Questions and Answers for Varathane 8 oz. Dark Walnut Classic Wood Interior Stain

A:  We appreciate your interest! Since this is a staining product, the final color of Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stain will be heavily dependent on the type of wood you are staining and the condition of the wood. This stain color may have less of a deeper red undertone, but a test application would be recommended to ensure favorable results with your particular application. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

A:  Thank you for reaching out. Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stain can be applied to indoor wooden surfaces, making it ideal for your stair baulsters. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

A:  Happy to clear things up. While applying Rust-Oleum Varathane Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is not necessary before applying Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stain, it will help give a more consistent color and finish across your project. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

A:  Happy to clear things up, Mary. All of our Rust-Oleum Classic Wood Stains are oil-based stains. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

A:  Thank you for reaching out, Fabrice. While once Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stain has fully cured it will no longer off gas any harmful fumes, it is not considered to be a food grade finish. Instead, we would recommend using our Rust-Oleum Watco Butcher Block Oil as it is our only food safe finish for wooden surfaces. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Watco-1-Pint-Butcher-Block-Oil-in-Hazelnut-359024/314884207 -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

A:  We're happy to help, Lance. We do not recommend applying our Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stain outdoors because the UV exposure and wear from the elements will cause the stain to haze and fade. However, if this stain is top coated using our Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Spar Urethane it can be applied to outdoor surfaces. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathane-1-qt-Clear-Satin-Water-Based-Outdoor-Spar-Urethane-250241H/100165652 -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

A:  Thank you for reaching out. While Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stain is great for giving a fresh look to wooden surfaces, it will not fill or cover scratches. This will leave a tacky finish on the surface. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

A:  Thank you for reaching out. For our Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Gunstock Wood Stain we recommend using our Rust-Oleum Varathane Color Group 5 Fill Stick as it provides a similar red hue. However, this fill stick is also slightly darker than the color of the stain. To help get a more similar finish we recommend allowing the stain to penetrate for a few minutes longer to give a darker finish. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathane-3-2-oz-Colonial-Maple-Wood-Fill-Stick-340479/305568100 -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

A:  Happy to clear things up, Daniel. Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stain is intended for use on bare wood surfaces. Provided the engineered wood is porous and sanded directed, it will penetrate and stain the surface, however the final appearance will be heavily dependent on the condition of the wood. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

A:  We're happy to help, Ryan. Yes, Rust-Oleum Zinsser Seal Coat Sanding Sealer can be applied after our Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Wood Stain. We recommend allowing the stain to fully cure for at least 3 days before applying Seal Coat. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14