Calculating how much stain to use on a floor is not a difficult task, but some measuring and basic math skills are required. Can I use a slip coat for easier application and longer working time? However, this is only an approximation of the number of cans of stain you will need before factoring in the type of wood and the application process. For example, if you have 400 square feet of floor to cover and a can of stain covers 220 square feet, you need two cans of that stain. Play it safe and apply a coat of Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner to any wood you are about to stain. I did a small staining project recently and was in a bit of a hurry so I didn't use it. I thought that would be pretty simple () and inexpensive so I agreed. -Bruce. While gel stains may seem dry to the touch quickly after wiping, you will need to wait a bit between coats. Do not stain your floor in an enclosed room. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Make sure you brush with the grain, not across it. In most cases, we prefer two unless you use an overly dense wood that cannot absorb more than one coat. Brushes hold a lot of finish, so you can cover a wide area each time you load them up. Ever since then I have always had a project going, whether it be restoring an old house, keeping up with a new one, bringing old furniture back to life, or working with new wood. Apply stain to the hardwood floor in one 2-foot section at a time using a lambswool applicator. You have disappointed us and caused additional work. Leave your Minwax stain to penetrate for around 5 … If you’d like to see what I did, just click below. As my wife will attest, I love projects, but just as important I love sharing my experiences with others through my books, articles, columns -- and now this blog! Wipe-on polys are best for contoured surfaces—crown molding and stair balusters—where brushing might create drips. Sorry for the delay in replying. He is sanding the chest for a third time and throwing whatever was left over out. I used 2 coats. While conventional stains recommend 18 to 24 hours drying time, Minwax ® Performance Series Tintable Interior Wood Stain can be recoated in just 2 hours with oil based finishes and 6 hours with water based finishes. Once you have all the information, you are ready to purchase stain. I honestly had no idea that it made SO much of a difference, but I will definitely be using a quality natural bristle brush in the future. Optional, to help ensure uniform acceptance of the stain and finish, use Minwax® Water … 20 comments on “ My Five Worst Mistakes ” bob 02/06/2014 at 4:13 pm. Wipe-ons form thinner coats than brush-ons, so use them when wear isn't a concern. If the wood is porous, and you are using a brush, buy an additional container of stain. When applying polyurethane on vertical surfaces, you may experience drips or runs. For superior durability and long-lasting beauty, the choice is clear — protective clear finishes from Minwax! Wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. The square footage covered is listed on the stain container as a guide, as well. Whether you are installing a new hardwood floor, refinishing an old one, or just keeping your existing floor looking as good as new, Minwax® has a full range of products to make and keep your floors beautiful. Minwax ® PolyShades ® combines beautiful oil based wood stain and polyurethane in one simple step. Check the square-foot coverage on the can of stain you have chosen. That door turned out gorgeous!! Apply the stain to the wood liberally with a sponge or soft cloth. That means you can apply stain and two topcoats in a … Always wear a mask when applying stain. Answer simple questions about your project to get product recommendations. Work in manageable areas. You can find it at any hardware store and I highly recommend it. Minwax® Water Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, Minwax® Performance Series Sanding Sealer, Minwax® Express Color™ Wiping Stain & Finish, Minwax® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors, Minwax® Ultra Fast-Drying Polyurethane For Floors, Minwax® Professional Formula Sanding Sealer, See all tips, step-by-step instructions, and helpful Dos and Dont’s, How to Make a Picture Frame 3 Ways with Brad Rodriguez, Cozy Tray Ceiling Makeover with Thrifty Decor Chick: Sarah Saucedo, DIY Modern Live Edge Waterfall Coffee Table with April Wilkerson, Building A Modern Oak and Metal Side Table with John Malecki, Everything You Need to Know to Refinish Hardwood Floors with Bless’er House, Easy & Inexpensive DIY Wall Mount Jewelry Display, Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors. Round the result up to the next whole number. Gel stain tends to penetrate the floor wood deeper because … Six years later they are still looking new, and Leigh Ann is happy to not have to live where I work! Semi-transparent. With Minwax® wood stains, there’s a color to suit every style. Pre-Treat End Grains. I am totally guilty of having stained pieces in the past with a foam brush! Good luck on your future projects, Elaine. Gel stain will also affect the depth of color on your floor. What a mistake that was. Add the square footage of the hallway, closet and doorway areas to that of the main area. It sounds like this would be the best approach for you in your projects. Gill is also an award-winning fiction author. Coming from a family of DIYers, I have great memories helping with projects in my dad's basement workshop and refinishing antiques in my grandmother's back yard. Allow the stain to dry 8 to 10 hours between coats. Save money by purchasing stain in gallon containers instead of quarts if you determine you need a large amount of stain. Apply an even coat of this product to the areas of the door that you’ve already stained. The finish is below average at best…hard to work with and little control on shading. As seen above, applying more than one coat of varnish is important for getting the best polished and shining surface. Combine the Minwax Design Series with other Minwax stains to produce on-trend looks, finishes and special effects. Waited for it to dry at least 8 hours, on the can it says 2-3 hours. If you use a brush, allowing you to work the stain into the wood, more stain is used. Minwax Design Series washes, wood effects and waxes offer new options for bare wood and wood that's already stained. However, you also must factor in how porous your wood floor is, how you will apply the stain, and whether you will apply one coat or more. From furniture to floors, trust Minwax® products that beautify and protect wood. To darken the color, apply additional coats of Minwax® Gel Stain repeating directions for application of first coat. The better the wood preparation, the better the final result. For each coat of the poly my process was: wipe on with foam brush, wait 5-10 mins then wipe down with tack cloth. When you apply stain to any outdoor structure, you will need to add a second coat. After you apply the Conditioner, apply the stain within two hours. Of course, you can always use a regular wood-grain stain for that rustic look. I have found that extra coats of stain really don't change the colour as. At Minwax, Genovese says you can build up the color by applying several thin coats. It has always given us a professional and quality finish. So I re-sanded the entire piece again and started all over. There are several choices of stain color to coincide with your existing home siding. I was shocked at the difference. Decide how you will apply the stain. Multiply the length by the width of the larger area to determine the square footage of the area. This is one of those new better ideas that isn't. See All Exterior Stain Products Buy Wood Stain … Apply a second coat of Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner to the large, open pores at the ends of the boards to prevent them from turning darker than the rest of your project. Allow to dry 8-10 hours. My rule: the more intricate the project, the more apt I am to fall back on the two-step method. – Reg Smith. Also, consider using Minwax® Gel Stain. Hope you continue to give Minwax a chance. As we mentioned, Minwax also requires several coats, which, combined with extended drying time, can significantly slow down your whole project. You have no control of the stain color,it drys to quick and irregular. Stained wood is unprotected wood. Determine what kind of wood is on your floor. After applying the stain, you won’t need to sand between coats of oil-based stain. Just remember that when you use a wipe-on urethane, you aren’t trying to flooding on a real thick layer. Can I custom mix Gel Stains to create my own colors? Decide whether you will apply one or two coats of stain. You can probably do 15 coats of spray lacquer in the same amount of time as two coats of poly. She holds a bachelor's degree in language arts and a Master of Education degree. Yes! 2 coats . We will not be singing your praises anytime soon !!!!!!! Sorry to hear of your experience with the PolyShades. Water stains dry faster, but have less odor. Years ago, on one of my first PolyShades® projects, I learned that foam brushes make sloppy applicators, as they apply an uneven coat and leave behind a trail of bubbles. Consider the calculated number of containers, type of wood and application. . I'm learning the hard way to use a pre-stain conditioner (Minwax). Typically, I use the traditional two-step method:  apply my stain, wiping off the excess liquid before it dries, then the next day apply a clear finish. Just use a paintbrush or a rag to lay a thin layer of the stain and let it dry. Well, she politely (but firmly) suggested that I build a separate office over our two-car garage, which I did. Measure the length and width of the floor. On this sample I experimented with Antique Walnut, (I ended up choosing Pecan for my pine doors) lightly smoothing out my brush strokes with a long, uninterrupted pass on the final stroke. For a darker look, you can do multiple layers of stain and sand lightly in between the coats, which are not a must. If you intend to apply two coats of stain to your floor, and you want a dark colored floor, then you may need to apply more than two coats of stain. How Many Coats of Stain Should I Apply? Lindsay from Artsy-Fartsy Mama (artsyfartsymama.com), Thanks, Lindsay! So in some climates (hot and dry), you’ll be able to apply as many as three coats per day. How to Remove Excess Stain From Wood That Is Dry, How to Prevent Bubbles in Furniture Refinishing, Curtis Lumber: How Much Paint or Stain Do I Need. While conventional stains recommend 18 to 24 hours drying time, Minwax ® Performance Series Tintable Interior Wood Stain can be recoated in just 2 hours with oil based finishes and 6 hours with water based finishes. We decided to use your new product Minwax Poly Shades. If you want a darker effect or if the wood is dense, you may want to apply two coats. You will be frustrated with the streaks in the poly and the colour streaks in the first two or three coats. Minwax ® PolyShades ® provides rich wood color and long lasting protection while enhancing the wood grain. While there are some situations where Polyshades work very well, the traditional two-step method, stain the bare wood the first day, then apply the finish the next, will always be the most reliable way to have total control over the color of your stain and the sheen of your finish. I just stained two wooden crates for my boys last night. I used Minwax Polyurethane in a satin finish. I then brushed on a thin coat of PolyShades®. I suspect a lot of new woodworkers will continue to use minwax, and . And here’s another tip I learned: PolyShades® will always work best on flat surfaces, simply because carvings, spindles, and corners naturally pull excess liquid out of your brush. The products that have made Minwax® an American icon will add color and beauty to your wood—in oil or water-based stains. - Bruce. I just got started back in woodworking and built my Daughter a hope chest for Christmas. Stick to the old fashion tried and true. Available sizes: 1½", 2", 2½". When Leigh Ann and I first met, my house was 90% office and 10% home. Semi-solid. Keep in mind that you should never sand after the last coat of … The items were sanded and prepped. Texture. Spray lacquer generally dries in about a half hour. Most products take between four and 12 hours. Therefore, you will need to double the amount of stain you purchase. Decided to use the “one step” approach and am regretting it. A foam brush will leave air bubbles. Then add one more coat (two coats are recommended for protection and beauty) Before applying the second coat, sand with the 220 fine grit sanding paper - very lightly! When it comes to delivering the smoothest finish possible, Varathane beats Minwax in this category. Apply with a high quality brush, paint or stain pad, or with spray equipment. My finance and I have been long time users of Minwax. Thanks so much for teaching me the proper techniques! Wipe off excess stain soon after you apply it to avoid uneven color. In a followup to his question from eZine 312’s Q&A section on how many coats of stain he should apply to the bureau he’s building, this reader wondered: Would it be advisable to use a shellac over Minwax?, or should I have used the shellac first, then Minwax? My finance said I must have done something wrong. Some people love it, others still prefer the two-step method that gives you more control as you apply the stain first, wipe off the excess, let it dry, then apply two or three coats of a clear finish. Hope you continue to give Minwax a chance. It sounds like this would be the best approach for you in your projects. Oil stains allow you more working time. The only time you can make this product work is if you are putting three or more coats on so you are really saving no time given the frustration. 13 hours later it's still tacky, and I'm afraid to sand or apply another coat, even though the can says you can apply more after 4-6 hours. If the floor is not rectangular or square, measure as close as you can to a rectangular or square shape. Spray lacquer or polyurethane. It's best to apply polyurethane to flat (as in level) surfaces so the finish can self-level and is less likely to drip. We had 2 different projects we were doing a chest of drawers and and end table that I converted to be used as a Lego table for my Grandson. Apply three or four coats of wipe-on poly, straight from the can, and you should be all set. Here are some tips to help make applying that second coat easier. One Coat. Before staining any softwoods I always add a third step to the beginning of the process by first brushing on Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner to reduce any blotchiness. Ash and chestnut are similar to oak. Of course, a vital component of dry time is how many coats you need to get the right finish. Multiply the length by the width of the hallway, closet or doorway areas to determine their square footage. I was at SNAP! Let the topcoat dry according to the manufacturer's directions. Gel Stains colors can be mixed together OR you can layer them. Tools & Materials Minwax® preparation products are the first step to ensure your wood surfaces show their most beautiful colors and smoothest finishes. Now I’m the blogger behind a Disney inspired Home blog. I’m now back to sanding everything down and starting over on the finish. It was there I fell in love with the beauty of the grain of the wood, either hidden beneath an old dark finish or highlighted with a new coat of stain. Coat soft, porous woods such as pine or alder with Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner by applying it with a brush or cloth. How long should stain dry? Then applied 4 coats total of Minwax wipe on satin poly. Then rub on some wax if you like. Pauline Gill is a retired teacher with more than 25 years of experience teaching English to high school students. All of the hard work in design and building went down the tubes after using this product. Overlapping stain on previously stained areas causes uneven colors. Wiped down with mineral spirits. How many coats of gel stain to apply varies. You need to apply a protective finish such as polyurethane. Also know, how many coats of stain can you apply? Allow it to dry for five to 15 minutes, and then use a dry cloth to remove the excess. I’m looking forward to seeing you again this year at SNAP! Immediately wipe it off with a dry cloth. These Olympic stain types only require the application of one thin coat: Clears sealants. I figured after I put the first coat on and let it dry and lightly sanded that the second coat would fill in the unevenness of the color and the poly. Instead, I use a quality natural bristle brush and just dip half an inch of the bristles into the can. I am so excited to have found your blog!! However, you also must factor in how porous your wood floor is, how you will apply the stain, and whether you will apply one coat or more. It isn’t necessary, but wax does give the wood a nice sheen and makes it feel velvety smooth to the touch. After the first coat, I used 220 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface as recommended. Minwax® offers a variety of easy-to-use products to help clean and repair wood that is chipped, cracked, scratched, even decayed, to its original beauty. Minimize this problem by applying thinner coats or by switching from standard brush-on poly to a wipe-on or spray finish, both of which can be applied in very thin coats. Some manufacturers, such as Wood Kote, say one coat should be enough. Make sure the room is well ventilated. Oak is a popular wood for floors, but it is porous and will soak up more stain. That means you can apply stain and two topcoats in a … You need to use a bristle brush. I hope you enjoy it. Finishes that offer protection for wood with a soft luster. Finish the surface with PolyShades within two hours of application of the Minwax conditioner. The tint will obscure the wood grain some, but since it’s a surface finish, it won’t absorb unevenly into the wood like penetrating stain can. I used minwax quick drying polyurethane to topcoat a dining room table. Stain Application: Wait 3 minutes and remove the excess stain with a clean cloth, wiping in the direction of the grain. Just wipe it on, that's it! As for a finish, you have a couple of choices. Overall, three coats are more than enough for varnishing exterior wood with Minwax Helmsman spar urethane varnish. Toners. Maple is a dense wood that does not absorb stain easily, so it may need two coats. If you spray on the stain, less is used. If the stain begins to dry before you wipe it off, you're tackling too much area; this is more likely to happen using water-based stain. If the wood is pine, cedar or fir, you may not need more than the calculated number of cans of stain. But by the time I got to my doors, I was running out of steam, so I decided they were perfect candidates for Minwax® PolyShades®, a combination stain and finish in one can. Pine, cedar or fir only needs a light application of stain. Turn to Minwax® to add rich color and durable protection to your wood project in a single step. Measure the length and width of additional areas you wish to stain, such as doorways, closets or hallways. Divide the total square footage of the area you want to stain by the square footage covered by a can of your chosen stain. 2. How Long Should You Leave Minwax Stain to Penetrate? Mineral spirits work well as a slip coat or you can mix in a little spirits in with the stain to slightly thin the gel stain. While conventional stains recommend 18 to 24 hours drying time, Minwax® Performance Series Tintable Interior Wood Stain can be recoated in just 2 hours with oil based finishes and 6 hours with water based finishes. You could try wiping the table down with mineral spirits to remove any excess stain, then allow it to dry and apply several coats of a tinted polyurethane (such as Minwax PolyShades). No that was not the case. Looking for speed and convenience? Conference last year and loved your presentation! One thing in particular I noted was that wherever I went to apply the stain, my rag left marks where I started on the wood. , Heidi @ http://www.HappinessIsHomemade.com. Minwax's poly is a "fast drying formula", taking about 4-6 hours between coats. Thanks for reading! Water-Based Stain. And then remove sanding dust and … For polyurethane, you don’t want to use a rag, it will leave lint. Put 2 coats of minwax stain on, wiped with mineral spirits in between coats. Some people love it, others still prefer the two-step method that gives you more control as you apply the stain first, wipe off the excess, let it dry, then apply two or three coats of a clear finish. 2. I’m looking forward to following along Bruce! Because you are actually applying less material to the surface, the dry time is significantly decreased as well. And when it came time to stain and finish the three unfinished pine doors, I went looking for a way to save myself some time. As you can see, the Pecan Minwax® PolyShades® added just the right amount of color and plenty of protective polyurethane finish. Minwax® helps you select the ideal stain color for your wood project. Each time I took on a new project, I took over the dining room table or the coffee table. 3. Top the finish with a protective and glossy coat of polyurethane sealer. Now it’s time to apply your protective coat. You'd want to do a couple coats. So I scuffed up the cabinets and applied the poly in as thin a coat as I could. Natural and synthetic bristle brushes specifically designed for use with Minwax® wood finishing products. You should apply as many coats as much stain your wood can absorb. 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