Minwax® Wood Finish® Water-Based Semi-Transparent Color Stain

This penetrating, water-based stain opens up a world of possibilities in just one wood-grain-enhancing coat. Ideal for small projects, unfinished furniture, cabinets, doors and trim.


  • One-coat color dries in 1 hour
  • Color that showcases wood grain
  • 5x thicker for easier application

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Application Directions

  • Preparation 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.
  • PREPARATION
    • Start with bare/stripped wood that’s clean and dry.
    • For best results, start with a medium-grit sandpaper and increase the grit as you go, finishing with #220 as final sand. Remove sanding dust.
    • Apply Minwax® Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner — especially on soft woods — for best, even color.
  • APPLICATION STEPS
    • Test before staining on a hidden spot to make sure you like the color.
    • Stir stain well before and occasionally during staining. Don’t shake or thin stain.
    • For best results, apply in the direction of the grain with a synthetic brush.
    • Immediately (within 2 minutes) wipe away excess stain, working with the wood grain to blend lighter/darker areas together.
    • If happy with the color, let dry completely before applying a protective topcoat. To intensify color, recoat after 1-2 hours. Do NOT sand between coats.
    • Not recommended for large surfaces like floors due to fast dry time. Use Minwax Wood Finish Penetrating Oil Stain for large projects.
  • PROTECT
    Finish every project with a clear protective topcoat like crystal-clear Minwax® Polycrylic® or warmly ambering Minwax Fast-Dry Polyurethane. For truest color, use Minwax Polycrylic over light and cool colors, Fast-Dry Polyurethane over warm wood tones.

Data Sheets:

Product Number Base Container Size SDS PDS
027426108509 True Black 1 Quart SDS PDS
027426117204 Clear Tint Base 1 Quart SDS PDS
027426117105 White Tint Base 1 Quart SDS PDS
027426108202 Classic Gray 1 Quart SDS PDS
027426009479 Dark Walnut 1 Quart SDS -
027426009578 Simply White 1 Quart SDS -
027426009585 Marine Blue 1 Quart SDS -
027426009592 Amber 1 Quart SDS -

  • Minwax® Product Warranty
    SATISFACTION GUARANTEE LIMITED WARRANTY. This warranty is made to you, the product purchaser who owns the property where the product is applied. This warranty is not transferable except that if a contractor purchased and applied the product to the property for you, then the warranty is transferable to you. If this product, when applied and maintained according to product application and maintenance instructions to a properly prepared surface, fails to perform to your complete satisfaction, Minwax shall, upon presentation of proof of purchase, either replace an equivalent quantity of product free of charge or refund the original purchase price. For a replacement or refund please contact customer service at 1-800-523-9299. This warranty shall not apply to any defect, damage, or product failure resulting from improper surface preparation, structural defects, environmental damage, failure of a previous product, deterioration or defect in the underlying substrate, or improper application or maintenance of the product. Your exclusive remedy, and Minwax's sole liability, under this warranty is the replacement of product or refund and does not include labor or costs associated with the application or removal of any product. IN NO EVENT SHALL MINWAX BE LIABLE FOR ANY TYPE OF INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES WHETHER OR NOT PURCHASER IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL HAVE THE SAME DURATION AS THE ABOVE EXPRESS WARRANTY. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or limitations on incidental or consequential damages, so portions of the limitations above might not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state.