When working with wood, it is essential to give it the finish that you are expecting, and this is where wood stains come in.
From home improvements to DIY projects, having the stains for your surfaces plays a significant part in the overall outcome of your project.
As someone with experience working with wood surfaces, I have used many wood stains before.
Here are 3 of the best dark wood stains I can recommend to you.
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1. Ready Seal Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
Uses
The Ready Seal Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood is used to stunt all types of woods and acts as a wood sealer.
Specifications
- It comes in a 5-gallon container.
- Application using prayer, roller and even brush. PaintCare recycling free.
Features
- No need for wet-line application and no black brushing.
- Doesn’t leave any laps, runs or streaks.
It is a natural cedar. True colour within just 14 days.
Pros
• Easy maintenance, so no need for sanding or stripping for re-application
• Portable
• Easy application
Cons
• It takes time to show true colour.
Why Included
This is included as part of the top 3 best stains since it offers the most versatility in application and the types of woods it can go on (see the best stains for Redwood decks specifically)
2. Minwax Wood Gel stain
The Minwax Wood Gel stain offers interior and exterior wood surfaces that give a professional look to any surface.
Uses
They are used in the staining of wood to get a specific tone.
Specifications
- It comes in a ½ pint, but you can increase the capacity.
- With about 8.8 ounces, you have enough for any piece of work.
- With mahogany being its primary colour, it is better if you are going for this specific look.
Features
- Non-drip and so works well on vertical surfaces.
- Uniform colour delivery.
- Use of different materials.
Pros
• Leaves professional finishes.
• Easy application
• Immediate results
Cons
• Limited colour
• Why included
With this wood stain, you get complete control of the staining process to produce your desired outcome.
3. General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain
Uses
It is mainly used for staining various surfaces such as wood, metal, and others in a specific wood finish colour.
Specifications
- 1 Quart with an Espresso colour.
- One pint and 1-gallon sizes are also available. 2.5 pounds in weight, so easy to carry and handle.
- You can choose from more than ten colours or decide to make your colour.
Features
High-quality pigments, and you can create custom colours through intermixing with GF water-based wood stains.
Pros
• High-quality pigments
• Low VOC
• Water cleanup
• Low Odour
• Easy hand application
• Non-combustible.
Cons
• Indoor use only, so you can’t use it on outdoor surfaces.
• Needs more than one coat for best results.
Why Included
The General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain is one of the most popular stains due to the different features.
- Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets, doors, trim and paneling
- One-coat coverage, fast-drying oil based formula
- Dries to the touch in just 1 hour and covers up to 70 square feet
- High performance stain system enhanced with nano pigment particles
- Highlights natural wood grain to reveal wood's beauty
- Liquid Volume: 4 Fluid Ounces 2-in-1 wood stain and applicator is perfect for crafts and small projects Water-based, low odor formula is easy to use and cleans with soap and water Enhances the natural beauty of wood without the mess of traditional wood stain Easy flow sponge tip provides greater color control for easy application and less mess Semi-transparent stain colors are buildable with multiple coats
- EFFECTIVE ON ALL SURFACES and QUICK DRYING: Furniture Clinic Wood Stain is a fast drying and highly concentrated wood stain making it effective on all indoor and outdoor wood surfaces. Our wood stain provides excellent coverage and ensures even color penetration. It's water based, environmentally friendly, and dries to a natural matte finish in only 10 minutes.
- COMES IN 12 COLORS - VISIBLE WITH ONE COAT: Our wood stain comes in 12 colors ranging from dark to light and can be purchased in multiple sizes. It evenly covers and stains wood in one coat, restoring old and tired wood with a new finish.
- SAFE TO USE: The water based formula of our stain is safer for your wood and the environment than other wood stains. It's low odor, non-toxic, easy to use, and easy to clean up! Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets, doors, trim, floors and more.
- USE WITH IN COMBINATION WITH: After staining wood, you should finish the job by sealing the stain in with one of our Furniture Clinic Wood Waxes, Wood Varnishes or Wood Oils. These will bring out the color of the stain further, provide additional protection and can be used to alter the finish to either satin or gloss.
- JUST ONE COAT: Our wood stain requires just one coat to provide wood with a natural, matte finish and unmatched texture enhancement, rejuvenating old wood.
- FAST DRYING: DWIL water-based wood stain is a fast drying, highly concentration wood stain with excellent coverage, ensuring even color penetration. Suitable for all indoor and outdoor wood: furniture, cabinets, doors, trims, floors, and more.
- SAFE TO USE: Our stain uses a water-based formula. It has low odor, is non toxic, and easy to use. Safe for users and pets!
- EASY APPLICATION: Apply the wood stain with a clean cloth or wood stain brush along the grain. Wait 5-10 minutes, then wipe off the excess stain. The longer the wait, the deeper/richer the color. For a deeper color, apply additional layers.
- EASY CLEANUP: Using our wood stain makes cleanup effortless. Tools are easy to clean, saving you time and ensuring your tools are always ready for the next project.
- Water-based wood stain creates rich, even color in 1 coat on most surfaces
- Low odor, low VOC stain features advanced pigments to enhance the natural beauty of wood
- Fast drying water based wood stain can be customized to a darker color with additional coats
- Lower odor than traditional oil-based stains for easy application and excellent coverage
- Semi-transparent stain cleans easily with soap and water
So What’s the Best Dark Wood Stain?
Here are my top 3 picks for the three best dark wood stains in the market.
1. Ready Seal Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
2. Minwax Wood Gel stain
3. General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain
My best choice would go to General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain since it offers just about all the features of a professional wood stain to give all sorts of finishes.
From its versatility in creating custom colours and working with different types of wooden materials to its portability, it is probably the best option you have in the market to date.
Last update on 2025-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API