• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Charleston Crafted
  • DIY
  • Woodworking
  • Popular Posts
  • Blog
  • About
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • DIY
  • Woodworking
  • Popular Posts
  • Blog
  • About
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY
  • Woodworking
  • Popular Posts
  • Blog
  • About
  • Shop
×
Home » Wood Finishes » Wood Stains

The best Minwax Wood Stains by color

Published: Mar 8, 2023 by Morgan · As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This site contains affiliate links. ·

Shopping for a wood stain for your next project? Here are the best Minwax Wood Stains by color!

Building a woodworking project is satisfying, but the build isn't the end of it.

Unless you use a high end hardwood (in which case, go you, get some walrus oil, and let the grain shine), you will want to paint or stain your wood for a finished look.

Picking a stain color is a big commitment! It's not something that is super easy to change down the road.

So, we have made it our mission to sample and test a TON of wood stains to make it as easy as possible for you to pick the right stain color the first time.

Once your stain has completely dried, don't forget to seal it! Here are our tips for sealing stained wood.

Need to fill a project? Here are our favorite wood fillers compared!

Before you stain, learn about pre-stain wood conditioners and if you should use one!

We tested these ten stains on five different wood species!

Check out our favorite white wood stains and black wood stains and gray wood stains!

Here are our favorite light wood stains + dark wood stains!

Be sure to watch my video on how to open a can of wood stain.

Is Minwax a good stain?

Minwax is a great quality wood stain. There are a few different lines of stain and many Minwax stain colors, which might be the perfect solution for your next woodworking project.

Where do you buy Minwax wood stain?

Minwax products are generally available at Lowe's Home Improvement. You can also buy them on Amazon and at Walmart and Ace Hardware.

the best minwax wood stains by color

The best Minwax Wood Stains

Here are my personal favorite Minwax stains in each color category.

The best gray Minwax wood stain

Gray wood stains are great for a rustic, coastal, or farmhouse vibe.

I love Minwax Slate for a medium toned gray stain color. It adds a good amount of color and warmth to the wood.

I like that the gray color is not too blue, or even purple, which many gray stains tend to skew. Instead it feels like it could be a natural, if gray, wood color.

Buy Minwax Slate at Lowes
minwax slate wood stain a complete guide

Click here for my complete Slate review.

For a lighter gray, I suggest Tinsmith Gray. This color is almost a whitewash, but with just enough color to it to keep it looking gray.

It's a great option for a fuller coverage light gray wood stain.

Buy Tinsmith Gray at Lowes
minwax tinsmith gray wood stain a complete guide

Click here for my Tinsmith Gray review.

The best "natural" Minwax wood stain

By natural, I mean natural wood look. These stains enhance the grain without overwhelming it with color.

I love Minwax Weathered Oak for a natural look. It adds just a touch of warmth and color to wood, while still really letting the underlying grain shine through.

This is a great option, especially for a higher quality of wood that you don't want to overpower.

Buy Weathered Oak at Lowes
minwax weathered oak wood stain on white wood, poplar, pine, oak, plywood

Click here for our complete Weathered Oak review.

The best brown Minwax wood stain

Brown wood stains are a classic and great way to give cheaper wood a rich look.

For a very dark brown wood stain, I love Minwax Dark Walnut. This is a deep chocolate brown with no red undertones. It really is gorgeous!

Buy Minwax Dark Walnut at Lowes
minwax dark walnut wood stain on white wood, poplar, pine, oak, plywood

Click here for my complete review of Minwax Dark Walnut

The best white Minwax wood stain

I personally love a white stain on wood projects for a light and bright feel.

Minwax Simply White is a great option for a white wood stain. I like this option because it lightens the wood without covering it too much. It gives it more of an airy feel while still looking like wood.

Buy Simply White at Lowes
Minwax simply white on different types of wood

Rad my complete simply white review here.

The best black Minwax wood stain

Black wood stains are a great way to give a piece a more modern look.

Minwax True Black is is a seriously BLACK wood stain. It has pretty much 100% coverage and allows none of the natural wood to shine through.

Even though this stain is completely opaque, it lets the texture of the wood grain show through.

Buy True Black at Lowes
Minwax True Black wood stain a complete guide

Click here to read my full review of Minwax True Black.

Any more questions about Minwax wood stains?!

Be sure to check out our other DIY wood stain ideas!

  • How to dye wood with food coloring
  • How to stain wood with coffee
  • How to stain wood with tea
  • How to stain wood with vinegar
  • How to dye wood with food coloring

These are the best wood stains for every project!

Charleston Crafted Signature

Follow us on:
Pinterest | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | Amazon Storefront | LTK Shop

Looking for something?

We've been doing this since 2012 so we have a LOT of blog posts!
Search stuff like: Ceiling Projects | DIY Plant Stands | Thrift Flips

Charleston Crafted logo banner
Morgan headshot cropped
Morgan

Hello, I'm Morgan, half of the creative force behind CharlestonCrafted.com! With a passion for DIY that dates back to 2012, I've transformed three homes and now I'm dedicated to helping others craft their dream spaces. Let's turn your house into a home together!

More Wood Stains

  • How to stain wood with RIT dye - step by step instructions
    How to stain wood with RIT dye
  • best farmhouse style wood stains
    The best farmhouse style wood stains
  • the best purple wood stains
    The best purple wood stains
  • how to clean wood stain off paint brushes
    How to clean wood stain off a brush

Primary Sidebar

Charleston Crafted about us image

Hey y'all!

We are Morgan & Sean McBride and we are crafting our home together in Charleston, South Carolina.

More about us

Popular Posts

  • DIY Coffered Ceiling
    DIY Coffered Ceiling
  • How to Make DIY Concrete Pumpkins via Charleston Crafted
    How to Make DIY Concrete Pumpkins
  • How to Make a Cupid's Arrow Valentine's Day Wall Hanging with felt on the Cricut
    How to make a Cupid's Arrow Valentine's Day Wall Hanging
  • Our Tropical Oasis - A backyard Hammock area - Charleston Crafted
    Our Tropical Oasis

Recent Posts

  • fisherman aesthetic home inspiration
    Fisherman Aesthetic Decor for Your Home
  • Senix Tools Review- Charleston Crafted
    Are Senix power tools any good?
  • Your Weekend To-Do List: 15 Things to Do for Summer Home Upkeep
    Your Weekend To-Do List: 15 Things to Do for Summer Home Upkeep
  • How to build a DIY gate pergola- Charleston Crafted
    How to build a DIY gate pergola

Privacy Policy

Footer

↑ back to top

Navigation

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclaimer

Newsletter

  • Sign up for emails and updates
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Work with Us

Browse by Category

  • Woodworking
  • Home Projects
  • Paint Colors
  • Room Reveals

© 2025 The Charleston Crafted Blog LLC DBA “Charleston Crafted” and “CharlestonCrafted” (also known as N/A) / All Rights Reserved.
Official Website: (Charleston Crafted)
Registered in USA (Co. Reg. No.: 565586)
Address: Charleston, USA 29414, South Carolina
Contact Phone: Not applicable — contact is via email: sean@charlestoncrafted.com

DISCLAIMER: The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. The Charleston Crafted Blog LLC and The Charleston Crafted Blog LLC make no representations or warranties—express or implied—regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information contained herein. Any reliance you place on this information is strictly at your own risk. In no event shall The Charleston Crafted Blog LLC or The Charleston Crafted Blog LLC be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from the use or inability to use this website. This website is the official website of The Charleston Crafted Blog LLC.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This website contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Site Editor: Morgan Smith McBride

Copyright © 2025 Charleston Crafted