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The Minwax® Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

For over a hundred years, Minwax® has helped Do-It-Yourselfers make and keep wood beautiful. And we're working to keep our planet beautiful, too.

Minwax® provides a full range of environmentally responsible products that deliver beauty and protection, while meeting or even exceeding the most stringent environmental regulations. In addition, Minwax® takes steps to minimize our environmental impact.

  • Minwax® provides a range of products, including those that are low-VOC and which help achieve LEED® credit* toward green building standards.
  • Minwax® uses sustainable raw materials in our products, such as linseed and soya oils, whenever possible.
  • Minwax® uses recycled and recyclable materials in our packaging whenever we can, including up to 25% recycled steel, 10% post-consumer, in our metal cans.
  • Minwax® reduces the amount of solvent in our low-VOC formulas to lessen the vapors emitted into the atmosphere.
  • Minwax® formulates many of our coatings to clean up easily with soap and water, rather than with harsh solvents. We've also made many of our products low-odor to help improve indoor air quality.
  • Minwax® reduces the waste we produce in our manufacturing processes, and implements energy efficient methods in our plants. This includes recycling and reuse of materials in our manufacturing processes and the use of fluorescent lighting in our facilities.
  • Minwax® uses streamlined distribution processes, helping to conserve fuel, energy and other natural resources.
From formulation through manufacture and beyond, we keep our environmental commitment top of mind.
  • *LEED® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council

Taking Steps to Reduce Our Environmental Impact:

  • With products that are low in VOC
  • With products that emit fewer vapors into the atmosphere
  • With water-based products that are low odor and clean up with soap and water
  • With Wood Cleaner and Hardwood Floor Cleaner that are biodegradable

Wood Stains

Minwax® Wood Finish™ Stain (250 VOC) is a penetrating oil-based wood stain, available in 18 wood tone colors that can be used to enhance any wood surface. This low-VOC stain has been matched to the standards of the traditional Wood Finish™ line so that your finished results are the same, beautiful, consistent color that you are used to.
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Minwax® PolyShades® (275 VOC) is a one-step stain and finish that provides color and durable polyurethane protection. The colors and sheens of low-VOC PolyShades® have been matched to the standards of the traditional PolyShades line so you get the same beautiful, consistent results.
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Clear Protective Finishes

Minwax® High Build Polyurethane (350 VOC) is a clear, oil-based, durable finish that was formulated to provide long-lasting beauty and maximum protection in just two coats.
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Minwax® Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane (275 VOC) is a clear, ultra fast-drying finish that combines superior durability with the warmth and beauty of traditional polyurethane. Because it's water-based, it has little odor and cleans up easily with warm water.
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Minwax® Water Based Wipe-On Poly (275 VOC) is a high-quality, durable clear finish that combines polyurethane protection with classic, hand-rubbed beauty. Because it is water based, it has little odor, dries quickly and cleans up with warm water.
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Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors (250 VOC) is a durable protective finish specifically formulated for hardwood floors. Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors is water-based, therefore has little odor, dries quickly and cleans up with warm water. Most projects can be completed in one day!
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Minwax® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors (350 VOC) is a clear, oil-based, durable finish that has been specially formulated for hardwood floors. It provides superior durability for floors with a 50% faster recoat time, does not require sanding between coats, and has an advanced anti-settling formula.
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Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish (275 VOC) is a clear finish topcoat in a water-based formula that offers protection along with fast-drying times. Can be used over bare wood, oil- and water-based stains, paint and wallpaper.
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Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane (350 VOC) is a specially formulated, interior/exterior oil based finish that protects wood against nature's toughest conditions. It is ideal for use on doors, windows, cabinets, countertops and outdoor furniture.
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Specialty Products


Minwax® Wood Cleaner and Minwax® Hardwood Floor Cleaner are designed to remove dirt, grease, and grime from wood and laminates without leaving any residue. These cleaners are gentle on wood and are biodegradable.
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Minwax® Hardwood Floor Reviver (275 VOC) refreshes hardwood floors that are worn, scratched, or dull. This topcoat provides beauty and protection for 3-6 months.
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