My local hardware store has Minwax products 25% off this week and I was thinking of picking up a few small cans since I have some staing to do in the next few months. I have used about 3 of Minwax’s regular stains on some small projects before without any problem but now I have a big entertainment center to finish.
What are Minwax’s regular stains like on large surfaces such as what I have to do?
What about Minwax’s Polyshades? I do seem to have read something negative somewhere about it. I think it was on this forum sometime last year. Anyways, I seem to recall that there was some negative comments said by a couple of readers about the Polyshade line of products.
Basically, my question is – Have any of you ever tried Minwax’s regular stains over big surfaces? What about the Polyshade products? Is there any benefit to using it instead of just “regular” stainging and topcoating?
Thanks kindly
Paul
Replies
PaulGC
Without spray equipment stay the heck away from Polyshades. (I use them regularly) and a great deal of experiance you won't like the results.
We use Minwax for staining, including on entertainment centers. It isn't my favorite kind of stain, but for brush on, wipe off it works fine. Just be sure to keep stirring.
I've used polyshades and have no particular problem with them, but you need to be careful when brushing it on in order to keep an even color. It's a fine finish if you like butt ugly polyurethane.
Personally I dislike polyshades or any tinted finish for that matter. Give me a penetrating stain or dye any day with a clear top coat. But then I am not in production and not in a hurry to get a piece out the door. Just try to make an invisible repair to a tinted top coat that has nice natural lumber underneath.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
PaulGC
Minwax Golden Oak probably the most common stain used by for wood floors and trim by homebuilders in the midwest in the previous 15 years, so you might see some examples around.
Edited 2/27/2007 8:16 pm ET by stantheman
I think Minwax products are cheaply made and well advertised. There are much better finishing materials out there. I particularly like Sherwin Williams wiping stains. They have good body and can be controlled quite easily. Good old shellac can't be beat as a sealer and there is an enormous selection of good top coat products available without resorting to plastic looking poly.
Ron
Edited 2/27/2007 8:51 pm ET by Ronaway
Edited 2/27/2007 8:52 pm ET by Ronaway
See Paul? It's not just me! Don't worry I won't go off on another tirade. :-)
Rob
I use aniline dyes and clear top coats. The only product Minwax makes that I use is their wax.
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