10 Best Wood Stains 2025 in the United States

The Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain in Barn Red is a strong choice for anyone looking to quickly enhance the look of interior wood surfaces like furniture, cabinets, doors, or trim. This oil-based stain is known for its rich color that highlights the natural beauty of wood grain without hiding it. One of its biggest advantages is the fast drying time—it becomes touch-dry in about an hour, which is great if you want to finish your project quickly. It also offers good coverage, with one quart covering up to 275 square feet, thanks to its one-coat formula. The stain is easy to apply and tends to provide even results due to its high-quality pigment technology.

In terms of durability, oil-based stains like this one generally offer a longer-lasting finish that resists wear well on indoor wood surfaces. The Barn Red color adds a warm, classic look that can complement various interior styles. On the downside, oil-based stains can have a stronger odor during application and require mineral spirits or other solvents for clean-up, which might be less convenient for some users. Also, while it highlights wood grain nicely, it is not fully opaque, so the wood’s imperfections may still show through.

This stain represents a solid pick for DIYers or professionals who want a fast-drying, durable finish with beautiful color and wood grain enhancement on indoor wood projects.

The Varathane 297424 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain in Antique White is a versatile option for various interior wood projects, including furniture, cabinets, doors, trim, and paneling. One of its major strengths is the fast-drying oil-based formula that allows the stain to dry to the touch in just one hour, making it a time-efficient choice. Additionally, it offers one-coat coverage and can cover up to 275 square feet, which is quite efficient for a quart-sized product.

The stain is enhanced with nano pigment particles, which help to highlight the natural wood grain and bring out the beauty of the wood. Another advantage is that it does not require a wood conditioner before application, simplifying the process for users. However, while the fast-drying feature is beneficial for quick projects, it may be a drawback for larger projects where more working time is needed to achieve an even finish. The color, Antique White, offers a classic and elegant look, but it may not suit all tastes or match all interior designs.

The product is lightweight at 2 pounds and comes with the reliability of the Rust-Oleum brand. This stain is ideal for those looking for a quick, efficient staining solution with a high-quality finish, especially for smaller to medium-sized interior wood projects.