Minwax Wood Finish is the classic penetrating oil-based wood stain, in every color we carry: half pints in 25 colors, quarts in Jacobean and Fruitwood, Wood Finish spray stain in Red Mahogany 225, Red Oak 215 and Early American 230, and Wood Finish stain markers for touch-ups. Minwax rates it for unfinished interior wood: furniture, cabinets, doors, trim, molding and hardwood floors. It is for interior projects only.
A half pint is the easy way to test a color on your own wood before you buy more. Minwax says the color goes on in one coat, the longer you wait to wipe, the darker it gets, and a second coat after 2 hours deepens it further.
Minwax Wood Finish colors here
Half pints: Cherry, Classic Gray, Colonial Maple, Dark Walnut, Driftwood, Early American, Ebony, English Chestnut, Espresso, Fruitwood, Golden Oak, Golden Pecan, Gunstock, Honey, Ipswich Pine, Jacobean, Natural, Provincial, Red Chestnut, Red Mahogany, Red Oak, Sedona Red, Special Walnut, True Black, Weathered Oak.
Quarts: Jacobean, Fruitwood.
Spray stain: Red Mahogany 225, Red Oak 215, Early American 230.
Stain markers for scratches and nicks: Golden Oak, Provincial, Red Oak, Red Mahogany, Early American, Cherry, Dark Walnut, Ebony.
Minwax Wood Finish at a glance
| Spec |
Minwax Wood Finish (maker data sheet MWX132, rev 5/1/2023) |
| Type |
Penetrating oil-based stain; interior only |
| Best for |
Unfinished wood furniture, cabinets, doors, trim, molding and hardwood floors |
| Coverage |
400 to 500 sq ft per gallon |
| Dry time at 77 F, 50% RH |
Touch 2 hours; dry to use 6 hours; times change with temperature, humidity and film thickness |
| Darker color |
Recoat after 2 hours; do not sand between coats |
| Prep |
Bare or stripped wood, clean and dry; sand with 220 grit along the grain; Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner on softwoods |
| Do not |
Shake or thin the stain; stir before and during use |
| Topcoat |
Required; Minwax names Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Polycrylic once the stain is completely dry |
Shop related: Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, polyurethane for wood, spray polyurethane and clear spray finishes, all wood stains and gel stains, wood filler and wood putty, all Minwax, and the furniture refinishing cart. Free standard shipping on orders of $75 or more.
FAQ
How do I stain pine with Minwax Wood Finish without blotching?
Minwax says to apply Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner first, especially on softwoods like pine, for the best, most even color. Sand with 220 grit along the grain, remove the dust, condition, then stain. Minwax also says to test the color on a hidden spot first.
How long does Minwax stain take to dry before polyurethane?
The data sheet lists 2 hours to touch and 6 hours to dry to use at 77 F and 50% humidity, and says to let the stain dry completely before the topcoat. Cool or humid rooms and heavy coats take longer, so wait until the surface is no longer tacky before you brush on polyurethane or Polycrylic.
How do I make Minwax stain darker?
Leave it on longer before wiping, or add a second coat after 2 hours. Minwax says not to sand between stain coats. Wipe off the excess along the grain each time.
How much stain do I need?
Minwax lists 400 to 500 sq ft per gallon, which works out to about 25 to 31 sq ft per half pint and 100 to 125 sq ft per quart.
Is Minwax Wood Finish the same as gel stain?
No. Wood Finish is a thin penetrating stain for bare wood. Gel stain is a separate, thicker stain line. Compare both on wood stains and gel stains, or see General Finishes gel stain.
Can I use Minwax Wood Finish outdoors?
No. Minwax labels it for interior projects only. For outdoor wood, use an exterior stain from deck stain and outdoor wood finishes.
What are Minwax stain markers for?
Touch-ups. The Wood Finish stain markers put color on scratches, nicks and worn edges on finished furniture, cabinets and trim. We carry 8 colors.
