One-Step Stain & Finishes

Q. What is the advantage of Polyshades^®?

Polyshades^® combines stain for beautiful color with polyurethane for tough protection in one product. It is an ideal choice for those who want to save the time involved in staining with one product and protecting with another.

Q. Should Minwax^® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner be used as a pretreatment prior to Polyshades^®?

Yes, if the wood being stained is soft or porous. Soft or porous woods, such as pine or aspen, tend to absorb stain unevenly. Before using Polyshades^® on soft or porous woods, Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner should be applied to ensure even stain penetration.

Q. Can Polyshades^® be applied over an existing finish?

Yes, as long as the previous finish is not lacquer or shellac. Be sure to test the selected color on a hidden spot to see how it will look over the original finish. To prepare the surface, make sure that the finish is clean and has had all wax and polish removed. Then lightly sand with #180 or #220 sandpaper. The surface is now ready to be coated with Polyshades^®.

Q. Can Minwax^® Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Wipe-On Poly be applied over Polyshades^®?

Yes. Since Polyshades^® contains polyurethane, additional protection, without added color, can be provided with a clear coat of Minwax^® Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Wipe-On Poly over the last coat of Polyshades^®.

Q. Can Polyshades^® be used on floors?

Polyshades^® is not recommended for use on floors. Instead, stain with Minwax^® Wood Finish™ and topcoat with Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors or Minwax^® Fast-Drying Polyurethane.

WARNING! Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.

(Interior Use Only)

1. SURFACE PREPARATION

• Sand raw wood smooth. Sand old finishes lightly to aid adhesion. Remove all sanding dust.
• Pre-treat raw soft or porous woods, such as pine and alder, with Minwax^® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. This will help the wood absorb the stain color more evenly. Apply stain within two hours of pre-treatment.
• Surface must be dry and free from wax, grease, and dust. Do not use over paint, lacquer, shellac, polishes or products containing stearates.

2. PRODUCT PREPARATION AND COLOR TESTING.

• Stir well before and occasionally during use.
• Test stain on a hidden area of the wood to ensure that the color is what you desire.

• Two coats are recommended for maximum beauty and protection.
• Brush on a THIN, EVEN COAT in the direction of the grain. Be sure to maintain a wet edge.
• Let dry 8 hours or more, then rub surface with fine steel wool (grade 000 and finer). Remove all dust.
• Brush on a second THIN coat.
• You may apply more than two coats if you want to deepen the color.

IMPORTANT: Cleanup with mineral spirits. Drying time may be slowed by excess humidity, temperatures under 70°F, stagnant air or if the coat applied is too thick.

COVERAGE: Approximately 120-140 square feet per quart.

The colors shown are for reference purposes only. They have been reproduced using digital production techniques. Always test stain on a hidden area of the wood to verify desired color.

American Chestnut 375/475	Mission Oak 385/485	Classic Black 395/495
Honey Pine310/410	Pecan 320/420	Antique Walnut 340/440
Classic Oak 370/470	Old Maple 330/430	Royal Walnut 350/450
Natural Cherry 390/490	Bombay Mahogany 380/480	Tudor 360/460