Was at HD this afternoon for some supplies.  I noticed they are clearing out all their Minwax products and have them marked down to about 1/2 price.  If you have some favorites, worth a trip.   They are converting to Varathane and happen to have some of that marked down about 30% too, at least at for the varnish I was looking at.   Here I was wearing my Varathane T-shirt.

No big loss...except for the Helmsman line. Ace carries it, though.

Not real fond of the Helmsman for most things.   I do like their dye-based Golden Oak oil-based stain.  While the clerk was shaking my can of paint, she said the Varathane equivalent to Polyshades (varnish & stain mixed) seemed to work real well on the paint stick she tested it on.  I held my nose.

@kmealy, I use Helmsman as a part of my wiping mix. I used to HVLP spray it a lot. No problems on new work. Other than Minwax now owns it, what do you not like about it?

Edited July 20, 20187 yr by Gene Howe

It's a long-oil finish that is softer than regular varnish.  I've seen it with pen impressions when used on tables and desks.  And it does not stand up well outdoors.  I guess it depends upon what you are using it on.

I'm OK, then. It's only used on boxes and cases. For the chairs and tables, a Spar varnish like Man O War is used. Still mixed with Watco. But, man the price difference....wow.