Non-Toxic Wood Stain: A Look at Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain

Rise
Last Updated: Jul 15, 2022

Vermont Natural Coatings' PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain is marketed as a family-friendly and planet-friendly alternative to mainstream stains.

As one of the most popular products on the Rise store, we get many questions about this product from homeowners who call into the customer line. Let's answer the five most common questions about Vermont Natural Coatings' PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain.

Table of Contents

  1. What is PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain Made Of?
  2. Can PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain be used near gardens?
  3. Does PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain need anything applied on top of it?
  4. Will PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain change the color of the existing wood?
  5. Does PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain work?

What is PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain Made Of?

The name PolyWhey comes from the key ingredient: whey protein. Whey protein is a by-product of cheese making and acts as a binder. It’s a renewable resource that translates to fewer VOCs than other water-based stains.

PolyWhey shares an ingredient in common with greek yogurt - whey protein.
$83.50-$398
Vermont Natural Coatings Penetrating Water Proofer Infused With Juniper
Vermont Natural Coatings (VNC) Penetrating Water Proofer is a non-toxic exterior sealer for raw wood: wood siding, fences, outdoor furniture, garden boxes, and other outdoor wood surfaces. Penetrating Water Proofer is non-toxic, zero VOC, and safe for people, pets, and the environment. It has a very low odor and contains no biocides, fungicides, or anti-microbial agents.Penetrating Water Proofer is infused with juniper, nature's strongest natural wood preservative. It stabilizes and seals the wood from the inside, which controls moisture absorption and extends the life of the wood by reducing mold, mildew, and decay. Penetrating Water Proofer dries clear and leaves no topcoat, allowing the wood's color to age naturally. (If you prefer a color, please consider VNC Exterior Penetrating Stain.) Clear finish, no topcoat left behind Available in quart, gallon sizes, and 5-gallon sizes
$89.25-$416.75
Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Furniture Finish
Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Furniture Finish is a grain-enhancing finish that’s durable and safe enough for application on furniture, trim, toys, cupboards, tables, and doors. It can be applied over an oil-based stain and finish. It dries quickly and dries clear. PolyWhey® Furniture Finish uses whey protein to seal and protect wood against water and chemicals. One gallon covers 500-600 sq ft.
$53.50-$252
Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey 3000 Wood Floor Sealer
Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey 3000 Wood Floor Sealer is a clear sanding sealer that is recommended for use on all interior bare wood floors, as well as previously stained or coated wood flooring. Its professional strength is derived from natural whey protein, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an eco-friendly option.This product is user-friendly, with easy application and quick drying time that leaves no residue. In addition, it minimizes grain raise and tannin pull, giving a smooth and consistent finish.PolyWhey® 3000 also boasts outstanding adherence properties, making it compatible with almost all wood surfaces and stain treatments. It offers great coverage and is easy to clean up, making it an all-around convenient option. Moreover, it has excellent abradability, making it ideal for sanding before applying a topcoat.
$115-$570
AFM Naturals Oil Wax Finish
AFM Naturals™ Oil Wax Finish is an organic plant-based premium hardener and sealer for unfinished woods that works well on all ready-to-finish wood, bamboo, and cork floors, and other interior wooden surfaces, including children’s furniture and toys. It contains a sophisticated combination of natural resins and waxes that together create a durable, water-repellant, watermark-resistant finish and sealer, enhancing and maintaining wood beauty and breathability. Based on natural vegetable oils, waxes, and plant extractives, this product is free of lead, cobalt, and citrus-drying compounds.
$25
Vermont Natural Coatings Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
Vermont Natural Coatings Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is an essential treatment to prepare bare wood for uniform acceptance for Vermont Natural Coatings Stain & Finish. This clear treatment prevents streaks and blotching when staining interior wood projects, and ensures a beautiful, uniform color. Cleans up with soap and water with no odour.
$107-$530
AFM Naturals Clear Penetrating Oil
AFM Naturals™ Clear Penetrating Oil is an organic plant-based premium penetrating oil for new and old unfinished wood. It is excellent on wood fencing, timberwork, furniture, decking, paneling, and trim. It rejuvenates, weatherproof, and enhances the innate beauty of wood surfaces. Reduces peeling, blistering, and cracking. Unlike products used for similar purposes, it’s benzene-free. Non-flammable.
$113.75-$521
Vermont Natural Coatings Pure Matte Finish (Ultra Matte) with PolyWhey
A premium interior wood topcoat that provides a natural flat matte appearance while protecting the wood underneath. Made with PolyWhey® and plant-based resins, it is both safe and natural. Excellent chemical and water resistance. This product is part of our Climate Cool™ program. Pure Matte is a USDA Certified Biobased Product. By using renewable, bio-based materials, we can displace the need for non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals. Ultralow sheen, matte look Chemical and water-resistant Surpasses all environmental standards in the US & Canada Easy application & cleanup Cleans up with soap & water Non-flammable Low VOC: ≤ 225 g/L
$101.75-$460
Vermont Natural Coatings Bohme Aging Stain
Vermont Natural Coatings and Böhme's Exterior Aging Stain is a premium wood treatment designed to provide an instant aged appearance while protecting and stabilizing the wood structure. This high-quality stain is perfect for use on new or bare exterior wood, providing a natural looking aged gray finish that evens out differences in wood tone.With ultra-low VOC levels (less than 30g/L), this stain is environmentally friendly and safe to use. Each gallon can cover between 300-400 sq. ft. and is ready for a second coat after just 6-8 hours. This versatile stain does not require a topcoat, saving you both time and effort.The easy application and water cleanup make it a breeze to use, with available sizes in quarts, gallons, and five-gallon pails. Get the beautiful, natural aged finish you want for your exterior wood surfaces with Vermont Natural Coatings and Böhme's Exterior Aging Stain.

The spec and safety data sheets for PolyWhey Exterior Stain will show that it is not considered hazardous to plant or animal life. However, you should still wear basic protective gear and use it in a well-ventilated area.

Can PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain be used near gardens?

As a non-toxic stain with no biocides, PolyWhey Exterior Stain won’t harm your gardens, and vegetables will be safe to eat. The wrong stain has preservatives that can soak into your soil or get on your grass or gardens, preventing them from absorbing water, nutrients, and sun. You might notice discoloration or see your plants wither away.

Vegetable garden

Does PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain need anything applied on top of it?

Like any stain, Vermont Natural Coatings' PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain should be the last thing you put on your deck until the next time you stain, seal, or paint. It completely seals the deck, and no other coating or paint will properly settle on top of the stain, anyway.

Applying PolyWhey to a wood bench

Will PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain change the color of the existing wood?

Even the clear finish of “Caspian Clear” will darken your wood slightly and make the grain pop. PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain comes in over a dozen colors to achieve a dramatic or natural look.

This may seem like an odd question for folks who use a stain to color their wood, but many folks LOVE the color of their beautiful cedar deck and don’t want it to change.

PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain in Caspian Clear before it has dried and cured

Does PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain work?

Yes, Vermont Natural Coatings' PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain is a very effective product and performs as it promises. For the best results, prepare the surface by ensuring it's clean and dry. Apply two coats of the stain and wait 48 hours for it to cure. Like any product, it only works if used correctly, so read the product specifications on shop.buildwithrise.com to get the best out of your purchase.

Sanding a wood bench before cleaning and staining

Before we list a product on the Rise store, we not only make sure it does what it claims but that it has big fans among sustainably-minded experts in our industry. We’ve heard nothing but amazing things about the performance of PolyWhey Exterior Stain, which is especially impressive since it checks so many boxes for health and the environment.

Article By: Rise

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute a product endorsement however Rise does reserve the right to recommend relevant products based on the articles content to provide a more comprehensive experience for the reader.