Varathane 368035 Less Mess Wood Stain and Applicator, 4 oz, Golden Oak

I've used these to cover up scratches from pet nails on our old hardwood floors. The golden oak is perfect for our orangish-brown stained cypress floors and it dries really fast. I find that the spongy top applicator does wear down quickly with friction, but nothing some paper towels can't replace. I encourage folks to use gloves if you don't want to stain your fingers, but I have not had any issues with stain transfer on socks or pet paws after application. As far as I know, there isn't any real odor and it's easy enough to use on small sections.

recently used Varathane wood stain for a wooden ship model I was building, and I couldn't be happier with the results! The sponge head applicator is a game changer; it absorbs the stain perfectly and allows for smooth, even application on my wood deck model. The stain went on effortlessly, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood while providing a rich, vibrant finish. I was particularly impressed with how well it penetrated the wood, giving it a professional look. If you're looking for a top-notch wood stain for your projects, I highly recommend Varathane. It's proven to be an essential tool in my woodworking arsenal!

This works great, good coverage with no mess. However it’s really only good for small projects and touch ups. Don’t expect to do an entire piece of furniture with it. It will start to dry up after a while while you are using. I had to unclog it several times.

Great product. Quick, easy way to apply stain. Great for small jobs and touchup.

Stain would not come out - had to poke a hole in it for any stain to come out

Easy to use and did exactly what I needed

works very well

Horrible product. Stain stays stubbornly away from the applicator regardless of squeezing the bottle or dabbing the applicator. After two 2 foot by 12 inch boards, the applicator sponge began to fall apart and left pieces in the stain on the wood. Apparently I got the worst bottle/applicator combination ever made by this company, according to what I read in other reviews. Won't buy this product in any form again.

What can I say? I love this product. I had a small job to do and I have lung issues and was worried about using a product that was going to irritate my lungs and affect my breathing. ZERO odor in this stain and it covers beautifully and the end result is stunning. Just what I needed and so simple my 9 yr old son was able to help.The colour is a beautiful warm tone, I got Golden Oak, and it suits really well for furniture projects. My husband built a new enclosure for our son's bearded dragon and we wanted to have it work as a furniture element as it is in the family room. We painted the enclosure a charcoal colour and did the front supports in this beautiful stain to offset it and bring it into our home design and colour's. It is perfect. When the entire project is complete I will update with a new picture of the finished project. But if you are hesitating thinking this won't be enough, I suggest you give it a try because honestly this little container goes a long way and it is so easy to use that if feels like cheating. Great item to use with kids DIY projects also. Highly recommend!

I really liked this at first. I bought it to stain the popsicle stick hardwood floors I made for a dollhouse. However, after I put it aside for a week to make another floor, I couldn’t get the stain to come out. I pressed and pressed and it actually ruined a large section of flooring because it wasn’t coming out properly. It was either not coming out, or coming out too quickly, so that it settled between the sticks, making that section too dark. Has anyone else had this problem? I’m wishing now that I’d just bought a small bottle of dye, rather than this.

This stain is very easy to use and true to colour! Used this on untreated wood coasters to give it a more “antique” look prior to adding family photos onto them and they turned out better than I expected. I do suggest doing this in an open space such as a backyard or patio as there is a slight odour to it that lingers.10/10 would recommend!

Just a wast of money don’t buy it very poor product very hard to get the stain come out better just use a regular one put on gloves and a small rag work ten times faster and better results

Worked really well and colour was true to description. The foam applicator makes it much easier than a brush. Very pleased with purchase.