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Trusted by woodworkers and DIYers alike, Varathane is a leading brand in wood stains, finishes, and restoration products, offering professional-grade results with easy-to-use formulas. Available at Windsor Plywood, Varathane products are perfect for enhancing, protecting, and preserving wood surfaces—whether you're working on furniture, floors, cabinetry, or craft projects. Known for its rich colour payoff, fast drying times, and durable finishes, Varathane’s lineup includes oil-based and water-based wood stains, polyurethane topcoats, wood conditioners, and touch-up solutions. Their Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain is especially popular for delivering beautiful colour in a single coat, while their clear finishes offer long-lasting protection against wear, water, and UV damage. As a proudly Canadian retailer, Windsor Plywood offers a wide range of Varathane products backed by expert advice and personalized service. Whether you're refinishing a vintage table or adding the final touch to a new build, Varathane helps you achieve a flawless, professional-looking finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What categories of stains and adhesives does Windsor Plywood carry?
Windsor Plywood carries wood stains in interior and exterior formulas, clear sealers and topcoats, oils and hardwax oil finishes, construction adhesives, wood glue in PVA and polyurethane formulas, contact cement, and epoxy resins. The selection covers finishing and bonding needs from fine furniture to structural outdoor applications.
What is the difference between a penetrating stain and a film-forming stain?
Penetrating stains absorb into the wood surface rather than forming a coating on top. They enhance and colour the wood while allowing the natural texture to show through. They are easier to reapply when worn because they do not peel. Film-forming stains build up a surface layer for higher protection but peel over time and require more preparation before recoating.
What type of wood glue should I use for outdoor furniture?
For outdoor applications, use a waterproof Type I PVA wood glue or a polyurethane wood glue. Standard interior PVA glue is water-resistant but not waterproof and will fail in exterior conditions. Epoxy adhesives also provide excellent waterproof bonds for structural outdoor joints.
How long should I wait before applying a finish after staining?
Follow the manufacturer's specified dry time for the stain before applying a topcoat, typically 2 to 24 hours depending on the product, temperature, and humidity. Applying topcoat over uncured stain traps solvents, causes adhesion failure, and can create a cloudy or tacky finish. When in doubt, wait longer and test in a small area before full application.
What is construction adhesive used for and how is it different from wood glue?
Construction adhesive bonds a wide range of substrates including wood, concrete, masonry, and metals. It is used for subfloor installation, adhering trim, bonding blocking, and structural assemblies. It is not as clean for fine joinery as PVA wood glue and does not sand cleanly. Use wood glue for furniture and cabinetry; construction adhesive for structural and mixed-material bonds.