Minwax, America's number one selling brand of interior stains, has some exciting news for all the DIYers out there—they've just announced new products to their already robust lineup: Minwax Wood Finish Color Series Premium Oil-Based Stain and Minwax Polycrylic Max Crystal Clear Protection. These new additions are perfect for anyone looking to enhance the natural grain of wood species, whether it's on furniture surfaces, cabinetry, or decorative pieces. With over 240 vibrant colors available in the Premium Stain, you can hit notes you didn't think were possible. They've included classic shades like Weathered Oak, trending shades like Violet, the recently unveiled 2025 Color of the Year, and dark stain colors like Jacobean and Nightwatch Green.
Minwax Wood Finish Color Series Premium Oil-Based Stain
Meet the most premium wood stain Minwax has ever created: a penetrating oil-based wood stain with one-coat coverage in a fast-drying formula. "The new Minwax Wood Finish Color Series combines a wide color assortment and an ultra-premium application to help users achieve their ideal finish," highlights Madeline Tucker, Senior Brand Manager, Minwax. "With access to 240+ colors — the most available on the market — and the reliable coverage of an Oil-Based finish, this product offers consumers the ability to get professional-looking results when they stain. The quick drying time and smooth application make it easier to complete projects faster while ensuring a beautiful, lasting finish."
Product Details:
- 240+ Rich Colors: With over 240 oil-rich colors to choose from, there's a perfect shade for any project.
- 5X Thicker Formula: The thicker consistency provides superior control, making application easier and more precise.
- Dries Quickly: 60-minute dry-time is nearly unheard of in the oil stain market.
- Available in Four Sheens: flat, satin, semi-gloss and gloss
- Ideal for Any Project: Whether you're working on a small piece of furniture or a large home improvement project, this stain is versatile enough to handle it all.
But Wait, There's More: Minwax Polycrylic Max Crystal Clear Protection
The brand also released its new Minwax Polycrylic Max Crystal Clear Protection—a topcoat that promises one-coat perfection. Finish your projects faster with this premium, crystal-clear topcoat that dries in just one hour to an incredibly smooth and durable finish.
- Crystal Clear Finish: Non-yellowing and non-ambering, ensuring your projects retain their long-lasting wood tone color.
- Fast-Drying: Get an incredibly smooth finish in just 1 hour.
- Low Odor: Easy to apply without the strong chemical smell, making it more pleasant to use indoors.
- Ultimate Protection: Guards against scratches, spills, dirt, and more, keeping your natural wood grain looking great for years to come.
What Can You Stain in Your Home?
- Wooden Furniture or Cabinets: Tired of the same old look? Staining can completely change the wood finish to highlight the natural wood grain or add a darker color for a bolder statement. Updating the look of unfinished wood furniture is easy, but if it's already stained and sealed, you'll need to sand before product application. From weathered oak to rich mahogany, you can achieve any aesthetic you desire.
- Wood Floors: Refinishing wood floors can add a subtle charm and bring out the natural beauty while adding depth and warmth to your space. Be sure to test different color stains. You might favor light stains, but a medium stain or darker floors might look better than you think!
- Decorative Items: Don’t overlook smaller wood surfaces like picture frames, floating shelves, lamp bases, and other decorative items. A stylish stain can make these pieces pop, adding depth and character to your home decor.
- Doors and Trim: Staining isn’t just for furniture and decor—doors, baseboards, window trim, and other wood moldings can benefit, too. Applying a stain can unify the look of a room, giving it a polished, cohesive feel while protecting the wood from wear and tear.
Can You Use These Products to Refinish Hardwood Floors?
Oil-based Color Series, yes. Polycrylic Max, no. "Color Series is safe and recommended to use for flooring projects as it’s an oil-based product that works on large surfaces," notes Tucker. With a wide range of natural colors stains, oil-based paint is a popular choice, whether you have oak floors or lighter floors in your home. That said, hardwood flooring experts will be quick to agree that not all poly products are great when used across your entire floor as a finish coat. "Our Polycrylic Max product is, unfortunately, not recommended for flooring projects as it is a thick, fast-drying water-based product," notes Tucker. "To protect your hardwood flooring products, we recommend our Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors or Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane."
