Questions and Answers for Varathane 1 Qt. Golden Oak Classic Interior Wood Stain (2-Pack)

A:  We're happy to help, Grant. Yes, Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Natural Wood Stain can be applied with to give a lighter tone to your wood. Be sure to sand the surface before applying to reopen the pores, so the stain can properly penetrate. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

A:  We're happy to help, Dan. Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Natural Wood Stain will still alter the color of your wood and help give it a richer finish. We also do not recommend applying the wood conditioner without applying a stain after. Please also note applying these stains to a butcher block countertop will make the surface no longer a food safe surface. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

A:  We're happy to help, Donny. Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stain can only be applied to bare wood surfaces as it needs to penetrate into the pores of the wood. A finish on the wood will hinder the penetration of the stain and leave a tacky finish on the surface. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

A:  We're happy to clear things up, Barry. While our Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Dark Walnut Wood Stain and Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Dark Walnut Wood Stain have the same color name the formulation of these stains are different. This will cause subtle differences in the color and will be noticeable if applied next to one another. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

A:  Thank you for reaching out, Dana. If wanting a matte finish over Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stain or other stained wood surfaces, we recommend Rust-Oleum Varathane Ultimate Water-Based Polyurethane in Matte instead. The Rust-Oleum Chalked Clear is intended for use over our Chalked line of paints. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathane-1-qt-Clear-Matte-Water-Based-Interior-Polyurethane-262074/305587650 - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

A:  Happy to clear things up, Mike! Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stains have a different formulation than our Premium Fast Dry Wood Stains. Because of this, the colors will not be an exact match. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

A:  We're happy to help. While Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stain can be applied to interior wooden surfaces, it is not considered to be a food safe product. We also do not currently offer a food safe top coat for wooden surfaces. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

A:  Great question, Richard! You can use a brush or a clean, lint-free cloth to apply Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stain. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3