Non-Toxic Wood Stain: A Look at Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain
Last Updated: Feb 9, 2025Vermont 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
- What is PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain Made Of?
- Can PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain be used near gardens?
- Does PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain need anything applied on top of it?
- Will PolyWhey Exterior Wood Stain change the color of the existing wood?
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rise
At Rise, we strive to make sustainable home improvement easy and accessible for everyone. Whether you're building or renovating, our thoroughly vetted building products will help you reduce your carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and create a more sustainable living or working environment.
