The 26 best wood stain brands
Minwax, Rust-Oleum and Varathane lead our ranking of 26 wood stain brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Wood Stain brands, ranked
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1
Minwax
Minwax makes oil-based and water-based wood stains for interior furniture and trim, sold widely in North American hardware stores.
Website: minwax.com |Brands like Minwax
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Rust-Oleum
Rust-Oleum makes wood stains and wood finishing products, including stains sold under its own name in many markets.
Website: rustoleum.com |Brands like Rust-Oleum
Popularity 6.2/10
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3
Varathane
Varathane makes wood stains and floor finishes, including oil-based and water-based stains for interior wood projects.
Website: varathanemasters.com |Brands like Varathane
Popularity 5.0/10
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4
Rustins
Rustins makes UK wood stains, Danish oils, and exterior wood treatments sold for garden and joinery projects.
Website: rustins.ltd |Brands like Rustins
Popularity 4.0/10
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5
ZAR
ZAR makes wood stains and wood finishes, known for oil-based interior stains and wood treatments sold in North America.
Website: zar.com |Brands like ZAR
Popularity 3.8/10
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6
Cuprinol
Cuprinol makes garden wood stains and preservatives for fences, decking, and sheds, sold mainly in the UK and Europe.
Website: cuprinol.co.uk |Brands like Cuprinol
Popularity 3.8/10
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7
Ronseal
Ronseal makes UK wood stains, varnishes, and decking treatments, widely sold in hardware and DIY stores.
Website: ronseal.com |Brands like Ronseal
Popularity 3.7/10
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8
Dulux
Dulux makes paints and in some markets offers wood stain and woodcare products alongside its main paint range.
Website: duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk |Brands like Dulux
Popularity 3.7/10
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9
General Finishes
General Finishes makes water-based and oil-based wood stains, glazes, and topcoats used in furniture and cabinet finishing.
Website: generalfinishes.com |Brands like General Finishes
Popularity 3.6/10
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10
Sikkens
Sikkens, an AkzoNobel brand, makes exterior wood stains, wood coatings, and woodcare products sold in Europe.
Website: sikkens-wood-coatings.com |Brands like Sikkens
Popularity 3.2/10
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11
Osmo
Osmo makes German wood oils and wood stains, including natural oil finishes for interior and exterior timber.
Website: osmo.uk.com |Brands like Osmo
Popularity 2.9/10
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12
Jackson
Jacksons makes UK fence and garden wood stains and preservatives, sold through its fencing and DIY channels.
Website: jacksons-fencing.co.uk |Brands like Jackson
Popularity 2.4/10
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13
Valspar
Valspar makes wood stains and wood finishes sold in North American retail stores, alongside its paint lines.
Website: valspar.com |Brands like Valspar
Popularity 2.4/10
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14
Sadolin
Sadolin makes UK wood stains, woodcare coatings, and exterior timber treatments for decking, fences, and joinery.
Website: sadolin.co.uk |Brands like Sadolin
Popularity 2.4/10
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15
Bona
Bona was established back in 1919, and they have created a strong foundation for their products. The company mainly deals with the flooring industry. Many people neglect floors, but a beautiful floor can change the room's look. Bona promises to...
Website: us.bona.com |Brands like Bona
Popularity 1.6/10
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16
Zinsser
Zinsser is a brand that sells paints, primers, sealers, wallpapers, and other similar products. The brand named Rust-Oleum, which began in 1849 has sold its products under different brand names such as Zinsser, Krud Kutter and so on. The company...
Website: zinsser.com |Brands like Zinsser
Popularity 1.6/10
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17
Liberon
Liberon makes UK wood care products including wood stains, waxes, and finishing oils for furniture restoration.
Website: liberon.co.uk |Brands like Liberon
Popularity 1.5/10
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18
Krylon
Krylon is an American manufacturer of aerosol paints. Krylon is the first and still the largest supplier of aerosol paints. Founded in 1927, they have become a symbol of quality and standard in aerosol sprays. It has led the industry...
Website: krylon.com |Brands like Krylon
Popularity 1.2/10
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19
Olympic
Olympic makes exterior and interior wood stains and deck treatments, sold through major North American home centers.
Website: olympicwatch.com |Brands like Olympic
Popularity 1.0/10
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20
IVES
IVES is a designer and luxury bag label that was started by two women, Heather and Karla. The label aims to make your everyday life beautiful through their beautifully designed and crafted handbags. The label is not just limited to...
Website: larkandives.com |Brands like IVES
Popularity 1.0/10
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21
Watco
Watco makes Danish oil and wood finishing products, including oil-based wood stains and penetrating finishes for furniture.
Website: watcomfg.com |Brands like Watco
Popularity 1.0/10
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22
Johnson
Consumer Healthcare, Medical Devices, and Consumer Products make up the three business sectors of the global consumer products and pharmaceutical firm Johnson & Johnson. The company's primary line of business is the development, production, marketing, and distribution of prescription and...
Website: johnsongtr.com |Brands like Johnson
Popularity 0.7/10
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23
ACE
Ace natural possesses the most organic and natural foods promoting healthy living among its customers. Originating from New York City, the brand understands your hectic lifestyle. It thus replaces most of your cooking ingredients with something that is stomach-friendly and...
Website: acenatural.com |Brands like ACE
Popularity 0.7/10
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24
Mohawk
Mohawk sells wood finishing products including wood stains and finishes, alongside its flooring business.
Website: mohawkkitchens.com |Brands like Mohawk
Popularity 0.7/10
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25
Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams makes wood stains and wood finishes, including exterior stains and interior stains sold through its stores.
Website: sherwin-williams.com |Brands like Sherwin-Williams
Popularity 0.7/10
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26
BRIWAX
BRIWAX makes UK and New Zealand wax-based wood finishes and stains for restoring and protecting furniture and floors.
Website: briwax.com |Brands like BRIWAX
Popularity 0.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minwax | minwax.com | /minwax | minwaxusa | @minwax | – |
| Rust-Oleum | rustoleum.com | /RustOleum | rustoleum | @rustoleum | – |
| Varathane | varathanemasters.com | /RustOleum | RustOleum | @rustoleum | – |
| Rustins | rustins.ltd | /Rustins-817463911689227 | rustinsltd | – | Rustins Ltd Expert finishes for wood & metal |
| ZAR | zar.com | /UnitedGilsoniteLabs | unitedgilsonitelaboratories | @unitedgilsonite | – |
| Cuprinol | cuprinol.co.uk | /Cuprinol | – | @CuprinolUK | CuprinolUK |
| Ronseal | ronseal.com | /Ronseal.UK.Ireland | ronseal.uk | @ronseal | RonsealDoesExactly |
| Dulux | duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk | /DuluxDecoratorCentre | duluxdecoratorcentre | @DuluxDecCentre | – |
| General Finishes | generalfinishes.com | /generalfinishes | generalfinishes | @generalfinishes | GeneralFinishes |
| Sikkens | sikkens-wood-coatings.com | /AkzoNobelWoodFinishesandAdhesives | – | – | Sikkens Wood Coatings |
Wood Stain Buying Guide
When it comes to finishing wood, there are many options available to choose from. A popular choice is wood stain, which enhances the natural beauty of wood while protecting it from the elements. However, selecting the right wood stain can be a daunting task, especially if you are not well-versed with the different types of stains available in the market. In this buying guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about wood stains and help you make an informed decision.
Types of Wood Stains
There are two main types of wood stains: oil-based and water-based. Both types offer different sets of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the two:
- Oil-based Stains: These types of stains are made from natural oils or synthetic resins that dissolve in mineral spirits or turpentine. Oil-based stains penetrate the wood’s surface, highlighting its grain and enhancing its natural beauty. They are easy to apply, making them a favorite among DIY enthusiasts. However, oil-based stains take longer to dry, and the fumes can be overpowering. They also require more cleanup, as mineral spirits or turpentine is used to clean up spills.
- Water-based Stains: These types of stains use water as the primary solvent. They are manufactured using dyes, pigments, or a combination of both, providing a wide range of colors to choose from. Water-based stains have a low odor and dry faster than oil-based stains, making them ideal for indoor applications. They are easy to clean up using soap and water, and they don't produce fumes. However, they don't penetrate the wood surface as deeply as oil-based stains, and they may raise the wood grain.
Choosing the Right Color
The color of wood stain you choose can have a significant impact on the final appearance of your project. There are three main ways to choose the color of your wood stain:
- Match the Existing Color: If you want your wood to have a consistent color, you can choose a stain that matches the wood’s existing color. This is a great option for refinishing furniture or cabinetry.
- Highlight the Grain: If you want to bring out the wood’s natural grain, choose a stain that is slightly darker than the wood’s natural color.
- Add a Pop of Color: If you want your project to have a unique look, choose a brightly colored wood stain that complements your decor.
Consider the Durability
The durability of the wood stain depends on the type of wood you are working with and the conditions it will be exposed to. If you are using wood for outdoor projects like decks or fences, you will need a wood stain that is weather-resistant and can withstand UV rays. In this case, oil-based stains are a better option as they penetrate the wood deeper and offer better protection against the elements. Water-based stains, on the other hand, are ideal for indoor projects like furniture, cabinets, or flooring, where they can provide a good level of protection without exposing users to harmful fumes.
Check the Stain’s Transparency Level
The transparency level of wood stains ranges from transparent to opaque. Transparent stains allow the wood grain to show through, while opaque stains cover the wood’s natural color and grain pattern. Here’s a breakdown of the different transparency levels of wood stains:
- Transparent: Transparent stains are the best option if you want the wood’s natural grain to show through. They are ideal for outdoor porches, decks, or fences where you want to protect the wood from the elements without hiding its natural beauty.
- Semi-Transparent: Semi-transparent stains allow the wood grain to show through while adding a hint of color to the wood. They are ideal for indoor projects like cabinets, furniture, or flooring where you want to enhance the wood’s natural beauty.
- Semi-Solid: Semi-solid stains provide more pigmentation than semi-transparent stains, but less than solid or opaque stains. They are ideal for outdoor projects like decks, fences or outdoor furniture where you want the wood to have a consistent, uniform color.
- Solid: Solid or opaque stains completely cover the wood’s natural color, grain, and texture. They are ideal for outdoor projects like decks, fences, or gazebos where you want to hide any imperfections in the wood.
Calculate the Coverage Area
Before buying wood stain, it is essential to calculate the coverage area accurately. This will help determine the amount of stain you need to buy, saving you from any last-minute runs to the hardware store. Most wood stains provide coverage area information on the product label, which should give you an idea of how many square feet the product will cover. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the coverage area varies depending on the type of wood, the thickness of the coat, and the method of application.
Choose the Appropriate Application Method
Wood stains are applied using brushes, rollers, or spray guns. Each application method has its advantages and disadvantages:
- Brushes: Brushes offer the most control when applying wood stain. They allow you to apply the stain evenly, ensuring that every part of the surface is covered. However, brushes can leave brush marks, and they may not be the quickest application method.
- Rollers: Rollers are quicker than brushes, making them a great option for covering large surface areas. They also leave fewer brush marks. However, rollers tend to apply the stain unevenly, especially if the wood has an uneven surface.
- Spray Guns: Spray guns are the quickest and most efficient method of applying wood stain. They provide a smooth, even finish without leaving brush marks or bubbles. However, they require more cleanup, and they need a steady hand to get the best results.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right wood stain requires careful consideration. It would be best to choose the type of stain that best meets your needs in terms of durability, transparency level, and color. Make sure you calculate the coverage area so that you buy the right amount of stain. Lastly, consider the application method that will work best for your project, and have the appropriate tools on hand.
