Question: is minwax the same as varathane?
Answer: The Varathane stuff smells more oily, and the Minwax has an antique smell, like an antic, once applied to the wood. I must say that I event beging to like the smell of the Minwax finish. But after a few days, the carvings I applied the Varathane finish doesn't smell anything, so I expect the Minwax to be the same.