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One-Step Stain & Finishes

Minwax® PolyShades®

Minwax® PolyShades®

Minwax® PolyShades® combines beautiful oil based wood stain and polyurethane in one simple step. Minwax® PolyShades® provides rich wood color and long lasting protection while enhancing the wood grain. PolyShades® will reduce finishing time compared with staining with one product and protecting with another.

To learn how PolyShades® can help you easily change the color of your stained or polyurethane finished wood, view the PolyShades® Color Transformation Guide.

*Minwax® PolyShades® is also available in an aerosol can.


instrucciones en español

Product Details

Sheens: Satin and Gloss
Application Tool: high-quality natural bristle brush
Location: interior wood surfaces
Recoat: after 6 hours
Dry time: 6 hours
Cleanup: mineral spirits
Coverage: 120-150 sq. ft. per quart
Coats: Normally 2. Additional coats may be applied for richer color.
Recommended Uses: furniture, woodwork, doors, cabinets, accessories

FAQ

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.

Directions

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:

For Unstained or Raw Wood

  • Surface must be dry, clean, and free of dirt, grease and glue before starting.
  • Sand the wood in the direction of grain using fine-grain sandpaper (#220) until smooth.
  • Remove all sanding dust.
  • To help ensure uniform acceptance of stain color and beautiful results, pretreat new or raw wood with Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner following label directions.

For Previously Stained Wood That Is Not Being Stripped

  • Surface must be dry, clean, and free of dirt, grease and glue before starting.
  • Lightly sand the wood to ensure adhesion.  Remove all sanding dust.

PRODUCT PREPARATION AND COLOR TESTING

  • Stir PolyShades® thoroughly before use and occasionally during use.   Do not thin.
  • Always test stain on a scrap piece or hidden area of wood to verify desired color.

APPLICATION:

  • Two coats are recommended for maximum beauty and protection.
  • Using a natural bristle brush, dip an inch or so into the can, gently tapping it against the inside to remove any excess.  Apply a thin, even coat following the direction of the grain. Make sure to maintain a “wet” edge.
  • To minimize brush marks and bubbles after staining, tip off the surface by holding the brush at a 45 degree angle and lightly run the bristles over the entire length of the wood.
  • Let the first coat dry for 6 hours or more. Dry time may be extended due to high humidity, low temperatures, and inadequate ventilation or if the coat applied is too thick. Rub surface lightly with fine steel wool (grade 000 or finer). Remove all dust.
  • Brush on a second thin coat following the directions above. You may apply more than two coats if you want to deepen the color.

Special Note: For additional protection, without adding color, add a coat of Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Wipe-On Poly following label instructions.

COVERAGE: Approximately 120-150 square feet per quart.

CLEANUP: Use mineral spirits following manufacturer's safety recommendations.

Colors

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.

To learn how PolyShades® can help you easily change the color of your stained or polyurethane finished wood, view the PolyShades® Color Transformation Guide.

American Chestnut
American Chestnut		 Mission Oak
Mission Oak		 Classic Black
Classic Black
Honey Pine
Honey Pine		 pecan
Pecan		 Antique Walnut
Antique Walnut
Classic Oak
Classic Oak		 Old Maple
Old Maple		 Royal Walnut
Royal Walnut
Natural Cherry
Natural Cherry		 Bombay Mahogany
Bombay Mahogany		 tudor
Tudor

Videos

Old Chair Gets a Makeover

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