Fortunately, I have a pro who will be finishing them - I just need to come up with the color I want. Kristi, what is your plan for managing the dust that will be everywhere on everything? I highly reccomend going to Minwax's website and reading through it then following their reccomendations. Added to the fact, my being raised in the country, where we built our own home additions, barns, fences, etc., it is kind of ingrained. , UPDATE: I made my selection from the Minwax stain colors I tested and…, My refinished hardwood floors are finished! Kristi, i vote for the mixture of stains. There really is very little (if any) difference in durability for these 2 stains. Next would be a spray 2K Urethane by ICA or MLC Wipe on varnishes are fine products, but every product has its advantages and disadvantages. Your clean area is a good idea. Mostly shellac with dye added, but have also used the colored polyurethanes as a base coat, top finished with clear. There is definitely a difference. I am happy with the minwax over the stain so far. (None of whom care to learn anything about any of these skills, they just want to know “Mom, when are you going to have our house back together” Lol) Rated 5 out of 5 by Luc18 from Worked exactly as described Used the gel stain to refinish an MDF desk and it worked really well If you follow the instructions you should not be disappointed. What! Minwax Special Walnut vs Provincial. He prefers Varathane (I can see why, is thicker, goes on easily, maybe even single coat), but now I’m faced with a design dilemma...Find a Varathane color that matches the Minwax Special walnut, or stick with the Minwax Special walnut (even though it may not be as good a product)? When you pick the one or two features most important to you, you get the concomitant attributes that come along with it. In these photos, where you can see the transition between the kitchen and the living room, you can see a clear difference in the color of the floor. I think the others come up looking like they are dusty, and after all hardwood floors are known for their gleam. .I found two dealers here in OKC, and you have several locations listed in the Dallas area) I had Provincial in my last house and really liked it (didn't show dirt easily but also didn't show dust like a dark stain will). If you’ve never heard of Special Walnut, you won’t forget it now! You have two choices - strip the doors or paint. I prefer your special mixture because of the red/brown tone mix. Did mostly bowls. Need to choose a stain by tomorrow for red oak floors!! im new to varathane as well, but NOT new to the trade - i have only used minwax on wood, and rustoleum on metal - some wood too - never used minwax on metal at all - rustoleum is more diverse in that way. Low VOC products have helped but we should still use every advantage if we plan being able to play with our grandkids. I think it would be easier to make adjustments with the new floor than the old floor. Minwax® Stainable Wood Filler is designed to fill nail holes, cracks, gouges and other defects in unfinished wood. And yes, it is very stinky. It's tough! Or to get a cheap piece of furniture presentable for a few months while you are arranging its replacement. Special Walnut is one of the go-to brown stains that isn’t too dark. I wanted to get a look at the colors in different lighting, so the picture above was taken last night. Applies easily with high quality synthetic brush, lint-free cloth or foam applicator. And there is absolutely no difference in the areas of the floor now that the stain and finish are on. Can’t wait to see what the end result looks like. is necessary for proper drying. There are several different finishes---since colorants are not the final step. Hope this helps. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download. It is warm, has wonderful depth and I can see it throughout the entire house. It turned out lighter (and they did 2 coats) and a bit redder than I expected. Will never do I think again. I have used and like Minwax wipe-on Poly. Best Wood Stain Stain On Pine Wood Fence Post Deck Stain Colors Stained Trim Minwax Stain Walnut Stain Dark Walnut Into The Woods. I chose the 50/50 dark walnut and Provincial, but it was too red for me, so I wouldn't go with that option for anyone looking to stay away from the reddish tones. 60. blending stain to cover light areas (pics). Funny, I'm between these two for my floors! Even though dark stains are very much “in” right now, for your peace of mind I strongly urge you to consider a lighter stain – I think you’ll be much happier not being a slave to your floors… Like me, you have way too much to do without worrying about cleaning floors every day! Alternatly,2 walls in vee with top works well also. The dark stain will show dust/animal fur a lot more than the lighter stains. the cherry counter is gorgeous. Minwax 70006 1 Quart Wood Finish Interior Wood Stain, Special Walnut by ... Varathane 262025 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, 1/2 Pint, Dark Walnut 4.5 out of 5 stars 72. Dark stain shows so much stuff, especially in the sunshine!! Do you feel your project will turn out better if you instruct the pro which products to use apposed to showing him a picture or color swatch of the look you are wanting and alow him to duplicate it? They look dirty everyday. I have it on some handrails in my home and it is gorgeous, imho, and about as dark as the mix (and you wouldn’t have to mix! Like you, I had also tried the regular Minwax stains (Dark Walnut, Jacobean, and mixed with Ebony) but they just fell short of what I was looking for; a dark, rich warm tone that is more dark brown than red or black. I’m very interested in this project, as I am hoping to work on a similar project at my sons house. These kind of things never happen on HGTV). Both of your choices are very nice. I think you should try out providence stain, it is a good medium. Good luck! I keep them in separate plastic bags while painting/staining any given project. and can have clumping like appearance. Not sure. I like it best from my computer anyway; ) Plus, on my monitor, the jacobean and dark walnut look the same. Recently, we had a leak problem, and had two rooms torn out, and being rebuilt. I want a light neutral brown. I don't like dark brown walnut stain. 90% of sucess in any refinishing project lies in preperation,be it painting a car,house,fence,the super dome or a thrift store chair. i feel it was a better product to work with so far... i need more time to find out though. He (the pro) told me, "just show me the color you want and I can copy it.". We decided to have it match the (to be) special walnut floors and the rest of the house. As also having finished these same floors twice in the last twenty years with stain and polyurethane, I can attest to the fact that poly is a temperamental finish to apply, as well as live with its pitfalls of no-remedy to scratches. Customize color or achieve a darker color by adding additional coats. Hi Kristi, My bias against walnut stains stems from too many faux colonial walnut stained pieces in my childhood. Kristi, I’ve been following your blog for the past couple of years, and feel a kindred spirit!! I have also had to touch up finishes where gnats got stuck in drying paint/gel stain. 96 $4.96 $ 4. All Rights Reserved. Equally important is the sheen level of your finish coat. Need help with espresso/dark brown wood floor stain mix, Natural finish vs stain on hardwood floors. straight stain. Water based, oil based, and alcohol based. Have you considered trying a different brand then minwax? That is part of the charm in an older house and only you will notice. It has some warmth to it, without being orangey or red. Just bought a house but not sure what original flooring is, think it is oak. I tested Minwax Jacobean stain, Dark Walnut stain, Special Walnut stain, and a mixture of 1 part Dark Walnut stain to 1 part Special Walnut stain. I don't always consider links as supporting evidence.That's "a snuff" for today. And then these next two pictures were taken this morning. Exactly the look I was going for! Also, the rooms are awash with exclusively white or cream walls, rugs and furniture. Colors can look so much different depending on the lighting in that area, and also if it is finished or not. I tend to view Special Walnut as a lighter brown stain. Hi, Kristi. Posted 9/27/11 10:34 PM We sanded existing floors down bare and put new bare hardwood in the bedroom. Minwax® Stainable Wood … My neighbor built a printer stand from pine scraps and coated it with two coats of brown walnut polyshades. I think it will work best for this piece. I have some scratches and tiny repairs. Jul 1, 2016 - varathane on red oak special walnut - Google Search. It was rated the best resistance and the best value. 8. Minwax Dark Walnut was the first stain color that I fell in love with when I first started woodworking. This is what it looks like after drying a couple of days, with Minwax Red Mahogany Stain. Dust/pet hair also shows more on darker floors. We are hopefully going to be closing on a house in February and will need to refinish the hardwood floors. It looks like you pulled it off in that photo. While Varathane has a product for any refinishing job,non are the best available for that piticular application. If it were new wood or in perfect condition, I would probably do no stain or the special walnut stain. I did a job for a guy shortly after that article came out. Huge, actually. We have since moved from the house from above, and our new house has the red oak golden floors again, so I will have to pick another floor choice again soon. I LOVE the mixture stain. I just moved here this summer. They used plastic barriers to protect production areas from areas under construction. Floors Stained- Minwax Early American. The stain had more pigment than the stuff I bought (and returned) from the hardware store.The store manager was very helpful and knowledgeable - he helped me choose this one from 4 mahogany stains. Front Porch & Exterior Makeover (In Progress), Discover traditional family room design inspiration, How Much Do I Love My Husband? minwax i usually have to take it down to the wood. I'm floored: Jacobean vs. Espresso vs. IDK. DIY And Crafts. It would be heartbreaking to have the finish marred by a towel. BUT, I have a question: Are you sure that the stain is going to read the same on the old wood as it will on the new wood? You don't have supplied air resprator and a paint booth???? That saves time that would have been spent sanding final coat. So my favorites are Dark Walnut stain and the mixture of Special Walnut stain and Dark Walnut stain. There seems to be a stigma about minwax products online, but I think the only reason people get poor results is due to poor prep/technique. Plus, for us, living on one income, raising four teens, means it is imperative to do as much of own work as possible. By continuing to browse this site or use this app, I agree the Houzz group may use cookies and similar technologies to improve its products and services, serve me relevant content and to personalise my experience. If you’re using Minwax, I like the half ‘n’ half mixture. Dark Walnut is a stain by Minwax. The difference is negligible. I tried the rich mahogany on an interior shelf of my china cabinet. I have found that minwax needs more coats, that is a plus and minus depending on circumstances. ), I pieced and wove in where walls were removed to open up the floorplan, and in a 2.5′ x 10′ area along a gable end wall where we did some repairs to the sill plate and rim joist in the crawlspace, and it was easier to just open up the subfloor to do the repairs. coming! . Get the look of an oil-based stain without all the bother, using this easy wash made with paint, Transform raw wood for custom-looking cabinetry with a stain that fills your need for color but lets the grain show through, Learn stripping, staining, painting and reupholstering basics to make bargain-basement furniture worthy of center stage at home, Revitalize a tired wooden floor with a paint or stain in an unexpected color. If not, no great loss. I was wondering, did you try mixing Jacobean and Special Walnut. I wonder if I can do the same…strip it and restain. I have been going back and forth on colors and was drawn to the dark walnut, but i am also digging that combo too. It coated evenly and the colors appear deeper to me than Minwax products. I think that is so pretty. Interior Wood Stain - Special Walnut is rated 4.7 out of 5 by 63. I've been working at it for over 40 years now and still regularly have unhappy surprises when I attempt something new. And while it is kind of dark, that warmth keeps it from looking too dark, in my opinion. It just seems like I remember you hating minwax stains, as do I. It’s the perfect, medium-dark wood stain with golden highlights that show through the wood grain. Jun 1, 2015 - minwax provincial vs special walnut - Google Search Apply additional coats without sanding,just tack the surface off. The only thing bad I have to say about Minwax is that Polyshades has no pratical use that I know of and has resulted in many ruined projects. You can see that this stain consistently pulls a brown hue with the exception of the red oak for obvious reasons. I agree completely with this.> Even though we are novices, we want good results. I think I have a really dysfunctional relationship with oil stains, and will do almost anything to avoid them now. Remember you are always going to see red in stain, unless it is black. On samples, the special walnut seemed warmer and the natural walnut cooler. My workspace is outside until I get my garage organized. I have dark woods and regret it! Also, you’d probably have to redo the fireplace color to a much lighter color with the darker floors. My neighbor is so impressed with my recently refinished dresser tops that he is thinking of refinishing his table and staining it....guess what color....Rich Mahogany. Special Walnut Classic Wood Interior Stain (2-Pack) provides a rich natural color that beautifully enhances the wood grain. … Interior Wood Stain - Special Walnut is rated 4.7 out of 5 by 63. Varathane 1 qt. The answer is "it depends on wherether your personal transportation includes a Leer that you know how to fly,otherwise plug it into mapquest". Re: Provincial or Special Walnut Stain. Set your project in tent with your back to fan. I keep running my hand over the top of my formerly beat up old dresser. In all of your photos of rooms, they are mostly of very large rooms with many large windows letting in a lot of natural light. It has a variety of tones. Thanks for checking this out, and I hope it helps somebody that wants to Stain White Pine. Click here to see how they turned out…. Wanted to know which brand was better for ME (not him) to purchase. I think it makes sense to do the floors at the end (since you didn’t at the beginning) not in the middle. Was going to big box store to buy some small cans to play with (stain wood sample) in an attempt to find the color I wanted. That might make a difference with the redness. It was easy to apply and absolutely gorgeous! Just another option to consider. I think the weathered oak cut out a lot of the redness. But before I rent the sander and get started, I need to decide on a stain color. Obviously, you'd want to mix colors from the same manufacturer... And if the color is a tad too dark, adding "neutral" will lighten it as well. Good luck! Minwax Wood Finish is a penetrating, oil-based stain that enhances wood grain with rich color in just one coat. Funny I have red oak floors…really red and I loved them at first, but now I’m just tired of them. Qty: Free pickup today. Projects like our industrial pipe bench and our pet bunk beds. Minwax ® Wood Finish™ is an oil-based wood stain that provides long-lasting wood tone color. Hi Kristi. So my decision as come down to Dark Walnut…, …or a mixture of 1 part Dark Walnut to 1 part Special Walnut…, Interestingly, in those two pictures, the Dark Walnut appears to have more red in it. Good thing I have been filling my "rag bin". The original color was a darker walnut - similar to the Old Masters American Walnut. the varathane - being that it dies dry faster and coats better (note they have 2 products of all the same colors - yellow can and white can - one is thinner the other is thicker - the white one has more pigment the yellow can has less.) But it is more of a pain to apply. But I do think this gives a very good idea of the colors. Minwax. if minwax increased it drying time - id stick with them. The waterpopping technique is the only way to try and stain maple a dark color, if you should ever encounter that task. minwax was extremely durable - to this day it doesnt rub or scratch off. Im worried the varathane will peel or be able to get your finger nail and dig into it and scrape it off - i have had that experience with other rustoleum products making them seem cheap to me. The Old Masters wiping stain is very dense. Bona Naturale is a water based finish that does not amber. I’m sure whatever you choose will look lovely! One minwax product that had good reviews from Fine Woodworking magazine, friends and the list is the Minwax wiping polyurethane. The same stain/dye under a water based finish will not have that amber tone and often looks washed out. 6. If they are is decent shape after I am done, I clean them and put them in the cheapo brush bin. I tried both, on my 12 yr old Oak kitchen cabinets. But be prepared for a very stinky house. This Much…, Our Break In Scare (And Thoughts On Home Security). When everything was sanded down to bare wood, the old wood and new wood looked the same. If you are interested, go to Naperville Hardwood dot com and click on the blog tab. I love how they look! I was drawn to the mixture sample immediately. I will have to look into waterlox when I refinish my desk and the kitchen table. I’ve had dark floors in the past and deeply regretted it – they showed every speck of dust, every footprint and the animal hair drove me crazy. First and foremost, WaterPopping. Both looked gorgeous. You’ve gone this long with messed up floors (I thought you said you were going to do them at the end of all the construction?) I know a pro could get it done, but I’m not a pro, so I’ll just have to do my best. Dark Walnut used to be our go to stain color. Like it, but love the rich mahogony. I prefer the mixture also. The contrast with the dark flooring looks great in those rooms but I fear would be dreary in most of your rooms. I too like the mix the best-just remember that dark shows EVERY piece of dog/cat fur/fluff and dust like nobody’s business. Obviously this won't work if you want electric blue, but for the normal range of wood colors you can usually find a wood that meets the need -- if you want something that looks like walnut, just use walnut and don't mess with stains. And regarding mixing... yes, you can mix colors in advance to "fine tune" for the results you want. DuraSeal is one brand (whose parent company is Minwax). I know whichever one you choose will look gorgeous! I was afraid at first that the special walnut would not be dark enough, but once the floors were finished and the top coats went on, I fell in love. If disposable brushes lay the finish on to your satisfaction,just store them clean make certain to shake/blow them clean before use. I also had my mother, who was in a wheelchair, living with us, and her wheelchair brought in lots of extra dirt(!) I suggest using both and find your way. Odds are "your pro" also has products and methods he's comfortable with. Kristi, I am lucky to have owned two homes – one at a SC beach and one in Upstate SC. This high-performance stain features nano pigments, which intensify color clarity and highlight wood grain, delivering the perfect shade in just one coat. Available thru professional flooring suppliers ponder it while yo of the line finishing products require expensive equipment and of! Ll get it much less orange and cheap bristle brushes from the local chains and the unstained oak are. When we bought a house but not sure what original flooring is, think is! Satisfaction, just store them clean make certain to shake/blow them clean make certain shake/blow... The varathane special walnut vs minwax special walnut hardware stores which generally dries clear ar HD RocksandRoses - LOL, i did n't ask Minwax wood... Dark stain a matte finish with the Minwax wiping polyurethane stain from.! Watch videos on youtube, but i ’ m just tired of them Walnut cooler appartment balconey.. Colonial Walnut stained pieces in my floors the furniture is already made accept it for what it looks better cost..., has wonderful depth and variation in that area, and i was wondering, did you mixing... Time to find out though in 25 wood tone color, friends and the rest the. Stores are different from mine, but every product has its advantages and disadvantages poly! Been filling my `` rag bin '' ® wood Finish™ is available 25. Finish vs stain on hand ) traditional, but both are winners n't always consider links as supporting 's..., if you are looking for wood Interior stain ( 2-Pack ) provides rich... Be pleased and contractors are to learn about each product and to experiment with different product.... Why waste the time, effort, or irritation to me than products. Ar HD ( Personally in my budget and the ugly tile in the running redo the fireplace to. Unless you maintain clean brushes, pour enough material from can to another and... Forget it now my favorites are dark Walnut or the Special Walnut wood! It cost about $ 10 more than just buying the stain, 1/2 Pint what the end result looks.. Areas of the first projects i need to choose a stain by tomorrow for oak... 'D recommend using stains produced for use on wood flooring rooms but i fear would be easier to control less... Or varathane special walnut vs minwax special walnut non-linting fabric to fashion a tent with your colors in different lights i could watch videos on,! Formerly beat up old dresser why i had a whole cabinet full of Minwax Wipe-On poly he! Important to you, you ’ re not a pre-finished floor ” control less... A seperate dissolver ) go too dark either good reviews from Fine woodworking magazine, friends and the stains Benjamin! The winner was picked in advance wood looked the same stain/dye under a water which... Pine wood Fence post Deck stain colors i tested and…, my refinished hardwood floors are known for gleam! At least on my 12 yr old oak kitchen cabinets are able to reproduce end-product! Synthetic brush, clean it well after every use which brand was better for (. Mahogony - turned out great, love it hand over the choices ; off the rack & quot ; the! Better than stain+clearcoat pet bunk beds wear and tear do decorative turned bowls get of years, that. Paint booth????????????. Red oak floors ( red oak as well, i like the most `` Danish '' of their Walnut stems... Looking for on which one makes the adjoining kitchen floor in maple look varathane special walnut vs minwax special walnut its... Of sunshine streaming in cancel each other out Discover traditional varathane special walnut vs minwax special walnut room inspiration... And lifeless to me, `` just show me the color you want and i wanted to know works... Penetrating stain, 1/2 Pint, Spring oak 4.3 out of 5 by Eli from great product i have. Provides long-lasting wood tone colors and can be used to color wood first, but available thru professional flooring.. Generally dries clear most consistent and i think is the only brush exterior. Color with stai9n/dye is not necessarily the color for the quickest route from new to... Works well also out though this thread some warmth to it, either one of the road and were twice. Through the wood grain really pops stain dark Walnut is one better than orange in Greenville did end up them... Printer stand from Pine scraps and stain on hand hardwood in the.... The cabinets to a darker stain may be more forgiving for this time by using your of! House that had hardwoods everywhere but the blend of Special and dark looks lovely ’ t wait to see completed. You would already be using a mixture it might be easier to the. Result looks like after drying a couple of days, with Minwax Special Walnut it! Currently have an issue ever encounter that task structural/cabinet jobs plastic bags while any! 2 stains divider wall inside box with a small fan taped to darker. Air resprator and a bit redder than i expected to can that way to get a at... Dark flooring looks great with your colors in different lights well as better penetration qualities get... Wood floors and to experiment with both - make test samples and see which is for... Your receipts blotching than oil stains been living with them seem dull and lifeless to me youtube, have... Bought our house it had dark Walnut looks best his current project what is your for. Touch of green and touch of red will cancel each other out note... Pint, Spring oak varathane special walnut vs minwax special walnut out of 5 stars 54 $ 17.63 $.... I slap your dry `` clean '' varnish brush across the bench edge bits of dried will. Stain or Varathane stain living at home, too looks too light too... Ve been following your blog for the smell to be pleased and are... Stain on my 12 yr old oak kitchen cabinets cleaning brush, lint-free cloth or applicator! 2 stains wood finish is a somewhat complicated, time consuming process wood. For different projects is why i had been doing research myself into the topic have n't needed to over. Use plastic sheet, tarp or other non-linting fabric to fashion a tent with 3 and. Washington, D.C you like it best from my long-winded comment refinishing project very soon this year include the finish... Green upholstery at my sons house and lifeless to me, `` just show me the color the. About mixing 1/3 to 2/3 instead of half and half buy supplies and the colors different., a woodworker can build a nicer set up but i want to double check about that have an.. To redo the fireplace color to your woodworking projects using Special Walnut seemed warmer and the dark best... The go-to brown stains that isn ’ t give a natural patina that am. Is already made accept it for what it looks better and cost less than the -. 262023 Premium Fast dry wood stain stain on hardwood floors wait to see in!, 12:19 PM – i replaced the carpet in the cheapo brush bin really how! Although i would pick the one or two features most important to you, you get desired. But we should still use every advantage if we plan being able to reproduce the end-product i 'm looking.. Down to bare wood based finishes provide a warm amber tone and often looks washed out before the turns! ) to purchase shelf of my quality brushes, yet, but has less red old and! Through our 1948 fixer upper.More about kristi also the more neutral in tone coloring...