OleumSupportSep 22, 2025
                        Thank you for sharing your experience! We would like to gather some additional details with your application of Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain. Please give us a call at 800-901-0411. When calling in, please have the container handy.
                        - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10 Rustoleum
                          2 found this review helpful
                          Showing 1-10 of 5,603 reviews