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Internet # 304894197

Model # 331305

Store SKU # 1003317981

1 qt. Interior Aged Wood Accelerator

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  • Mimics real aging process on wood in minutes for a rustic look
  • Reacts to bare or untreated wood for a unique custom wood finish
  • Aged effect varies based on wood type, covers up to 275 sq. ft.
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Product Details

About This Product

Varathane 1 qt. Aged Wood Accelerator creates a weathered, aged look in minutes on bare or untreated wood. Replicates the aging process that happens in nature by reacting with tannins in the wood to create a unique one-of-a-kind aged brown look. Like the natural aging process, final look of wood varies depending on the type of wood.

Highlights

  • Works quickly to create a weathered look on all types of untreated interior wood furniture and cabinetry
  • Covers up to 275 sq. ft. depending on surface porosity
  • Replicates a naturally occurring weathered finish for a unique look on furniture pieces
  • Gives wood an aged look with brown tones easily in minutes
  • Apply with a synthetic bristle or foam brush and allow to penetrate wood to create desired effect
  • Lightness or darkness of effect varies with dry time, allow to sit on wood anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour
  • Following application, allow 2 hours for weathered wood accelerator to dry
  • For the best protection of your aged surface, use a lacquer topcoat following application
  • Low odor, water-based formula cleans up with soap and water
  • New project? Click here to find the right wood stain products
  • Thoroughly read instructions prior to application for optimal results
  • Browse Available Floor Refinishing Tool Rental Options
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Product Information

Internet # 304894197

Model # 331305

Store SKU # 1003317981

Specifications

Dimensions

Container Size

1 Quart

Coverage Area (sq. ft.)

275 sq ft

Details

Application

General Purpose

Application Method

Brush, Wipe On

Base Material

Water Based

Color Family

Brown / Tan

Color/Finish

Aged Brown

Dry to Touch (min.)

30 min

Interior/Exterior

Interior

Number of coats recommended

1

Number per Package

1

Paint/Stain Clean Up

Soap & Water

Paint/Stain Features

No Drip

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

What color does the wood turn on redwood.. thanks
ByJul 17, 2025
1 Answer | 
Answer This Question

Thank you for reaching out, Denise. The final appearance of Rust-Oleum Varathane Aged Wood Accelerator will be heavily dependent on the condition of your particular piece of wood and the tannins in the surface. The length of time the product is allowed to sit on the surface will also affect the final color. While this product will give a rustic brown look, it is important to test it on your surface or a scrap piece to give the best indication of the final color. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

By|Jul 17, 2025


    Can I use this the varathane weathered wood accelerator over painted wood
    ByJun 24, 2024
    1 Answer | 
    Answer This Question

    Happy to clear things up, Michelle! Rust-Oleum Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator must be applied to bare wood to ensure it can react with the surface. We do not recommend this product over previously painted or finished wood surfaces. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

    By|Jun 25, 2024


      Can this product be used on an exterior cedar garage door if it is sealed after application?
      ByFeb 20, 2024
      1 Answer | 
      Answer This Question

      We're happy to help. Even if Rust-Oleum Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator is sealed or top coated we do not recommend applying to exterior surfaces. The exposure to UV will cause the finish to fade and peel. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

      By|Mar 11, 2024


        I have a coffee table that turned out ugly after staining. If I use a watered down coat of cream paint to bring it back to the original color of the unfinished wood, can I use the aged wood accelerator over the top then a paste finishing wax?
        ByJul 6, 2023
        1 Answer | 
        Answer This Question

        Happy to help, Nikki. Varathane Aged Wood Accelerator is designed for use on bare new and untreated wood, it replicates the aging process that occurs in nature by reacting with the tannins of the wood to create a unique one-of-a kind rustic brown. Since your table would not be bare wood, we do not recommend using Aged Wood Accelerator. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 6

        By|Jul 7, 2023


          We used polycrylic (water based) over top of the weathered wood accelerator and it went from grey to brown and I hate it now. What exactly can we do to fix it and get it back to a grey color? Thank you!
          ByMay 7, 2023
          1 Answer | 
          Answer This Question

          Happy to clear things up, Kris! To prevent Rust-Oleum Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator from reacting with polyurethanes or other wood finishes, the surface must first be sealed with Rust-Oleum Watco Lacquer Spray. Once the lacquer is applied over the surface, a polyurethane can be used. To correct the surface, the surface will need to be stripped or sanded, and then the Wood Accelerator can be used again and then sealed with the recommended lacquer. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Watco-11-25-oz-Clear-Gloss-Lacquer-Wood-Finish-Spray-63081/305562288 - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

          By|May 10, 2023


            If I spray with watch then poly over it will this stop the lacquer from yellowing?
            ByJan 3, 2023
            1 Answer | 
            Answer This Question

            Thank you for reaching out! If you are experiencing yellowing with Rust-Oleum Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator and the Watco lacquer spray, please give us a call at 800-901-0411, so we can gather more details and look into this further. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

            By|Jan 4, 2023


              when you use this, the more times you coat this will it look older.
              ByOct 26, 2022
              1 Answer | 
              Answer This Question

              Happy to help. When using Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator, apply with a synthetic bristle brush or foam brush. Allow Weathered Wood Accelerator to sit on the wood for 30 minutes to 1 hour for the final effect. Wiping away is not required. For a lighter effect, apply product and wipe away immediately, or lightly sand the finish with fine grit sandpaper once it is dry. To darken, a second coat can be applied after 1 hour. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 6

              By|Oct 27, 2022


                Can I paint red and blue over the stain?
                ByAug 24, 2022
                1 Answer | 
                Answer This Question

                Hi Doris, thank you for reaching out! Our Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator is not designed to be a paintable finish, and we recommend sealing it with our Watco Crystal Clear Lacquer Spray to protect the finish. The lacquer can be lightly sanded after it has dried, then painted in the color of your choice. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Watco-11-25-oz-Clear-Gloss-Lacquer-Wood-Finish-Spray-63081/305562288 - Rust-Oleum Product Support 2

                By|Oct 21, 2023


                  Viewing 1-8 of 100

                  Customer Reviews

                  4 out of 5

                  • 4 out of 442 reviews
                  • 72% recommend this product
                  Filter by:
                  Showing 1-10 of 442 reviews
                  Stain to Make Wood Look Aged
                  I use this stain to make raw wood look old. The wood box pictured has 1 coat. It will get darker if I add another coat. This is my second time to buy this stain. Easy to use. Easy clean up too.
                  by
                    • Recommended
                    It weathered my white oak gates exactly as I had hoped. Cabot used to make a similar oil based product but did continued it several years ago. This is an excellent replacement.
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    Mixed results
                    I used this on Hampton Bay end caps for kitcgen cabinets to reface them. It is easy to apply and clean up, though it is really thin so splashing will happen. As for the final results, I used it on 3 endcap pieces and put on 3 coats each. The two that i used on what I assume to be the out side turned out browish with hints of purple and not too even (I used a 2" nylon brush for water based stain), while the side that i think is the side that goes in turned out a perfect dark gray. Go figure...I'll definitely turn the orher two around and use the "wrong" side. If you get the right wood and put on even coats, it will look great. Otherwise...temper your expectations.
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    • Recommended
                    Excellent for making weathered barn boards.
                    I use this product to transform wood into something that looks like old, weathered barn wood. I find that it works really well on rough-sawn pine boards (1"-by X") that I purchase from another big box store. I first further rough up the boards with my angle grinder and a wire cup brush. I gouge the boards along their length and also rough up the 3/4" edges of the boards. After that I use black tea (6 packets per quart) to add tannins to the wood. I make a quart of the tea, let it steep and rest overnight and then 'paint' it onto the rough wood. I apply at least three coats, letting it dry in between coats. The tannins help bring out some brown in the wood. Lastly, I apply one coat of the Varathane and let that set for a few hours. The results pretty much match barnboard that I acquired from a friend.
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    • Recommended
                    Awesome Product
                    Works like advertised
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    This stuff is great to rapidly age or stain wood!
                    I had to match some old barnwood, and chose the brown version of this. I was using 2x4 pine, and anybody that has tried to stain pine knows that it normally comes out blotchy with inconsistent results. This product makes a consistent color in the 2x4 and works GREAT. I did not use any pre-stain conditioner, only did a light sanding to smooth it out, and you can see the fantastic results from my pics. I chose to roll it on rather than brush it on, as I had a lot of surface to cover. I did not have any issues where it was too thick or where the coats were uneven (like stain sometimes does). It is much more watery than stain, but applies evenly. Highly recommend. it recommends that you use a lacquer (spray or roll on) to cover it before applying polyeurathane. I purchased a spray lacquer from Home Depot, and then covered that with a water-based poly, no issues at all.
                    by
                      • Recommended
                      So easy to use! Turned my oak table into what...
                      So easy to use! Turned my oak table into what looked like literal Aged Wood! I lightly whitewashed base using high quality chalk paint and chose natural wood unfinished chairs with matte poly. Highly recommend
                      by
                      • Verified Purchase
                      Wonderful surprise
                      First time ever using this on a bunk bed my dad built for our boys. You never know what color your project will turn out like cause the grain and different wood absorbs it differently. Was pleasantly surprised how pretty this turned out to be. Used 3 coats on the bed along with a satin water based brushed on lacquer. Will definitely use on future projects!
                      by
                        • Recommended
                        Consider the original color first
                        Consider the original color of your wood before you use this. Mine was cedar and it looks hideous.
                        by
                        Response from Rust-OleumSupportMay 24, 2021
                        Thank you for sharing your experience! With any application, we do recommend applying Rust-Oleum Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator in a test area first. This is because the product reacts to the tannins in the wood and the final appearance will be dependent on the type of condition of the wood.
                        - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3 Rustoleum
                          Very inconsistent results
                          We've used this in the last year, and have absolutely loved the results (hence the 2 stars, which would have otherwise been 1 based on this latest purchase). For my current project, I had to use an old can and a new can. I know it's best to mix cans when using different lots, but I thought I would have enough of the old can to finish. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get such different results. No hit of purple at all where I used the older can, but a very strong purplish tint in the newer batch. Wood is all the same, so no significant differences there. Very disappointing!
                          by
                          Response from Rust-OleumSupportMay 18, 2021
                          We want to try to help! Please give us a call at 800-901-0411 to talk with us further about your application with Rust-Oleum Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator. When calling, please have your cans nearby, so we can collect batch information from them.
                          - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3 Rustoleum
                            Showing 1-10 of 442 reviews