Wood Stains

Q. How long should Minwax^® Wood Finish™ be left on the wood?

Anywhere from a few seconds to 15 minutes. The longer the stain is left on the wood, the deeper it will penetrate. For a light tint, wipe the excess stain off after a few minutes; for deeper, richer color, wait as long as 15 minutes.

Q. Why is it important to wipe off the excess stain?

The colorants in Minwax^® Wood Finish™ are designed to be deposited in the wood pores, not on the surface of the wood. Any pigments allowed to remain on top of the wood will impair topcoat adhesion - causing the finish to peel.

Q. Is it necessary to sand after the Minwax^® Wood Finish™ has dried?

No. In fact, we advise against it. Sanding will result in the removal of some of the dyes and pigments in the stained wood. Since Minwax^® Wood Finish™ does not raise the grain, no sanding is necessary before top-coating.

Q. Does Minwax^® Wood Finish™ need to be top-coated?

For added beauty and protection, we recommend topcoating all projects with a protective clear finish such as Minwax^® Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Minwax^® Polycrylic^® Protective Finish.

Q. Can the Minwax^® Wood Finish™ Stain colors be used on exterior doors and patio furniture?

Yes, provided they are protected with either Minwax^® Helmsman^® Spar Urethane finish or >Minwax^® Clear Shield™ Protective Finish. Both are formulated to protect wood from sunlight, rain and temperature changes. Even with these finishes, sunlight will eventually fade some of the wood color.

Q. Can Minwax^® Wood Finish™ colors be mixed to create additional colors?

There may be times when a desired stain color can only be achieved by mixing two colors. Experiment with different proportions until the desired color is achieved. Then mix enough stain to complete the entire project to avoid color-matching later.

Q. Why don't some woods match the colors on the Minwax^® brochures and samples?

Wood can vary in color and pore structure even within the same species. Because every piece of wood is unique, final stain color may vary. While our samples are tested for accuracy, it is always best to first test Minwax^® Wood Finish™ on a small, inconspicuous spot on the project.

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.

SURFACE PREPARATION

1. Minwax^® Wood Finish™ should be used only on bare wood or over itself to highlight the beauty of the wood grain.

2. Sand the wood in the direction of the grain, first using medium grade sandpaper (#120) and working your way to fine-grade (#220). Remove all sanding dust before staining.

3. Pre-treat soft or porous woods such as pine, maple, alder, birch, and luan with Minwax^® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. This will help the wood evenly absorb stain color. Apply stain within two hours of pre-treatment.

4. Primer or sealer is not recommended and will impede color development.

PRODUCT PREPARATION & COLOR TESTING

1. Stir stain thoroughly before and occasionally during use.

2. Test stain on a hidden area of the wood to ensure that the color is what you want.

3. To lighten any color, add Minwax^® Wood Finish™ 209A Natural to the mixture.

STAIN APPLICATION

1. Apply Wood Finish™ in the direction of the grain with a brush or clean cloth.

2. Let the stain penetrate 5 -15 minutes to ensure you achieve the desired color.

3. Remove excess stain with a clean cloth. Wipe in the direction of the grain, while blending light and dark areas to obtain uniform color.

4. To Darken color, apply a second coat after 4-6 hours, repeating application directions of first coat.

5. Dry times may be extended due to high humidity, low temperatures or inadequate ventilation.

CLEAR FINISH PROTECTION

1. After a minimum of 8 hours, apply a clear, protective finish such as Minwax^® Fast-Drying Polyurethane, Minwax^® Helmsman^® Spar Urethane or after 24 hours, apply clear Minwax^® Polycrylic^® Protective Finish.

2. Water cleanup clear finishes such as Minwax^® Polycrylic^® Protective Finish should not be used over Minwax^® Wood Finish™ Red Mahogany stain. Minwax^® Wood Finish™ Pickled Oak should be top-coated only with a water cleanup clear finish such as Minwax^® Polycrylic^® Protective Finish. Do not top-coat Minwax^® Wood Finish™ Pickled Oak with an oil-based clear finish as ambering will occur.

COVERAGE: First coat approximately 125-150 sq. per quart. Second coat approximately 200 sq. per quart. Coverage may vary depending on applicator and wood species used.

CLEANUP: Use mineral spirits or paint thinner.

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.

Natural 209	Golden Oak 210B	Provincial 211
Red Oak 215	Puritan Pine 218	Ipswich Pine 221
Sedona Red 222	Colonial Maple 223	Special Walnut 224
Red Mahogany 225	Early American 230	Gunstock 231
Red Chestnut 232	English Chestnut 233	Cherry 235
Fruitwood 241	Golden Pecan 245	Pickled Oak 260
Driftwood 2126	Dark Walnut 2716	Ebony 2718
Jacobean 2750