Frequently Asked Questions

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 may rub off or mar the clear finish/top-coat.

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?

The decision on whether or not to top-coat Minwax® Wood Finish™ depends on the specific project. On projects which will not be exposed to significant physical contact (ceilings, picture frames), Minwax® Wood Finish™ will seal the wood from most environmental elements. However, for projects that will face some abuse, such as chairs, tables and floors, a clear top-coat of either Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish is recommended to protect the finished wood.

Q. Can the Minwax® Wood Finish™ 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™. Even with these finishes, sunlight will eventually rob the wood of some of its 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. That usually takes some experimenting, so after completely stirring the contents of both cans, use a 1/8-cup measure to make different combinations. For example, along with mixing equal parts (1:1), try 2:1 and 3:1 combinations. Wipe two coats of each test batch onto a hidden area of the wood project; after it has dried, brush on the Minwax® top-coat of choice to see the true finished color.

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

Every piece of wood is unique and affected by the climate where the tree was grown, the age of the wood, and the amount of moisture in the wood. 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.