Top 29 Wood Stain Brands in 2025

The most popular brands for Wood Stain Includes Minwax, Rust-Oleum, Varathane, Rustins, ZAR, Cuprinol, Ronseal, Dulux, General Finishes, Sikkens among many others.

1

Minwax

Popular Brand

Minwax allows you to change or enhance any wooden surface with ease. The company provides unique products to keep any wooden finish as good as new. Whether specialty finishes or preparing your wood to transform into furniture, Minwax has something for every purpose. From maintenance and repairing tools to protective finishes and hardwood floor products, the company assures high-quality and multiple-colored products for any wood to enhance the beauty and keep the surface durable.

2

Rust-Oleum

Popular Brand

Rust-Oleum is a company that is dedicated to the architectural field. They create products that assist in keeping the overall structure of your house and buildings in a proper shape. Rust-Oleum makes good use of the latest technology to increase the benefits. The company makes professional and industrial-grade products. All the projects are well done with the company. They always try to keep up and develop with the changing needs of the consumers. Improvement ideas come in every year.

3

Varathane

Popular Brand

Varathane creates the best wood finishing products for your home. From desktops to showrooms, worldwide retailers trust our products and services to preserve the beauty of their furniture and cabinets as well as protect it from dust mites and allergens. Varathane has been a leading brand for decades which specialises in crafting high-quality finishes for everyone who loves their furniture or cabinets more than anything in the world.

4

Rustins

Best Brand

Founded in 1924, Rustins is a primary British producer of wood gets done, specialty paints and execution family cleaners. The organization creates a reach at the production line in North London, utilizing new materials and advancements while keeping up with our greatness and quality legacy. The Brand has its own formula and maintains the best quality of products. All the products are exported to 30+ countries.

5

ZAR

Best Brand

ZAR upholds a reputation in the paint industry for manufacturing high-quality stains and finishers for both the interiors and exteriors, as well as an application method that is simple enough for even novice DIYers. Because of their multi-surface and high adhesion formulations, the finishers are extremely adaptable. They go to great lengths to support and invigorate their consumers with past project cogitations, how-to and informative blogs, videos, and extensive professionalism in project planning.

6

Cuprinol

Best Brand

Cuprinol is a brand manufacturing and retailing outdoor paint supplies for all weather, and all themes. With Cuprinol, you can transform your green haven into a relaxing nook with calm and warm colors for autumn or cool hues for the summers. The brand has eco-friendly paint for patio and outdoor furniture, deck spaces, fences, sheds, etc., to give your garden a makeover according to your choices.

7

Ronseal

Best Brand

DIY tasks can be a headache. We might end up with more jobs than we signed up for and in a frenzy searching for tools to use. However, Ronseal is here to show the world the appeal of DIY tasks. They give you clear instructions on creating products. Moreover, the products you make with Ronseal’s help mean you will not need to embark on a DIY task again for a fair amount of time.

8

Dulux

Best Brand

Dulux is a global brand that lets you bring a splash of color to your home, With their family of...

9

General Finishes

Coating floors, furniture, and a variety of other products is not an easy task. It requires a proper solution in...

10

Sikkens

Sikkens, founded in 1792, dominates the market in several European nations. The firm delivers first-class product quality and customer satisfaction...

11

Osmo

Osmo is a professional color, care, and styling product line created to empower and inspire stylists and barbers. The firm...

12

Jackson

13

Valspar

Valspar provides clients with innovative products and solutions that satisfy their needs for the aesthetic of their homes, companies, and...

14

Sadolin

Sadolin makes wood protection products, that are superior and use special technology like pigments to prevent sunlight from fading the...

15

Bona

Bona was established back in 1919, and they have created a strong foundation for their products. The company mainly deals...

16

Zinsser

Zinsser is a brand that sells paints, primers, sealers, wallpapers, and other similar products. The brand named Rust-Oleum, which began...

17

Liberon

Liberon is a UK-based wood, stone, and metal care brand established in 1912. With high-end and innovative technology in all...

18

Krylon

Krylon is an American manufacturer of aerosol paints. Krylon is the first and still the largest supplier of aerosol paints....

19

International

International Lights is a big name in the lighting industry that sells various types of lights for every corner of...

20

Olympic

Watches are an essential piece of accessories. They compliment you and your clothing. Olympic, a Swiss brand of watches, was...

21

IVES

IVES is a designer and luxury bag label that was started by two women, Heather and Karla. The label aims...

22

Watco

When you think about building the shelter that holds your dreams, the house that settles as a home, you think...

23

Johnson

24

ACE

Ace natural possesses the most organic and natural foods promoting healthy living among its customers. Originating from New York City,...

25

Mohawk

Looking for the finest quality custom designs for cabinetry and kitchen remodeling? If you answered yes, Mohawk Kitchens is proud...

26

BLOCK

The premier provider of top-notch children's furniture is Building Blocks. They use New Zealand pine, hardwoods, natural wood veneers, and...

27

Festool

Festool has found perfection in the 90 years it has been in service. The company was established in the process...

28

Sherwin-Williams

29

BRIWAX

Briwax is a brand manufacturing wood wax and polishes of superior quality by meeting the demands for quality by artisans....

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.

Categories Similar to Wood Stain

Top similar topics to Wood Stain Includes Mint Spray, Natural Stain, Power Paint Sprayer among many others.