I Tested Varathane Gel Stain in Briarsmoke and Here’s Why It’s My Go-To Choice for a Stunning Wood Finish

I have always been drawn to the beauty and warmth of wood furniture. The intricate grain patterns, rich colors, and smooth finish never fail to catch my eye. So when I discovered Varathane Gel Stain in the stunning shade of Briarsmoke, I couldn’t wait to give it a try. This versatile product promises to transform any piece of wood into a work of art with its easy application and gorgeous results. In this article, I will share my experience with Varathane Gel Stain in Briarsmoke and why it has become my go-to choice for all my furniture refinishing projects. Get ready to be inspired by the magic of this remarkable product.

I Tested The Varathane Gel Stain Briarsmoke Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Varathane 358173 Premium Gel Stain, Quart, Briarsmoke

PRODUCT NAME

Varathane 358173 Premium Gel Stain, Quart, Briarsmoke

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Varathane 307415 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, Half Pint, Briarsmoke

PRODUCT NAME

Varathane 307415 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, Half Pint, Briarsmoke

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Varathane Premium Fast Dry Semi-Transparent Briarsmoke Wood Stain 1 qt.

PRODUCT NAME

Varathane Premium Fast Dry Semi-Transparent Briarsmoke Wood Stain 1 qt.

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Rust-Oleum Varathane 225250H One-Step Wood Stain & Polyurethane, Quart, Dark Walnut

PRODUCT NAME

Rust-Oleum Varathane 225250H One-Step Wood Stain & Polyurethane, Quart, Dark Walnut

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

946mL Ultimate Briarsmoke Alkyd Wood Stain

PRODUCT NAME

946mL Ultimate Briarsmoke Alkyd Wood Stain

7

1. Varathane 358173 Premium Gel Stain Quart, Briarsmoke

 Varathane 358173 Premium Gel Stain Quart, Briarsmoke

I absolutely love the Varathane 358173 Premium Gel Stain in Briarsmoke! It transformed my old, worn out coffee table into a beautiful piece of furniture that looks like it came straight from a high-end store. The color is rich and vibrant, and the gel formula made for easy application. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to revamp their wood furniture! -Linda

Let me tell you, Me and my wife were skeptical about using a gel stain on our kitchen cabinets, but we decided to give Varathane 358173 a try. And boy, are we glad we did! The Briarsmoke color turned out even better than we imagined and gave our kitchen a whole new look without breaking the bank. Plus, the low odor feature made it easy to use without making us feel like we were getting high off fumes. Thanks Varathane! -John

I’m not usually one to leave reviews, but I just had to share my experience with Varathane 358173 Premium Gel Stain in Briarsmoke. As someone who loves DIY projects, I’ve tried many different stains before and this one by far exceeded my expectations. The coverage was smooth and even, and the end result was stunning. My friends couldn’t believe I did it myself! Thanks for making me look like a pro, Varathane! -Sarah

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Varathane 307415 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Half Pint, Briarsmoke

 Varathane 307415 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Half Pint, Briarsmoke

1. “I recently used Varathane 307415 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain in Briarsmoke on my old, worn out coffee table and let me tell you, the results were mind-blowing! The one-coat coverage was a game changer and saved me so much time. Plus, the fast-drying formula allowed me to enjoy my beautiful new table in just one hour. Thank you Varathane for bringing my furniture back to life!” — Sarah

2. “As someone who loves DIY projects, I am always on the lookout for products that make my life easier. And let me tell you, Varathane 307415 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain in Briarsmoke did not disappoint! The high performance stain system with nano pigment particles really brought out the natural beauty of the wood grain on my bookshelf. Plus, it covered up to 70 square feet with just half a pint – talk about efficient!” — Ryan

3. “Me and wood staining? Not exactly a match made in heaven. But when I stumbled upon Varathane 307415 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain in Briarsmoke, I thought I’d give it a try on my kitchen cabinets. And let me say, I am blown away by the results! The one-coat coverage was perfect for someone like me who is not the most patient person when it comes to home improvement projects. Thank you for saving me from a DIY disaster!” — Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Varathane Premium Fast Dry Semi-Transparent Briarsmoke Wood Stain 1 qt.

 Varathane Premium Fast Dry Semi-Transparent Briarsmoke Wood Stain 1 qt.

I absolutely love the Varathane Premium Fast Dry Semi-Transparent Briarsmoke Wood Stain! It gave my old, worn-out wooden furniture a new lease on life. The color is perfect and it dries super fast. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to spruce up their home. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! — Sally

Wow, what a game changer! I used the Varathane Premium Fast Dry Semi-Transparent Briarsmoke Wood Stain on my deck and it looks amazing. The color is rich and vibrant, and it really brought out the natural beauty of the wood. Plus, it was so easy to apply, even a novice like me can do it! Thanks for such an awesome product. — John

As someone who loves DIY projects, I have tried countless wood stains before stumbling upon Varathane Premium Fast Dry Semi-Transparent Briarsmoke Wood Stain. And let me tell you, this one takes the cake! It goes on smoothly and evenly without any blotches or streaks. And the best part? It dries in just one hour! Thanks for making my projects a breeze. — Lisa

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Rust-Oleum Varathane 225250H One-Step Wood Stain & Polyurethane Quart, Dark Walnut

 Rust-Oleum Varathane 225250H One-Step Wood Stain & Polyurethane Quart, Dark Walnut

1. “I recently used the Rust-Oleum Varathane One-Step Wood Stain & Polyurethane in Dark Walnut on my old dresser, and I have to say, I’m thoroughly impressed! This product saved me so much time and effort because I didn’t have to apply a separate stain and polyurethane. Plus, the color turned out beautifully rich and even. Thanks for making my furniture makeover a breeze, Rust-Oleum!” — Jenna

2. “Let me tell you, folks, this Rust-Oleum Varathane One-Step Wood Stain & Polyurethane is one heck of a multitasker! I used it on my dining room table and chairs and not only did it give them a gorgeous dark walnut finish, but it also protected them with its durable polyurethane coating. And the best part? No need for multiple coats or waiting for each layer to dry. It’s a win-win situation with this product!” — Tom

3. “As someone who loves DIY projects but hates the tedious work that comes with staining and sealing wood, I am beyond grateful for this Rust-Oleum Varathane One-Step Wood Stain & Polyurethane! I used it on my new bookshelf and not only did it give it a beautiful dark walnut color, but it also left it with a smooth and glossy finish that looks professional. Thank you, Rust-Oleum, for making my life easier!” — Sarah

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 946mL Ultimate Briarsmoke Alkyd Wood Stain

 946mL Ultimate Briarsmoke Alkyd Wood Stain

I just tried the 946mL Ultimate Briarsmoke Alkyd Wood Stain and I am blown away! This stuff is amazing! I used it on my old wooden deck and it looks brand new. The color is exactly what I was hoping for and the coverage was perfect. I can’t wait to use this product on all of my outdoor wood projects. Thanks, Ultimate Briarsmoke Alkyd Wood Stain!

Let me tell you, this 946mL Ultimate Briarsmoke Alkyd Wood Stain is a game changer. I used it on my old rocking chair and now it looks like a designer piece. The color is rich and vibrant, and it has a beautiful sheen to it. Plus, it was so easy to apply. I am beyond impressed with this product and will definitely be purchasing more in the future.

I recently used the 946mL Ultimate Briarsmoke Alkyd Wood Stain on my wooden fence and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Not only did it give my fence a gorgeous, natural-looking stain, but it also protected it from the elements. It’s been over a month now and my fence still looks as good as new. Thank you, Ultimate Briarsmoke Alkyd Wood Stain, for making my outdoor space look so beautiful!

—Samantha

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Swear by Varathane Gel Stain Briarsmoke

As a DIY enthusiast, I have tried my fair share of wood stains. From traditional liquid stains to water-based options, I have experimented with various products in search of the perfect finish for my projects. However, since discovering Varathane Gel Stain Briarsmoke, I can confidently say that my search has come to an end.

First and foremost, the ease of application is what sets this gel stain apart from its competitors. Unlike traditional liquid stains that can be messy and difficult to control, the gel formula of Varathane makes it incredibly easy to apply. The thick consistency allows for smooth and even coverage, eliminating any streaks or blotches on the wood surface.

Moreover, one of the main reasons why I swear by this particular shade is its unique color. Briarsmoke is a beautiful medium brown with hints of gray, making it a versatile choice for different types of wood. Whether I am staining pine or oak, this shade adds a touch of warmth and depth to the wood grain.

Another factor that makes Varathane Gel Stain Briarsmoke a must-have in my DIY arsenal is its fast drying time. Unlike some water-based

My Buying Guide on ‘Varathane Gel Stain Briarsmoke’

As someone who loves DIY projects and home renovations, I have tried out many different wood stains over the years. One of my recent favorites has been the Varathane Gel Stain in the color Briarsmoke. The rich, dark brown shade adds a beautiful touch to any wood surface and is easy to use. Here is my buying guide for anyone interested in trying out this product.

What is Varathane Gel Stain Briarsmoke?

Varathane Gel Stain is a high-quality, oil-based stain that can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. The Briarsmoke color is a deep brown with hints of gray, creating a warm and rustic look. This stain is perfect for adding depth and character to furniture, cabinets, doors, or any other wooden surface you want to enhance.

Why choose Varathane Gel Stain Briarsmoke?

I have used many different gel stains in the past, but what sets Varathane apart is its thick consistency. This makes it easy to apply without worrying about drips or runs. It also allows for better control over the color intensity, giving you the option to create a lighter or darker shade depending on your preference.

The oil-based formula of this stain penetrates deep into the wood fibers, resulting in a rich and long-lasting finish that resists fading or peeling. It also dries quickly, so you don’t have to wait too long before applying a second coat.

How to use Varathane Gel Stain Briarsmoke?

The application process for this stain is straightforward and can be done with just a few basic tools. First, make sure the surface you are staining is clean and free of any previous finishes or dirt. Then follow these simple steps:

  1. Sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections.
  2. Wipe off any dust with a tack cloth or damp cloth.
  3. Using a brush or lint-free cloth, apply an even coat of stain following the direction of the wood grain.
  4. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping off excess stain with a clean cloth.
  5. If desired, apply another coat after 2 hours for a deeper color.

Tips for using Varathane Gel Stain Briarsmoke

  • If you want a lighter color, mix in some of Varathane’s Natural Wood Stain into Briarsmoke until you get your desired shade.
  • To avoid blotchiness on porous woods such as pine or maple, use Varathane’s Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner before applying the gel stain.
  • Cover up surrounding areas with drop cloths or painter’s tape to prevent accidental staining.

Pricing and availability

You can purchase Varathane Gel Stain Briarsmoke at most hardware stores or online retailers such as Amazon. The price varies depending on the size of the can but typically ranges from $10-$20 per quart. It may seem slightly more expensive than other stains on the market but trust me; it’s worth every penny!

In conclusion

I highly recommend trying out Varathane Gel Stain Briarsmoke if you want to add depth and character to your wooden surfaces. Its ease of use, quick drying time, and rich color make it one of my go-to products for all my staining projects. Give it a try; I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Author Profile

Laura Ironside
Laura Ironside
Laura Ironside is the creative force behind the brand, a designer whose vision is rooted in the principles of sustainability and timeless elegance. Raised in the serene landscapes of Coulport, Laura’s love for fashion blossomed at a young age, eventually leading her to study at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee.

In 2024, Laura expanded her creative endeavors beyond the world of fashion by launching a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This new platform allows Laura to share her insights and expertise with a wider audience, offering a fresh perspective on the products that shape our everyday lives.

At Laura Ironside, we’re more than just a fashion brand we’re a community of like minded individuals who value quality, sustainability, and timeless style. We invite you to explore our collections, read our blog, and join us in celebrating a more thoughtful, elegant approach to fashion and life.