FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Minwax buying experience, NOT

| Posted in General Discussion on May 7, 2004 12:43pm

Morning All!

About 3-4 weekends ago the wife and I were in HD looking at wood stains for a couple of red-oak chests I made. I really liked the dark red wood stains and took note of Antique Red on the Minwax Accents Water-Based Wood Stain product brochure. This brochure appeared to be new, fully stocked, etc. as an active Minwax product. HD employees at two stores said it was a new product, but Minwax says its Discontinued.

Firthermore, I learned HD’s position on the product status when they attemed to ‘mix’ me a color of this water-based stain product in their coloration system. Unfortunately, they had Antique Jade and Antique Roase, two colors not in the Minwax brochure. This lead to my emailing Minwax and being informed the product ain’t new, but discontinued.

After much confusion, being informed by Minwax of a soon-to-be-released replacement product, etc. I ventured through their website to find the ‘Accents’ water-based wood stain product just being repackaged. This means that the old-packaged Accents was never bought in store-mixed conditions as HD’s coloration system is almost void of information.

Minwax cannot give me an ETA on the release of their replacement product. HD has the tint-base for the old-packaged Accents, but an inability to ‘mix’ the Antique Red for me. Furthermore, Minwax cannot place the geneaology of the Antique Jade and Antique Rose (thinking maybe it was last year’s color names for Accents) colors.

I am looking for a dark red water-based stain to put onto red oak. Any suggestions? BTW, this will be my first wood-staining project.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. xMikeSmith | May 07, 2004 01:03pm | #1

    time to leave the cocoon of HD and venture out to a real paint store... like a Benjamin Moore dealer.... or a Sherwin -Williams

    or go someplace like the Fine Woodworking site and post your question..

    but don't expect to get knowledgeable answers to your questions at HD

    Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

    1. 5th | May 07, 2004 08:26pm | #12

      Folks, thanks for the reply. I have no special interest in buying from Home Depot, but I honestly thought expecting Minwax to be offered at a place like Sherwin-Williams was insulting to SW. My mistake. I also was not seeking advice from HD, but rather just trying to get them to color-tint some tint base they had. Unfortunately, they do not have the coloration schematics, and neither did Lowes. I went to these places to buy, that is all.

      Now, upon being educated as to where one should be buying this kind of product I will call SW right now ... and like the emails the end result is troubling. SW stated they own Minwax, but they do not carry any of the minwax water-based stains. He suggested ... ready for this? ... Home Depot! For the love of god.

      Now, someone on this forum asked me why water-based stains. Well, no reason, really. I picked up a Minwax brochure, found the color I was greatly desiring, and the particular, and only, Minwax product its offered under was their Accents Water-Based staining product. I have zero staining experience.

      I understand everyone's concern about water-based stains and the potential for raising grain, which I did not think about. Minwax suggests people using a wood preparation in the form of a wood-treatment application beforehand to inhibit grain raising and provide a better application uniformity in the staining process.

      I have no idea as to the differences (pro's/con's) between this and an oil-based wood stain aside from fumes/odors and clean-up. Remember, newbie here. :) Please keep in mind that the Accents product is a heavy-tint (semi-transparent) product meant for decorative applications. BTW, I also know nothing about the gel's either.

      1. User avater
        BillHartmann | May 07, 2004 08:51pm | #14

        "Please keep in mind that the Accents product is a heavy-tint (semi-transparent) product meant for decorative applications. BTW, I also know nothing about the gel's either."

        The gel stain might better product for you. It is almost a slow drying "paint" and you can "work" it to get it the way that you want or wipe a lot of it off to get a lighter color (density, not shade).

        A true stain uses pigments and they mostly color the grain and not all of the wood. But most commercial stains also have dyes.

        But if you want a more uniform look you can use a dye.

        If you have a Woodcrafters or Rockler's store or other woodworking supply store you can go there and get lots of advace and they also have the dyes.

        Typically the paint stores won't have the dyes, but they have gel stains and lots of good information.

        You might go to the libarary and look at books from Bob Flexner, Jeff Jewitt, and Michael Dreshner and look at the picture that show the results of different types of finish products

  2. Turtleneck | May 07, 2004 01:29pm | #2

    Time to venture out of the HD coccoon........I'll go with Mike on that

    You sound like someone who is excellent at research, knows what they want and are PO'd when they have to deal with I-dots. The professionals in your area are not shopping for stain in HD.

    Look for custom makers of stain, finishes etc. There may be local companies that will make a custom stain any color you want.

    Gord

  3. TomT226 | May 07, 2004 01:47pm | #3

    Number one, I don't use water based stains as they tend to raise the grain, especially on Oak.

    Use the oil based, and get you some small cans of the Red Oak, the Dark Walnut, and the clear, and experiment with mixing your own. I do it all the time and can match just about any thing I want to.

    1. User avater
      Sphere | May 07, 2004 02:43pm | #5

      hey tho'..grain raising can be beneficial..esp. if using a WB top coat...the not so secret is to pre-raise the grain prior to final sanding..wipe it all down with a dampend sponge, that also helps show sanding scratches BEFORE the stain goes on, and glue squeeze out too

      Then final sand with whatever the last grit is that you plan on using..don't over sand or ya defeat the purpose..

      even if I am using no stain or a non-waterbased top coat, I still raise the grain as a matter of habit and to remove all the dust packed in the pores..years of carving guitar necks has shown me that wetting the wood also makes scraping and shaping go much easier.

      View Image

      Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

      1. User avater
        BillHartmann | May 07, 2004 04:25pm | #8

        Have you looked at any of your post lately?

        Your Spheramid had beem relaced by a generic Anglefire graphic.

        I suspect that it has to do with Bee's disappeance. That he has not maintainged his website.

        1. User avater
          RichBeckman | May 07, 2004 07:49pm | #10

          "I suspect that it has to do with Bee's disappeance. That he has not maintainged his website."

          I blame Bush.

          Rich Beckman

          Another day, another tool.

          1. User avater
            BossHog | May 07, 2004 08:29pm | #13

            So -

            You're thinking that the raised grain is caused by lowering taxes ???

            .

            (-:The ballet. I've been meaning to go, but I'm waiting for bat night.

          2. User avater
            RichBeckman | May 07, 2004 10:15pm | #24

            Boss,

            I would love to learn what trail of evidence you followed to lead you to believe that I blame Bush for the raised grain.

            That is not what I was referencing.

            Try to keep up. :)

            Rich Beckman

            Another day, another tool.

          3. User avater
            BossHog | May 07, 2004 10:32pm | #25

            Heck, I thought the raised grain/lowering taxes thing was pretty funny. Made sense to me anyway.

            It's like I tell DW - These things just pop into my head, and I go with 'em.

            (-:The beginning of wisdom is silence.

        2. User avater
          Sphere | May 07, 2004 08:52pm | #15

          just back looked at this AM's posts and all was well...let's see this one..Thanxs for the heads up..

          View Image

          Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          1. User avater
            Sphere | May 07, 2004 08:54pm | #16

            I still see it...do YOU?  I dunno..wasssup?

            View Image

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          2. User avater
            BossHog | May 07, 2004 09:05pm | #17

            Here's what I'm seeing:

          3. User avater
            Sphere | May 07, 2004 09:16pm | #18

            yowzaa!  that is NOT what I got..how'd ya do that BTW? 

            I guess I'll go and edit that out..

            OH BEE? where the heck are YA?

            Maybe a Prospero thing?

            View Image

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          4. User avater
            Sphere | May 07, 2004 09:21pm | #19

            OK let's see if this is better..I really was still seeing my LOGO on my screen..deleted it ...

            View Image

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          5. Scooter1 | May 08, 2004 12:22am | #26

            Nope. Still Angelfire, dude.Regards,

            Boris

            "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

          6. User avater
            Sphere | May 08, 2004 12:38am | #27

            fixed it good now..thanx

            View Image

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          7. 5th | May 08, 2004 12:59am | #28

            Wow, 13 posts that were completely off topic. :)

          8. DougU | May 08, 2004 06:20am | #30

            Be thankful that it didnt get political!

          9. xMikeSmith | May 08, 2004 03:05pm | #32

            what u got against politics, willis ?Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

          10. User avater
            BillHartmann | May 08, 2004 01:22am | #29

            Nope, it is BACK.

            This post is marked as 4:38, but I saw one that you posted at 4:37 on rhw Simpson thread that does not have the anglefire logo.

          11. User avater
            BossHog | May 07, 2004 09:27pm | #20

            This time your signature line looks like it always did.

            To get an image, I just hit the "print screen" button. Then I open Irfanview and hit the "paste" button. That sticks the screen image in so you can crop it or whatever.

            Like this:Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don't fail me now! [Blues Brothers]

          12. User avater
            Sphere | May 07, 2004 09:38pm | #21

            oh great knowledgeable one..that is cool, and easy. I tried to delete it from the sig line..but now it's Baaaaack..oh well..maybe BEE paid his bill just now <G>

            Gee I hope he is alright..

            t'anks Boss

            View Image

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          13. User avater
            BillHartmann | May 07, 2004 09:50pm | #22

            No it is still showing the angelfire logo.

            I suspect that you have have cookies in you system that is affecting anglefire.

            I was sureprised when I found that your image was posted on Anglefire. Most sites like that limit the way that images can be used. They don't allow them to be linked to another web site and that is why it is showing the logo.

            But going direc to Brian's site http://www.angelfire.com/mo3/briansstuff/sphereamid.jpg

            Get's me the samething.

            When the question first came up about him being MIA I tried looking for other information on his website, but could not find his personal home page.

            index.html shows a valid, but dummy page. Anything else I have tried show not existing.

          14. User avater
            Sphere | May 07, 2004 10:05pm | #23

            I'll keep tryin to get rid of it...guess I gotta eat the cookies.

            View Image

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          15. User avater
            SteveInCleveland | May 08, 2004 03:11pm | #33

            Just to let you know, your Spheramid logo has looked fine on all of your posts that I have seen.  I'm not sure why others have been seeing the angelfire image.

          16. User avater
            Sphere | May 08, 2004 09:20pm | #34

            Thanks fer that tidbit..maybe different browsers? looks good from here!..

            View Image

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

  4. User avater
    Sphere | May 07, 2004 02:35pm | #4

    Clearwater Color Co.  Get the antique cherry wiping gel stain  , or pick from thier other wipe on no brainer stains.

    available from some woodworking supply sites

    View Image

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

  5. User avater
    BossHog | May 07, 2004 03:00pm | #6

    I'm with Sphere - Go with a wipe-on gel stain.

    They're lots easier to control during aplication. And the stain soaks in, instead of being a colored layer on the surface of the wood, like minwax stuff. Looks much better, IMHO.

    The only downside is that the drying time is a bit longer.

    Oh, what a fate worse than death it is to be strapped to the back of a Wookie. [C3PO]

  6. WorkshopJon | May 07, 2004 03:59pm | #7

    5th,

    Plenty of good advice so far.  Only thing I'll add is remember it's OK to, and usually way cheaper to experiment on a piece of scrap something.  I won't even consider painting a room anymore with a "decorator" color without first having a quart sample mixed and laying it down on a 4'x4' scrap of drywall so I (a especially the wife) can see if we really do like it.

    Jon



    Edited 5/7/2004 9:00 am ET by WorkshopJon

  7. avonruden | May 07, 2004 06:16pm | #9

    Maybe I missed it in the postings on this, but doing a pre-stain with a wood conditioner prior to using an oil based stain really makes the color consistency worth the extra time/materials. I have never had any good experience with H2O stains. The H2O topcoats , and I tried serveral, turned my work yellow! I am sure it is just O.T. (operater trouble).

    I agree with: get out of HD: gel is good also; grain raising, test pieces, big.

    What maade you decide to use H2O based products, this being your first staining  experience?

    Avon. Witty Inventions,cabinets & finish carpentry.

  8. AdamB | May 07, 2004 07:56pm | #11

    Ditto on the grain raise but you might want to try:

    Van Dykes for Water Soluble Aniline Stains or here for Bartley's Paste Stains.

    just to give you some more options to look at.

    Adam

  9. eskals | May 08, 2004 06:36am | #31

    Strange deal with the Minwax.  It has been a while since I have seen that product, and I think it was clearanced out.  If I remember correctly, it is not tinted at the store like the Minwax Water Based Stain (Which uses either a Clear Tint Base or the White Oak Tint Base).  The accents was simply an off the shelf color, and the Depot around me never carried all the colors.

    Personally, I try to aviod Minwax water based wood stains.  They are very difficult to apply on a big surface w/o lap marks or eveness.  Now, with Minwax oil based stain, you'd have to be an idiot to screw that up.

    Did Minwax tell you it is no longer available?  I know that I have special ordered some items from them before.

    Eric

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia

Listeners write in about fireplaces affecting family harmony and bionic suits, before asking questions about brick steps, ground-source heat pumps, and building a dome greenhouse in Maritime Canada.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data