Minwax® | How to Get Beautiful Results with Oil-Based Stain

[@odessa870]

Very clear instructions and the added tips are great. I feel confident enough to tackle my first staining project. Thanks!

[@MinwaxUSA]

We can't wait to see the final product!

[@EricPalmer_DaddyOh]

Thanks. I'll give it a go.

[@JustAnAverageGuy-lq6sd]

Just tried staining with oil stain for the first time. I didn't remove the excess and it got all gummed up and it just got really dark. I watched this video a bit too late but definitely very useful tips and will be doing this when I re-stain.

[@MinwaxUSA]

We're sorry to hear about this! If you have any questions or need assistance, just send us a PM. We’re here to help!

[@MinwaxUSA]

Some wood grains are porous and tend to absorb stain unevenly. That's why it's essential to pre-treat soft or porous woods with Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner to help ensure even stain color penetration and beautiful results.

[@eol9147]

beautiful paiting! your brush going straight on wood... I will use your tips🧡

[@MinwaxUSA]

👀🙌

[@remoneshak2462]

Unfortunately I applied first stain but waited longer than 15 minutes so I couldn’t remove the dark spots. Now it’s fully dry any recommendations?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Remon, you can start by taking a lint-free cloth dampened with 100% mineral spirits to wipe the surface to lighten the stain.

[@ragtop63]

Most finishes are too glossy for my tastes and some take way too long to fully cure (a month or more). I plan to apply 3 or 4 coats of stain. Is there an alternative to varnish that I can use as a finisher? Especially something that has little to no sheen?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out! We recommend using Minwax® Polycrylic™ Protective Finish which is perfect for use over all Minwax Oil-Based and Water-Based Stains and colors, as well as all wood species, including light woods like maple, ash, and birch. Its ultra-fast-drying formula allows for quick recoats after just 2 hours. It is available in a clear matte finish to avoid the glossy shine. For more information please visit www.minwax.com/en/products/protective-finishes/polycrylic-protective-finish. Hope this helps!

[@corrinepornbeck4660]

If a child sets down a glass or cup that sweats will this finish leave cup rings on the table?​@MinwaxUSA

[@austinfailz]

Everyone talks about "It's fast drying!" Great! How long does it take to cure, though? That's the real question, frankly. If it takes a month to cure, then how long it takes to dry isn't really all that important, now is it?

[@obi-wankenobi1750]

Ok but you can still handle it while it cures lol. Cure time really isn’t that important. And the biggest issue is recoat time, which is the biggest time saver in a project.

[@jonathonmiller5644]

After you let the Pre-stain conditioner sit for 5-15 minutes and then wiping off the excess, how long did did you wait before applying the normal stain?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Jonathon, Apply stain within two hours of application of Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner!

[@مصلاويعراقي-ط6ن]

Thanks for perfect explanation 👌

[@macristinaambe591]

Sir is it need to put a clear gloss laquer? Tnx😊

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there! For longest durability, we recommend finishing each project with a clear protective topcoat like Minwax Fast-Dry Polyurethane or Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish. For more information about this product, please check the following link: www.minwax.com/en/products/stains/wood-finish#accordion-d2ecd20a60-item-a94c59175b. Hope this helps!

[@227frogman01]

Thank you for the info does the chocolate exterior stain have an undertone?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Blake, This stain is intended for interior use.

[@SaraLopez-md7dv]

What color is this stain????

[@EricPalmer_DaddyOh]

I have a maple ethan allen table that is cherry stained. I've sanded to bare wood 220 grit. I hear that maple blotches even with your pre-stain. What can I do to reduce or eliminate botching?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Eric, great question! We recommend applying Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner after you've finished sanding. For best results, let the pre-stain soak into the wood for around 15 minutes, then wipe away the excess with a clean, dry cloth. You can see some examples and get some more tips and tricks on our blog; blog.minwax.com/06/22/avoiding-blotchiness/. You can also find more information on our Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner here; www.minwax.com/en/products/preparation/pre-stain-wood-conditioner. We hope this helps!

[@susanjspaulding]

*WOW* !!!!! *Thanks for the tips* !!! *LOVE staining wood* !!!! #MinwaxUSA

[@Sara-tq1sc]

Can I use the spar urethane after staining a front door? And should I flip and stain the other side of door or flip it after urethan dries, then repeat the steps on other side? Thanks

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Sara, Is this for an interior or exterior door?

[@Sara-tq1sc]

@@MinwaxUSA it will be an exterior door.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Sara, For an exterior door we recommend using an exterior protective top coat like Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane: bit.ly/3q7ANqY If you'd like, our customer support team can chat through the details of your project. They can be reached directly at [e-mail] or by phone at 1-800-523-9299. Thank you!

[@johnhouli3450]

Minwax prestain and Minwax golden oak stain I have those cans that are unopened but are 10 years old can I still use them?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hello, John! Unopened, the oil based Pre-stain and stain have a shelf life of 99 months. Once the products have been opened they do not have a definite shelf life as there are too many variables to consider. If it has been 10 years, we would recommend to purchase new product.

[@johnhouli3450]

Thank you.

[@Mxgic_Mike_77]

I'm going to apply the stain on a guitar .. Before applying the pre-stain do I clean the dust with a dry cloth ? Or a little wet ? And let dry the wood ?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Michael, We recommend using a cloth with 100% mineral spirits. A dry cloth can also be used. If you decide to use mineral spirits, please make sure it is 100% and not low odor or odorless as that can affect the stain and top coat.

[@sanmurillo]

I have a table top that has a 2" cherry wood border surrounding 8" of walnut. I've sanded the finishes of both of them and cleaned using a tack cloth. I'll be pre finishing both areas and then when dry I was going use masking tape to stain one and then reverse the taping to stain the other. How soon after staining one part can I place masking tape on it.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Santos, We recommend waiting at least 4 hours for the stain to completely dry.

[@sanmurillo]

@@MinwaxUSA Thank you. Would it be better to poly it first then use the masking tape?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Santos, Are you planning on using two different stain colors on the two different types of wood?

[@sanmurillo]

@@MinwaxUSA yes. Cherry on the 2 1/2 inch border and a dark walnut on the center of the table

[@MinwaxUSA]

Thanks, Santos! Yes, we recommend applying the stain and the polyurethane based off of the label instructions before taping it off and working on the next section. Please make sure to use urethane safe tape. If the adhesive is too strong, it may peel up the polyurethane.

[@SandyCB7]

Can you do it on floors same process??

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there! Great question. You can certainly use this process for floors. However, please bear in mind each product's total dry time before walking on it. This is stated on each product page on our website. Thanks!

[@SandyCB7]

Thank you very much. I’m doing it 😅!!!!

[@rashedalsuwaidi3648]

Can i use just the stain without the pre- stain and polyurethane? . Will the wood stain alone provide a decent protection?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there! We always recommend using pre-stain to ensure that the stain applies evenly onto your project, and then a top coat, like Polyurethane, to ensure that your piece is protected with one of the most durable coatings for wood protection. Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@chrise.321]

The stain only colors the wood, not protect it.

[@bonniewanhala432]

can you use this stain over a finished surface?

[@MinwaxUSA]

You will have to sand the surface in order for the stain to work properly, Bonnie!

[@bluazur55]

Great video. On oak stairs do you suggest water popping after sanding and before staining?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Blu, We do not recommend water popping as this may affect how well the stain penetrates into the pores of the wood. For success, apply the stain according to the directions here: www.minwax.com/wood-products/stains/minwax-wood-finish#directions

[@DeviantSpark1]

What can cause the polyurethane layer to turn milky white? In one of my projects the stain looks great but 10 minutes after I apply the top coat it turns white. I waited the 24 hours.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there! The problem you're describing is called flashing or hazing. It is a result of trapped solvents in the stain. When using Minwax Wood Finish stain, all the excess (unabsorbed) stain must be removed by wiping with a clean, soft cloth within 5-15 (see package instructions as time varies according to the color formulation). One clue that this is the case is the extended dry time. Wood Finish applied correctly dries in 8-24 hours. Though the excess stain will eventually dry, it cannot cure completely, so the solvents remain active just under the surface, and when the polyurethane (or any other clear coating) is applied, it reactivates these solvents (called "flashing"), which because they can't escape, they "haze" the underside of the polyurethane. The only way to cure this problem is to remove the clear coating with a chemical stripper or by sanding. Though stripping usually removes the excess stain with the poly, if it doesn't, you will have to remove the excess stain as well. It is not necessary to remove the stain to bare wood since some stain will have penetrated into the surface. Once the polyurethane is removed, you can wipe the excess stain off using a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Be sure to have good ventilation as this product has a very strong odor. Turn the cloth frequently to avoid re-depositing stains on the wood. If the color is acceptable, you can let dry (an hour should be sufficient since acetone evaporates very quickly), then reapply the polyurethane. If the color is not acceptable, sand the wood lightly with 220-grit sandpaper to reopen the pores, and reapply the stain, taking care to wipe off the unabsorbed stain within the recommended time. You cannot achieve depth of color by leaving a penetrating stain on the surface. To deepen the color, wait 4-6 hours and apply another coat of stain, always wiping off excess within the recommended time. Allow the final stain coat to dry for 8-24 hours, then apply 2-3 coats of polyurethane for protection. You should get beautiful results. Hope this helps!

[@DeviantSpark1]

@@MinwaxUSA Thanks for the extensive response. That is very helpful!

[@stephenpeterson4738]

Do I need to use poly? Or can I use my Rubio?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Stephen, for success we recommend using the products and steps featured in this video. We can not guarantee pleasing results with other products.

[@thomaspowers9922]

Can I put a second coat to get darker results after first coat is dry?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Thomas, Yes, to darken the color, apply a second coat after 2-4 hours (time dependent on color).

[@empiresoundstt]

Is the pre stain absolutely necessary?

[@casca6664]

no

[@bonniewanhala432]

what would happen if you don't use a wood conditioner

[@MinwaxUSA]

Wood conditioner ensures you get an even application when staining! You can still do your project without it, but it ensures the best result. 😉

[@swaggedup6934]

Could I do this on a guitar body?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there! Thanks for reaching out. While our products have not undergone specific testing on musical instruments, we advise performing a stain application on a test area to verify the desired outcome.

[@ГолдовОлег-л9м]

Здравствуйте, подскажите пожалуйста, какой это цвет?

[@joeydrone5897]

Do you sand the final topcoat?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Joey, The final coat of Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane does not need to be sanded once dried.

[@mishkadchowdhury4765]

What stain was used here?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Espresso 273 🤎

[@jeffreylc]

For sanding can I use an orbital sander?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Jeff - yes, you can. However, we'd recommend making sure it's a random orbital sander to ensure the piece is not left with any circular marks. A regular orbital sander will also work but there is an increased chance of scratches or imperfections. We always recommend sanding with the grain and starting with coarser sandpaper for removing old stain or paint. When you're ready to prepare the unfinished surface for staining, we recommend a 220 grit sandpaper and our Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner for a great result.

[@roxannedawson3920]

Why does it need to be a natural bristle brush??

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Roxanne, thank you for reaching out! Natural bristle brushes are recommended to be used with oil based products, while synthetic bristle brushes should be used with water-based products. Hope this helps!

[@magyarka1]

Please tell me ,the Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, is oil based or water based ?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there, The Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner used in this video is oil-based.

[@magyarka1]

@@MinwaxUSA Thank You!

[@martingo2680]

How come you guys are no longer with home Depot??

[@MinwaxUSA]

Minwax is not available at Home Depot but is available nationally at Lowe's and many other retailers! You can find all retailers near you here: t.co/1WNSCimqLC

[@jmack619]

@@MinwaxUSA Can I coat with Epoxy ?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hello! Please reach out to us directly at [e-mail] so we can learn more about your project and give you the best recommendation possible. Thank you.

[@tawny6290]

How long does it take for the smell to go away?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Tawny. The product will still have an odor as it is drying/curing, and this time frame will be longer for oil-based products. The full cure is 30 days but the odor may dissipate before that time. The best way to make sure the odor will dissipate is to have adequate ventilation in the room. You can also put baking soda or charcoal briquettes in the area to help absorb the odor.

[@Five_Seven7]

We are unfortunate that your products are not available in our Country.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Sorry about this! We hope to expand in the future.

[@Five_Seven7]

@@MinwaxUSA if any plans in future to came up on KZ pls inform me will help

[@averagecomrade5072]

Will this work on a guitar?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Eric, Our products have not been tested on musical instruments. We recommend applying the stain to a test area to ensure satisfactory results.

[@petemccollow5919]

Can you stain over a lighter stain color with a darker stain?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hey Pete! We'd love to chat with you about the details of your project to get you the best recommendation possible. Please contact us directly at [e-mail] or by phone at 1-800-523-9299

[@Five_Seven7]

What color of stain used here?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi! Espresso was used in this video.

[@shinnoke8]

amazing results!!

[@richienguyen446]

Is 100% mineral spirits required for this process? I'm finding videos online of some people using it to clean their brushes before applying another coat of polyurethane.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Richie, We recommend cleaning the brush with 100% mineral spirits to prevent it from drying.

[@richienguyen446]

@@MinwaxUSA my store doesn’t carry 100% mineral spirits. Only odorless mineral spirits. Would paint thinner or a brush cleaner work? It was recommended by the store employees.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Richie, If the paint thinner contains 100% mineral spirits then that should work, and if the brush cleaner states that it will remove oil-based products, that should work as well. We do strongly recommend 100% mineral spirits as the low odor or odorless can have an affect on our products.

[@lio176]

This product abailavle in india

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there, Unfortunately we do not have retailers in India. You may be able to have our products shipped over from Amazon.

[@ROOKTABULA]

Don't use _an old t-shirt!_ Get tack cloths!