Stain and Finish Wood in One Step with Minwax Polyshades | Just Ask Bruce

Wood staining guru Bruce Johnson was recently asked by Megan Smith on Facebook about staining and finishing a new, unfinished bookshelf. Her main problem? She has three kids and not a ton of extra time.
Bruce has the solution: Minwax Polyshades. Polyshades is a combination wood stain and polyurethane finish, allowing you to get both color and protection in one easy step.
Don't forget to pick out a high-quaity, natural bristle brush. If you're new to staining, check our Minwax's guide to wood staining, featuring lots of helpful tips from Bruce: • Video

[@abc123rgb]

I see a lot of people talk down about this stuff, but I've never had a problem with it. I apply a medium coat, wait 10 hours then lightly sand. After that I do one final thin coat wait for it to dry and voila, it's beautiful. Although the label strictly says to only do a thin coats, I've seen no problems. I hate using stain and poly separate now, Great product!!

[@Carterofmars]

I've followed Bruce for years. Extremely knowledgeable when it comes to resto and refinishing.

[@edgargreene2406]

Hi Bruce, hey I am doing a table in black flat stain and need to know what I can seal it with to keep the flat black look. You know how kids are when they're eaten cereal and spill their milk on top of the table, I want to make sure I can clean it up without staining

[@snovoice]

It’s really good if you know what you are in for. Several coats, sanding with steel wool and patience. End result! Beauty!

[@Vinlyguyx420x]

Thank you Bruce and thank you MINWAX! Can’t fit that on the back of a can! I appreciate you guys taking the time to help your customers!

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there! Yes, this can be used on stairs.

[@asmrtalkinganimalshypnotiz3239]

I love PolyShades. I've always got good results using this

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Ace! We are so glad to hear!

[@dlux703]

After trial and error with Polyshades, and stripping back my first cabinet top applications, I discovered that even though they instruct you NOT to thin this product, it is the only way to actually GET a thin coat on a sizeable surface. If you've spent your hard-earned money on premium maple, birch, or oak plywood for a project, and you don't thin this product, you will learn that all that careful selecting of wood grain for the best pieces, will be lost completely under the thick "paint" that masquerades as stain here. If you want to do a faux wood grain on something you can leave this in its original state of gooey-ness. You just won't have much work time to get your desired results. It's not a bad product but really needs to be thinned with mineral spirits to get a built-up application that enhances the wood rather than disguising it.

[@uterushaver8309]

How much mineral spirits do you add to a quart?

[@nelsonnascimentojunior8855]

É um verniz à base de água? Obrigado!

[@richardphatthenguyen195]

Hi, does the Polyshades needs a pre-coat wood conditionner as well?

[@jenniferrarrick2695]

So it really is not a one step process like it advertises. If you have to strip and sand anyways, why not use the regular stain method?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Jennifer, Polyshades combines stain and polyurethane, so you're able to use one product to stain and protect your project!

[@Iknowyoumadnow]

Right, just have to spend more money smh

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi, Jennifer. Having a combined color and polyurethane finish allows you to color and finish in one step. This eliminates the step of waiting on the color to dry so that you can add a top coat such as polyurethane individually. We recommend using proper prep techniques like sanding to ensure that you are happy with your final project. Hope this helps!

[@darrylreynolds3912]

Do you need to first use a sanding sealer on woods that have a tendency to bloch, like pine?

[@waynekerr966]

I brought a 2in1 stain & varnish high-gloss finish for my drum shell, do u think I should buy a polyurethane clear coat finish or not? What steps do i need before I apply the first coat? What number of sandpaper grit should i start first?

[@maxthemaker489]

Hi Bruce! I just refinished my drumset using polyshades. My only question is do I need to use steel wool/sand paper after the final coat drys? I've heard that this step is needed for regular polyurethane but I wasn't sure for polyshades since it's not specified in the directions. I'm using Tudor stain with Gloss sheen. Thanks in advance!

[@franks2910]

OK so how do I test a small inconspicuous spot to test and see if it'll work? Do I have to buy a can of the stuff, take it home, open it and test the area? And if I don't like it what? Take the opened can back to the store and say I don't want it now then get something else?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Frank. You can purchase a half-pint to test a small spot, it’s a convenient way to see if it’ll work for you. If it’s not the right fit, many retailers may not accept a return of opened products, so we suggest checking with the store’s return policy beforehand. Some retailers also have stain charts on real wood pieces, giving you a clearer idea of the finish before you buy. If you have any questions, we're here to help!

[@franks2910]

@@MinwaxUSA Thanks. I didn't realize they came in half pints.

[@marlak7478]

How well does Polyshades work on Hemlock, and would I still need to use a wood conditioner to get rid of the blotchiness?

[@donnaleone4631]

Dear Bruce. I have solid core, oak veneer doors. I have stained them all with a couple of coats (properly applied, well dried between coats) with Minwax Golden Oak 210 B stain. I decided to give them several coats of semi-gloss, Polyurethane by Minwax, not the water based kind. After careful stirring (not shaking), I put a thin coat on one face of the doors and within 2 minutes I began to see white blotches form all over the door. It is ruined. I will have to sand it down and begin again. I will not be putting polyurethane on the rest of the doors. What causes this? I have used minwax for years...this is my go to company.Any comments? Thanks, Disapointed Bob

[@Cassandra8371]

Hi Bruce, I'm new to using stains I picked up a can of Polyshades stain & polyurethane in one step after staining the wood I realized it wasn't a glossy it was satin is there anything I can do to get the glossy look without re sanding and starting over

[@MinwaxUSA]

If the color is how you want it to be, you just have to do a light sanding with 220 grit and then apply a coat of the Fast-Drying Polyurethane on top. If you want to darken the color, you can put another coat of the Polyshades, just make sure it's the gloss. Whatever the last sheen you apply is what will reflect.

[@edgargreene2406]

, hey I am doing a table in black flat stain and need to know what I can seal it with to keep the flat black look. You know how kids are when they're eaten cereal and spill their milk on top of the table, I want to make sure I can clean it up without staining

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Edgar! Thanks for reaching out! We recommend you call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-523-9299 so they can better assist you and recommend you the most suitable product for your project. Thanks.

[@edgargreene2406]

@@MinwaxUSA thank you so soon I will definitely call

[@Angie-ei9yw]

Bruce. What should I use for cleaning my brush after using?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Happy to help, Angie! You should use water for water-based products, and mineral spirits or paint thinner for oil-based products. If you'd like to learn more about how to take care of your brushes, check the following link: shorturl.at/HMcyA

[@Cassandra8371]

thank you very much for replying to my question

[@joncallascir4873]

Having trouble with this stuff, seems like there is clumps of pigment leaving what looks like sand in a dried finish no matter how much I shake the can to dissolve it....any ideas? please help

[@Crashoverride1234]

Jon Callas, CIR Don’t think you’re supposed to shake it or you get bubbles.

[@tonymcrae6510]

Jon Callas, CIR you don't shake stain

[@Hay2016hay]

do i need to add top coat after using Minwax Polyshades?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out. You do not need another polyurethane on top of the Polyshades. You can do so if you want added protection but it is not required. Hope this helps!

[@EverybodyluvLa]

If I just want to stain my floor without sanding it can I use this? I just want to darken my floor

[@MinwaxUSA]

Polyshades should not be used on floors. You could try our Complete 1-Step Floor Finish which is Stain and Polyurethane in one. It does require sanding prior so that it can properly adhere to the floor. www.minwax.com/wood-products/hardwood-floors/minwax-complete-1step-floor-finish

[@terrysmith4394]

Hi! I love using Polyshades. What I've never tried, and am considering for a table I want to use on my screened porch, is to paint a lighter colour Polyshade on top of the mahogany Polyshade already on the table. I'm hoping to sand through to show the darker shade. Is this at all possible? Bruce did mention in this video to use a darker shade only. Finger's crossed!

[@MinwaxUSA]

You most likely will only see the top color. If you are going to try this, lightly sand with 220 and then do a test area to see how it looks. Hope this helps!

[@jenniecrawley4343]

Hello, I have used Poly Shades before with good results. My question is this. What if you have a piece of furniture that you have used Poly Shades previously, but now want to come back and re apply another coat (a few years in between) due to markings on the furniture. Example would be the vacuum hitting the legs of the table. Do I need to do anything special, or can I just re apply another coat. Thank you so much for your reply.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Jennie, You can apply another coat, but you would need to lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper before applying the new coat. Hope this helps!

[@larsjames5017]

Do I have to burnish the remaining shine off of parquet floors before I apply a darker color of polyshades?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there, We do not recommend using PolyShades on floors.

[@deborahsmith-wommack1442]

Hi Bruce. How can I make my refurbished cabinet shine? Will the Polyshade shine or will I need another product? The Polyglass is not for me. Thank you for your help.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Polyshades does come in a Gloss Finish, yes. If the wood has already been stained but not top coated, we'd also suggest a coat or two of Gloss Polyurethane on top which should give you the glossy "shine" you're looking for.

[@Justme-kb2dr]

Would this work on a floor?

[@karenwaters5666]

I have lap marks on a project that I've been working on. Does anyone have suggestions on how to smooth that out other than stripping it and starting all over again?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Karen, We'd love to speak with you about your project to get you the best solution possible. Please contact us directly at [e-mail] or by phone at 1-800-523-9299

[@lisahernandez834]

Aloha... I just did a test sample with Satin finish Espresso but it is drying very glossy? How do I achieve the desired satin finish??

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Lisa, We'd love to chat with you about your project. Please give us a call or send us an email with photos of what's going on so that we can help you out with this. You can reach us directly at [e-mail] or by phone at 1-800-523-9299. Thank you!

[@johnnyschneider849]

thanks for the information

[@helenmyers5161]

Do I need to use pre-stain wood conditioner on new wood, as it says on the can? I'm going to stain my old kitchen cabinets and a couple of new ones, so I want to be sure that they look uniform.

[@abc123rgb]

I've never used a conditioner with polyshades and I haven't had a problem with it not being uniform. But I wouldn't just go for it without a conditioner, test it just to be sure.

[@jackjax532]

Hi Bruce, what number steel-wool do I use between coats? Thank You.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hey Jack! It should be grade 000 or finer.

[@jackjax532]

Much appreciated. Thanks again!

[@jamesliu3688]

Hi there. Do I have to remove the old poly before use minwax. Because it’s very difficult to remove old coating

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there James, Minwax Polyshades can be used over poly.

[@jakibros]

After primary sanding before applying polystain and after sanding with 000 steel wool, what's the best way to remove dust? I have read using a tacky cloth is not a good idea since it may leave residue and interfere with the polystain? Thx

[@MinwaxUSA]

Using a vacuum with a soft bristle brush on the end of the hose is a great way to remove as much dust as possible after the initial sanding and prior to staining. You can see more tips for dealing with dust on our blog: blog.minwax.com/11/09/tips-for-dealing-with-dust/

[@edwardray2832]

Hi, is the color of the product the same regardless of the tint of the wood, for example I want to stain a bare, sanded oak door to make it your "honey" color. Would I go with a lighter stain since this is a darker wood than say, pine?

[@MinwaxUSA]

The color of the wood could impact the over all. We recommend testing the stain on the actual piece of wood for a better idea. Two coats of the Polyshades will give the true color.

[@brendatonn6767]

I used antique walnut on pine and it didn't turn out dark enough for my liking. What minwax product can I use over this to darken? It was too translucent - do I have to use the same product, or can i top with another type of stain? I did do 2 coats already...

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Brenda! If you wish to go darker, you can make your next coat a darker shade of the Polyshades. However, since you started with the Polyshades, you will need to use another shade of Polyshades. If you wish to switch to a Wood Finish stain color, you would have to remove the prior coats first. Hope this helps!

[@cassandrahawes8970]

The colors of minwax poly shades are nothing like what's on the can as for colors. I used 3 coats and still was a nearly dark enough.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Cassandra, 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. Thank you!

[@buondymilazzo2945]

Hello thanks so much for your amazing advices. How can I stain wicker furniture with brush -not spray) some specific product that will help? Thanks for any advise !

[@MinwaxUSA]

Unfortunately we do not have a product made for wicker. Good luck with your project!

[@angelsandfaes]

Hi Bruce, Help please. I rubbed to hard with my steel wool and now I have grey marks. What can I do to fix this? Thank you.

[@tonymcrae6510]

angelsandfaes apply second coat and it will go away

[@rosenouri8226]

Hi Bruce, I used the poly shade on a floor but I have overlap areas of stain that dried before I could apply the next section of stain. now it looks like a dark area where it overlaped and then lighter areas where it did not overlap. should I wait for it to dry, sand those dark areas and reapply lightly?

[@lubnasajjad4]

Hi Bruce I wanted to transfer some pictures on a naked ikea wooden table. What Should I apply before and after transferring the photo on the table

[@MinwaxUSA]

+abcd We don't have any product that would work with your project. Please let us know if we can help you with anything else.

[@lubnasajjad4]

The wood is untreated pine, any suggestions with that specification?

[@MinwaxUSA]

abcd Nothing in our product line would be recommended for your project.

[@olearykr8080]

kisls8.rrl3eeer

[@jamespatrick5348]

The wood species doesn't matter? How does it work on pine vs red oak? I am afraid that it would turn out blotchy on pine.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi James, The look of the stain may vary by wood species. To help ensure uniform acceptance of stain color, we recommend that the wood is pretreated with oil-based Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. We also recommend testing the stain on an inconspicuous spot on your project to ensure it is the look you are going for.

[@jamespatrick5348]

@@MinwaxUSAThanks!

[@mmmcclainable]

Is the Minwax Polyshades combustible/flammable from heat (close bright lightbulb) after drying?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi, Maremama. Do you mean the product itself once it is applied to a project?

[@mmmcclainable]

@@MinwaxUSA Yes. We are planning on a diy project where the “polyshades” coating will be in contact with an incandescent lightbulb. We’re painting candelabra sleeves that will be in contact with the bulb.

[@MinwaxUSA]

We do not recommend using the Polyshades as it is not a high heat product and should not be in contact with the bulb.

[@johnnyschneider849]

i am new to staining wood. Can you mix regular Minwax Golden Oak stain with PolyShades Pecan? If so how many coats to get the gloss finish?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi, Johnny! You can't mix those products together. You can mix different colors of the Wood Finish stain together and different Polyshades colors together but not intermix.

[@lorenfitzgerald8783]

Can I use the Minwax Polycrylic for additional coates

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Loren, Yes! For additional protection, without adding color, add a coat of Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane (bit.ly/2Fsibgw) or Minwax® Wipe-On Poly (bit.ly/3k4Oq4I)

[@trusso11783]

Hi. I am making a desk out of sanded birch wood. Would Polyshades work on this kind of wood? Also, do I need to use 000 steel wool and apply a second coat of the first looks good? Lastly, I was told to use paint thinner to pre treat the wood. Is that correct or must I use the mineax treatment?

[@ericolson5062]

trusso11783 how to use one step floor finish by mid wax

[@swestervelt]

How to use one step floor wax my minwax

[@Martin-io4wc]

Hi Bruce. What the hell is it with this bubbles and Minwax?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Martin, We'd love to speak with you to figure out why you are experiencing bubbles on your projects. 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!

[@allanwells5378]

Hi Bruce I'm building a scale British model ship that has a Teak deck. I'm using scribed 1/32 inch thick wood that is 1/16 inch scribed natural color wood. I don't want a high gloss finish so I think I need a satin sheen. Would you recommend Polyshades?? tks Al

[@MinwaxUSA]

+Allan Wells Polyshades will be perfect for your project!

[@marthagranadosdcsd2684]

x

[@mchamin3269]

hello, would like to ask about the most recommended colors to use with pine wood. is it better to use gel stain?

[@abc123rgb]

My favorite color of this stuff to use on almost any wood is Bombay Mahogany, though it normally does come out slightly more red than the label says, but that's why I love it lol.

[@abc123rgb]

Wow that was two years ago, hope I'm still helping.

[@lynnleypitcher4936]

Hello. I have just used minwax polyurethane in a table and it looked great. I went and added a third coat and it ended up with bubbles in it. Why would that have happened. Is it possibly because brush I used ended up stuff and not soft. I sanded it back a lot and applied another coat but still doesn’t look that great. Am thinking of lightly sanding and applying another coat with new brush to hopefully get a better finish

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there Lynnley, 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.

[@eliteslayer66]

Is this suitable for outdoor furniture?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there, This product is intended for interior wood surfaces. For an exterior stain, we recommend Minwax Gel Stain. The Gel Stain must be top coated with an exterior protective clear coat like Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane if it is going to be used on an exterior project. You can learn more about our Gel Stain here: bit.ly/3w0PADh Hope this helps!

[@eliteslayer66]

@@MinwaxUSA thank you very much

[@melvinquick7686]

I tried it and I dont like it I wont ever use polyshades again

[@nanaandandyleron4136]

can i wipe on the one step stain and poly?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hello! We only recommend appling with a brush. Hope this helps!

[@paulhaugen1502]

can poly stain be sprayed on

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hey Paul, please contact our customer care team at 1-800-523-9299 and they can help best answer your question. Thanks!

[@donkeyparadise9276]

I used ebony 2 in 1 stain and poly. on my stairs and it hardly stained it at all. I wanted the darkest stain to match up with my black/taupe/grey flooring. Can you please tell me what is the solution to my problem. I would appreciate your help.

[@MinwaxUSA]

We're sorry to hear this. How many coats of the Stain and Poly did you use? Did you sand prior to application? Let us know and we can try to trouble shoot the problem. Thanks!

[@hassanrashed382]

Good luck

[@mikehagerty9666]

I just tried the exact method suggested here. I have to say I found it pretty disappointing. The polyshades is pretty thick, and finishing off with the tips of the bristle brush winds up leaving parallel tracks from stray bristles that are impossible to avoid. All in all, I think the combined stain + urethane is probably the culprit. With a normal wipe on stain you can get a nice, even distribution of stain with no build up. With a clear urethane, it's probably harder to get it perfectly smooth and free of bubbles, but it's also a lot less noticeable because it's clear and you just see the even color underneath. With the combined stain + urethane you get the worst of both worlds - the uneven distribution of color is highly noticeable.

[@mikehagerty9666]

I am looking around youtube and I still haven't found an example of a completed project using polyshades that came out well. I'm not a believer.

[@MinwaxUSA]

We're sorry to hear this, Mike. We'd love to talk with you further about this to see if we can find a resolution. Please give us a call at 1-800-523-9299 when you can. Thanks!

[@mikehagerty9666]

Hi. Thanks for reaching out, but honestly, what is there to talk about ? If you can point me to a video that shows an actual successful project that uses polyshades, I would be happy to view it and to revise my comment as appropriate, however, I've already stripped off all the miniwax product and restained it with a different stain (General Finishes gel) that worked simply and perfectly - wipe on, wipe off, left a smooth, clean finish. Even my first miniwax (wood) stain on the perfectly sanded, raw wood did not come out this well (it roughed up the wood). Thus, I am unlikely to choose miniwax first for my future staining projects.

[@danielferrer9464]

I've used it several times, never had that issue, maybe you are using too much

[@MelonSplitter]

can this be sprayed

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Mark, We do not recommend spraying with our products. Good luck!

[@texasboy2005]

I used minwax wood conditioner before putting down the polyshades stainer. The color is at 25% of what it should be. Very disappointing. :(

[@MinwaxUSA]

We're sorry to hear this. Our team at 1-800-523-9299 would like to speak with you.

[@guynext7772]

does polyshade work with wood conditioners ?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Yes, it needs to be used with the oil based Prestain Wood Conditioner.

[@guynext7772]

ok thanks

[@MinwaxUSA]

We're so sorry that you had this experience 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. Thank you!

[@ws-venicex3932]

Would you guys suggest using wood conditioner before?

[@JohnSmith-zk9rc]

I know this is an old comment, but yes. It says on the can.

[@jeffreycolson7595]

I am currently using polyshades for a few of my projects. However, on my last coats that I do, they dont come out as smooth as I would like. It appears as if they have scratch like marks going throughout my project but they aren't scratches. Is there any way to smooth this out and give it a glass like finish. I do have the gloss finish with the dark ebony color.

[@MinwaxUSA]

+Jeffrey Colson You can try tipping off at the end of the application and smooth it out. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle and go in the direction of the wood grain.

[@jeffreycolson7595]

+MinwaxUSA Thank you so much for the quick response. I have done the tipping off method using natural bristle brush. I am still getting very light groove like scratches and light bumpes. Is there a way to send a picture to you?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Jeffrey Colson The best way for you to send us pictures would be for you to send us a Facebook message: facebook.com/minwax/

[@sophieroberts9227]

Hi Bruce, Can I use minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane clear satin (oil) top coat with minwax polyshades? I made a coffee table for outside under a gazebo.

[@MinwaxUSA]

+Sophie Roberts You can use both products together, but the Polyshades is not meant for outdoor use.

[@sophieroberts9227]

Great thanks! I'm hoping with the Helmsman and under the gazebo it will be protected for the summer!

[@tipp0183]

Do i wipe off the polyshade when i apply it?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Dwight! You should apply the Polyshades and then let it dry. Wait about 6 hours and then sand and recoat if a darker color is desired.

[@kemhesler]

I used a foam brush whoops

[@Iknowyoumadnow]

Then why do they tell you to use a top coat for these 🥴

[@krankenheim13]

NO NO NO NO NO. This stuff smells SO AWFUL. The smell NEVER dissipates. It looks good, I didn't have any of the problems others say they have. But the smell, my god it made the whole family sick. Even wound up giving the piece some ozone treatments and the smell is still as pungent and deadly as before. Completely unusable for indoor pieces of furniture. Looks alright though. I wouldn't use this on anything that you will be using in the house.

[@Iknowyoumadnow]

Ummm.... it's called open a window 🪟 fool

[@chadchase2250]

So mad at the result of minwax complete! Ruined my floor

[@yahuizhuang6554]

This product dries too fast to stain smoothly

[@gtprinc1]

Painting cabinets

[@LBLyricalEntMuzik]

u

[@stephanietrout1596]

Lol my grandchild

[@antiatrophy72890]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnLdfH9roLuffbsm17s not to be confused with pushing off kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKStYnWceNito9U

[@JohnnyTaxonomy]

This is a subpar product. Speaking as a high end painter of over ten years.

[@jose5melendez]

Don't use this. It looks easy on tiny boards like this guy's... but it is hard to get a smooth and even coat on large surfaces, regardless of the brush. DON'T DO IT!

[@Iknowyoumadnow]

Fool, THAT'S CAUSE YOU FAILED TO USE A PRESTAINER FOR A MORE UNIFORM APPLICATION

[@jose5melendez]

@@Iknowyoumadnow I did, fool. It's just not the best finish. And if you think it is, you're a real fool. ✌🏼