Minwax® | How to Use Wood Finish Water-Based Color Stain

[@RobotCoder1951]

I got excellent results with Minwax water based solid stain (rustic cherry), but only after a lot of trial and error. Apart from sanding and then applying conditioner, I ended up ignoring the directions. Following the directions produced horrible results. This product is far too thick and fast drying to apply it like a stain. I had success only after I applied it like a paint. I thinned it with a small amount of water and extender (one part water, one part extender and ten parts Minwax water based solid stain), applied two thin coats with a high quality semi-firm brush, and didn't wipe it off. When the stain was fully dry, I applied two thin coats of satin polycrylic. This method produced exactly the result promised by Minwax.

[@contractor556]

I’m using the semi transparent and it IMMEDIATELY SETS and you can see every spot I stopped and started. This is with small 30” x 7.25” shelves idk what TF I’m going to do with my 129” huge butcher block countertop. Ready to ditch this water based and go to my oil based which is my go to

[@RobotCoder1951]

@@contractor556 I agree. This stuff is way too thick and fast drying to use as a stain. Minwax instructions and videos just make it even worse to use.

[@bryanwalter4438]

Thank you soooo much for this video! I'm working on making a dm screen and I'm going to stain the wood with the water based true black stain and I was struggling to get the darkness that I wanted! This video helped very much! I just forgot to sand it before hand!

[@GardenEvolution]

Just got this and started staining a cabinet with the solid color...this stuff dried so fast there was no time to wipe excess off and literally just looks like paint. Should have stuck with using acrylic paint so I could get the texture of wood grain still. 🤦🏼‍♂️Off to sand again

[@GardenEvolution]

@@thegraciesadventuresshow3777 in the end it’s actually came out super sharp looking and I was quick to judge before allowing it to dry. I picked up another shade a while back and haven’t found the right piece to use it on yet. Either way. Not to bad honestly just needs a bit of thinner

[@contractor556]

I’m having horrible results right now. You can see exactly where I stopped and started (seconds of time passing to dip in for more stain) this is insane. Think I’m going back to oil base

[@sloanbrunner7486]

Can you wait longer to apply the polycrylic topcoat? Can i wait 24 hours before applying?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hey, Sloan! Yes, you can wait 24 hours. You can consult all the instructions here: minwax.com/en/products/protective-finishes/polycrylic-protective-finish#accordion-1a2afb84f0-item-f48df8ec09

[@sloanbrunner7486]

Thanks!

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Sloan, thank you for reaching out. Yes you may wait 24 hours before applying the topcoat. You can find more information on this product here: rb.gy/vutxd. Hope this helps!

[@anonymoushuman4222]

What color semi-transparent was used in video and on what species wood?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi! In this video, Wood Finish Water-Based Solid Color Stain in Onyx was applied to White Oak wood.

[@iampointrider]

I have the solid color stain and I don't understand how I'm supposed to use a synthetic pad to remove the excess. After one pass the pad would be saturated. It seems like it would leave on a layer that's too thick.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there, We'd love to speak with you to help you out with your project and using our color stain. So that we can better assist you with this matter, please contact our customer support team directly at [e-mail] or by phone at 1-800-523-9299. Thank you!

[@astroken573]

@@MinwaxUSA These responses don't help anyone! Apparently the Solid Stain is so problematic you take complaints offline and cannot provide useful general direction. Everyone seems to have the same problem - drying too fast. Now I regret buying it for unfinished kitchen cabinets....

[@taylorashleyyyy]

What its that specific stain pad holder that is used? I can't seem to find it anywhere.

[@WiLL02724]

I’m completely new to this, what brushes do you recommend for staining with water-based ?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there! We recommend using a synthetic brush. An option for this is the Purdy XL Sprig brush: low.es/39Q7f8l

[@jfy1]

Do you really need staining pad to remove the excess or can you just use a micro fiber cloth

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there, thank you for reaching out. You can find all our tips and tricks on wood staining here: www.minwax.com/en/how-to-finish-wood/wood-stain/wood-staining-tips-dos-and-donts. Hope this helps!

[@jfy1]

@@MinwaxUSAdidn’t answer my question

[@MinwaxUSA]

We highly suggest the use of a staining pad to get solid, consistent results with the stain.

[@vinaychand8101]

Where can i find that synthetic pad, all i get in search results are staining pad, can some one share the link please ?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Vinay, thank you for your question! A synthetic staining pad is what you will need to use when applying the Water Based Stain. It can be found at your local hardware stores such as Lowe's or Sherwin-Williams. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

[@marilu191]

By using the polycrilic after applying the wood stain, it prevents the stain to seep through my lettering? Let’s say I want to make a wood sign and I do all those three steps, would polycrilic stop the wood stain from coming through my painted lettering over the years? Thanks!

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Maria! We'd love to chat with you about your project to get you the best product recommendation possible. So that we can better assist you with this matter, please contact us directly at [e-mail] or by phone at 1-800-523-9299.

[@cjbowser]

Are there any special considerations for disposing of the rags when you're done like there is with oil based stains?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Chad, we recommend reaching out to your local waste management or visiting www.earth911.com to find out the best way to dispose of materials!

[@malaknaji6866]

Are water based stains safe on kitchen cabinets after completely dried?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi, Malak! You can definitely stain your kitchen cabinets with a water-based stain. We recommend waiting 24-48 hours for the stain to fully dry before using a water-based polyurethane coating to protect them as well. Reach out to us with any further questions at [e-mail]. We'd be happy to help!

[@87laser]

Can I use these stain over PVA primer?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out. We don't recommend this as the primer will interfere with our penetrating stain absorbing completely into the surface. The end result will be stain that peels quickly and may not dry. Hope this helps!

[@alexboateng1971]

Hi! How can I contact you guys. And do you have any Representatives in UK or Ghana

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Alex, You can reach our customer service team at [e-mail] or by phone at 1-800-523-9299!

[@ghoulishlygoodcinema7883]

Do you have any advice on using the solid stain on hickory (a decorative handle of an object)? I’ve followed the directions on the conditioner and stain and it just wipes off like it’s been sealed.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hello! We'd love to speak with you about your project to ensure we're getting you the best recommendation possible. Please contact us directly at [e-mail] or by phone at 1-800-523-9299. Thank you!

[@mohamedelgendy62]

I got the walnut color today from Lowes. The color is completely different than the color on the chart.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Mohamed, We are sorry to hear that you are not completely satisfied with our product. So that we can better assist you with this matter, please contact us directly at [e-mail] or by phone at 1-800-523-9299. Thanks!

[@tristancalderon4317]

stain looks different on different species of wood

[@lexconor8498]

There is no mention here or on the can of the product about how long you can wait to apply the stain after lightly sanding the conditioned wood. Its very vague about the 15-30 minutes. What happens if i wait an hour or two? Should i reapply the conditioner before staining? How forgiving is the product?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Lex, You can wait as long as you need after sanding to apply the stain. The pre-stain would not need to be reapplied.

[@kimhuyoung5482]

I have stair treads that I am trying to match with factory finished hardwood floor. The factory finish is matte finish and I am wondering if I can apply flat Polycrylic multiple times on top of my water-based stain to have good foot-traffic protection to the treads. Is Polycrylic the best product that Mixwax makes for this type of application? Please advise.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there, We'd love to speak with you about the details of your project to get you the best recommendation. So that we can better assist you with this matter, please contact us directly at [e-mail] or by phone at 1-800-523-9299. Thank you!

[@abanks2771]

This product is so thick and dries so fast it's impossible to get a uniform coat. Needs to be cut with something. Last time I used this product...horrible.

[@vanontom]

My thoughts exactly. Minwax water-based stain (semi-transparent) has a BRUTAL work time of literally 1-2 minutes! Even with perfect prep, going over 2 min will result in permanent streaks and disaster IMO. That means anything over about 2 sq ft is incredibly easy to ruin. Minwax needs to keep working on this product, especially extend working time, or provide extender product, or give more tips on extending work time (will try thinning stain with water). Update: I somehow managed a surprisingly nice stain (water-based, semi-transparent) using the following: 1. Dilute the stain at least 10-20%. 2. Apply lightly using lint-free cotton (t-shirt quality) (do not apply heavy, avoid brushes!), over only one face section at a time (under 2 sq ft), in grain direction, for only 60-90 seconds. 3. Wipe off immediately using clean cotton (next 60-90 seconds are very important!), making sure to remove and blend all excess, streaks, dark areas (it's impossible to blend or remove after this period). 4. Have a stroke due to stress of ridiculously short work-time (or not and appreciate your project and mad skillz).

[@AxGryndr]

@@vanontom Did you just you water to dilute or did you use something else?

[@carlameier4489]

I bought this to use on a dinning table I am working on and now I am scared cuz it says better for small projects

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi, Carla! You can definitely use this on your table project.

[@contractor556]

Yea I’m doing small shelves now and it’s drying immediately , you can see where I stopped and started (while dipping into the can, so one or two seconds) , I have a big countertop and there is gonna be no way to do that uniform. What did you end up doing?

[@tiffanylwashington7412]

Useful information

[@brendabarbee7939]

I want to use the Semi Transparent Color Stain on some CNC placks that I am making but once I put it on it is like the I used the solid stain.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Brenda, We'd love to speak with you about your project to ensure we're getting you the best recommendation possible. So that we can better assist you with this matter, please contact us directly at [e-mail] or by phone at 1-800-523-9299. Thank you

[@nicolaskorneev9674]

Is this stuff toxic?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Nicolas, we have a variety of products that are safe to use when applied as directed on the label as well as on our website: www.minwax.com/wood-products/stains/minwax-wood-finish-waterbased-solid-color-stain. We'd love to help you choose the best product for your project. Feel free to reach out to our customer support team at [e-mail], by phone at 1-800-523-9299 or you can DM us on Instagram @MinwaxUSA. Happy to help!

[@Eliphas_Elric]

The stuff is absolutely terrible. Like everyone else has it’s way too thick and it dries almost immediately leaving streaky, blotchy messes. I really regret buying this product as I was hoping to apply a nice walnut stain to a guitar body I’m refinishing.

[@MinwaxUSA]

We're truly sorry to hear about your experience with our product, and we'd like to help. Please send us more details at www.minwax.com/en/contact so we can better assist you. Thank you!

[@DR-um2bv]

It's really just paint. Not really a stain. Too thick and dry as soon putting on wood

[@MinwaxUSA]

Paint and stain each bring a different vibe! 🎨 Paint covers the wood for a bold, solid color, while stain sinks in to enhance the natural wood grain. If you want full coverage, paint is your best option; for a more natural, rustic look that’s easy to maintain, stain’s the way to go!

[@obi-wankenobi1750]

Solid stain is similar to paint

[@KarenLE67]

I wish I had read these comments! I bought the semi-transparent in a shade of white for the frame of a newly-installed custom window which has a very nice quality wood that I didn't want to hide under paint. I've done a lot of paining and staining in the past year and felt confident taking on a new product. What a mess! I was very diligent with prep but this was too thick and dried before you could blink - no workability. If you do want to try the semi-transparent, do not use a brush. Follow the instructions given in a previous comment to wipe on and immediately off with a cloth. When I was trying to fix my mess, I did this in one area and it was much better. But I have since sanded it all off as best I can and will paint instead. Very disappointing, and a day wasted.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Karen, we regret to hear you had this experience with our product. We'd like to connect with you to gather additional details about your project. Please fill out our Contact Form so we may follow up here: www.minwax.com/en/contact. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

[@justinewettschreck6612]

Horrible stuff! Too thick, dries too fast, blotchy! I have been refinishing furniture for decades and this is the worst product I've ever come across.

[@MinwaxUSA]

That's not what we like to hear, Justine. Please contact us using the information on this page: www.minwax.com/en/contact, so we can look into this and assist you further. Thank you.

[@contractor556]

Same

[@sherrylkeith9695]

Woodprix is a good solution for every woodworker.