Grey Wood Stains

Brooke Chavez
17 min readJul 2, 2024

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Welcome to our roundup of the top Grey Wood Stains on the market today. If you’re looking to add a touch of sophistication to your wooden furniture or décor, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ve curated a selection of some of the most popular and high-quality Grey Wood Stains to help you make an informed decision and enhance the beauty of your wooden pieces.

The Top 12 Best Grey Wood Stains

  1. Varathane Grey Wood Stain: Water-Based Semi-Transparent Smoke Gray — Transform your interior wood projects with Varathane Smoke Gray Water-Based Wood Stain, offering rich color, exceptional coverage, and a fast dry time for easy application and stunning results.
  2. Carbon Gray Fast Dry Wood Stain for Interior Use — 2-Pack — Experience the effortless charm of grey with this fast-drying, user-friendly, and durable Carbon Gray Premium Wood Stain — perfect for bringing a new splash of color to your home.
  3. Minwax Grey Wood Stain for Classic Finish — Enhance the beauty and durability of your interior wood surfaces with Minwax Penetrating Stain Wood Finish — Classic Gray, offering easy application and rich color in just one coat.
  4. Dusk Grey Hardwax Wood Oil Stain for Grey Wood Surfaces — Interbuild’s 8.5 fl. oz. Dusk Grey Hardwax Wood Oil Stain offers a peanut-free, food-grade safe finish for wood kitchen countertops, while also boasting a high yield and Zero VOC content for indoor and outdoor use.
  5. Premium Fast Dry Grey Wood Stain — Transform your wood surfaces into an attractive, durable, and easy-to-maintain masterpiece with Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain in Weathered Gray.
  6. Prestige Grey Wood Stain for Saman Seal, Stain & Varnish — Transform your furniture, moldings, and wood paneling with Saman Seal — a versatile, low-VOC Grey Wood Stain that provides an odorless, eco-friendly finish while also enhancing visual appeal.
  7. Olympic Storm Gray Gal. Wood Protector Stain Sealer — Protect and enhance your wood’s beauty with Olympic’s versatile, weather-resistant Grey Wood Stain, providing both durability and easy clean-up.
  8. Carbon Gray Fast Dry Wood Stain by Varathane — Quick-drying Varathane Quart Premium Carbon Gray stain enhances natural wood’s beauty, while achieving the target color in one coat, saving time and providing superior coverage on various interior wood surfaces.
  9. Behr Premium Weathered Gray Water-Based Wood Stain — Easily customize your interior wood surfaces with BEHR’s fast-drying, water-based Weathered Gray stain. The low-odor formula offers great coverage and easy clean-up, providing a durable, mess-free stain that quickly transforms your space.
  10. Wood Defender Grey Charcoal Stain & Sealer — Wood Defender 200 Series Charcoal Grey Semi-Transparent Stain & Sealer: Deep-penetrating, long-lasting, and easy-to-clean wood protection for outdoor surfaces.
  11. Less Mess Grey Wood Stain 4 oz. & Applicator — Say goodbye to messy wood staining with Varathane Less Mess 4 oz. Gray, a water-based, low odor formula that provides fast, easy, and rich color without the hassle.
  12. Varathane Grey Weathered Wood Accelerator Stain — The Varathane 313835 Weathered Wood Accelerator Grey Water-Based Wood Stain creates a unique, aged look on all types of untreated wood with easy clean-up and low odor.

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Reviews

Varathane Grey Wood Stain: Water-Based Semi-Transparent Smoke Gray

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The Smoke Gray Varathane Water-Based Wood Stain, priding its low odor and low VOCs, is an ideal choice for creating a rich, even color with just one coat. Offering exceptional coverage and quick drying, this stain is perfect for sprucing up interior wood projects like furniture, cabinets, doors, and trim. The soap and water clean-up feature is a definite plus, and the low odor ensures a pleasant application.

However, some may find that it does not cover entirely in one coat, resulting in the need for additional coats. Nonetheless, this versatile stain adds a subtle touch of charm to any wooden surface.

Carbon Gray Fast Dry Wood Stain for Interior Use — 2-Pack

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Introducing the 1 qt. Carbon Gray Premium Fast Dry Interior Wood Stain, a versatile and high-performing solution for improving the look and feel of your wooden surfaces. This fast-drying formula takes just one hour to dry, making it a convenient choice for those who want to save time and energy.

The use of nano pigments ensures an attractive and long-lasting color and coverage, ultimately elevating the visual appearance of your wood. With a good synthetic brush or clean lint-free rag, you can easily apply this stain without the need for pre-stain or wood conditioner.

While the premium fast dry interior wood stain boasts a number of benefits such as being easy to apply and offering better value compared to similar products, it does come with a few drawbacks. The odor may not be appealing to some users, and the consistency might differ from their expectations. Additionally, some consumers have experienced durability issues after applying multiple layers, including chipping.

Overall, the 1 qt. Carbon Gray Premium Fast Dry Interior Wood Stain is an effective and popular choice for those looking to enhance the aesthetic and longevity of their wood surfaces. With proper application and care, it can provide a rich and visually appealing finish that lasts.

Minwax Grey Wood Stain for Classic Finish

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The Minwax Penetrating Stain Wood Finish in Classic Gray offers a simple and economical way to achieve full toned-color effects on various interior wood surfaces. It dries in a mere 2 hours, provides rich color with just one coat, and is available in over 35 different colors. With a low VOC level, this oil-based finish also has a messiness level that’s easy to clean up.

However, some users have experienced issues with the finish not drying properly and having inconsistencies in color. Overall, it is a versatile and relatively easy-to-use product for those looking to enhance the appearance of their wood surfaces.

Dusk Grey Hardwax Wood Oil Stain for Grey Wood Surfaces

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Interbuild’s Hardwax Wood Oil Stain is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance the natural beauty of their wood surfaces. With its 100% VOC-free formula, this stain is safe for food contact surfaces and adds a matte grey finish to your wood furniture both indoors and outdoors. A key feature of this product is its high solids content, which makes it ideal for a variety of surfaces like countertops, butcher blocks, and furniture.

The 8.5 fl. oz. size of this Hardwax Wood Oil Stain covers approximately 81 square feet and is easy to apply using a pad. With a drying time of around 8 hours, this product requires little maintenance and offers a durable finish that is both easy to clean and highly resistant to stains.

However, one potential drawback of this hardwax stain is that it leaves a slight residue and may not be as transparent as some users would prefer. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with uneven coverage and the need to strip and re-sand their wood surfaces after application.

Overall, Interbuild’s Hardwax Wood Oil Stain is an excellent choice for those looking to achieve a unique matte grey finish on their wood furniture, but it may take some patience and practice to master the application process.

Premium Fast Dry Grey Wood Stain

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Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain has captured the hearts of many users with its exceptional performance. This high-quality stain offers an attractive, natural look due to its use of nano pigment particles, which enhance color quality and bring out the finest wood grain detail. Users appreciate the ease of application as it can be brushed on with both synthetic brushes and lint-free rags without the need for pre-stain treatments or wood conditioners.

However, the product does have downsides. The fast-drying nature of the stain makes it necessary to be mindful of brush strokes, as it may dry too quickly to avoid noticeable lines. Additionally, some users reported an unpleasant odor while using the stain, and some faced issues with the drying duration that left the surface prone to chipping. Customers have also shared their experiences of dealing with a misleading color representation in the product’s images, leading to some disappointment.

The consistency of this stain might not be what you expect from a typical stain, being thicker than normal stains with a paint-like texture. This added thickness indicates additional steps when using it for your projects. Nevertheless, many users found this difference to be a non-issue since the increased thickness did not compromise the overall performance of the stain.

Despite these cons, Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain remains a popular option for those seeking a high-quality, easy-to-apply stain that offers a rich, attractive color without the need for heavy-duty preparation. Users recommend trying to find the right color by comparing it to other stains, and applying it in a well-ventilated area to counteract the smell.

Prestige Grey Wood Stain for Saman Seal, Stain & Varnish

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I recently had the chance to try Saman Seal, Stain & Varnish — 8 oz Prestige Grey SAM-319, and I have to say, it’s a game-changer for my wood furniture. The 8-ounce container may seem a bit small, but with the product’s versatility, it’s more than enough. The oil-based formula is perfect for fine wood, and the one-step process is a major plus.

One of my favorite aspects was the wide range of colors available. With over 20 options to choose from, I could easily get that unique look for my furniture in no time. The Prestige Grey I used gave my pieces a beautiful, understated finish that really brought out the wood’s natural grain.

Another great thing about this product is that it’s safe to use. The odorless and low VOC composition means it’s risk-free for everyone and the environment as well. I could easily apply it without worrying about any fumes and it didn’t bother my pets in the least.

However, there were a couple of cons I noticed. The finish was somewhat hard to work with, requiring a light hand for even coverage. But, given the wide range of colors and the overall quality of the product, the extra care was worth it.

In conclusion, Saman Seal, Stain & Varnish — 8 oz Prestige Grey SAM-319 is a top-quality wood finish that’s safe, versatile, and delivers striking results. If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your furniture, this product is definitely worth a try.

Olympic Storm Gray Gal. Wood Protector Stain Sealer

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The Olympic Storm Gray Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Protector Stain Plus Sealer is a versatile product designed for both exterior and interior wood surfaces, with coverage ranging from 350 square feet to 2,960 square feet, depending on the density of the wood. It features a weather-resistant, water-based formula that’s easy to clean up with soap and water, and offers a natural, clear stain for those who prefer to let their wood’s true character shine through.

The product boasts an easy-to-apply formula that can be used with a brush, pad, paint sprayer, or roller, making it convenient for users with different preferences and skill levels. It’s also suitable for a wide variety of surfaces, including bare wood, finished wood, old reclaimed wood, stained or unfinished wood, and even wooden decks and fencing.

However, there have been some issues reported by users, such as poor coverage, inconsistent application, and a slightly longer drying and recoating time. In addition, there have been complaints about the product’s smell and the fact that it may stain clothing or skin during application.

Despite these concerns, the product has overall positive reviews, with users appreciating its attractive appearance, durability, and ease of use. Many have found it a reliable choice for ensuring their wood surfaces are protected and well-maintained.

Carbon Gray Fast Dry Wood Stain by Varathane

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Introducing Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, the perfect solution to bring out the natural beauty of wood effortlessly. With its lightning-fast drying time of just one hour, this stain saves you valuable time, allowing you to complete projects up to three times faster. Its high-performance formula requires no wood conditioner and achieves target color in just one coat.

The Varathane Premium Stain features nano pigments that intensify color clarity and beautifully highlight wood grain. With superior coverage of 275 Sq. Ft. per quart, it can be applied to a variety of interior wood surfaces, including furniture, cabinets, doors, trim, floors, and more. Its solid transparency delivers a beautiful finish, while its consistency ensures easy application.

Although the carbon gray shade is not as blue as some may have hoped, it does boast good weather resistance and durability. The stain’s excellent consistency and ease of clean up with mineral spirits make it a popular choice among crafters and DIY enthusiasts. However, be prepared for a slightly longer drying time compared to the label’s claim of 1 hour.

In summary, the Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain offers a quick drying experience, high performance, and stunning results on various interior wood surfaces. With its nano pigments, superior coverage, and easy clean up, this stain is a reliable and attractive choice for anyone seeking to enhance the natural beauty of their wood projects.

Behr Premium Weathered Gray Water-Based Wood Stain

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BEHR PREMIUM Water-Based Wood Stain is a versatile option for interior wood projects, thanks to its fast-drying nature and rich color options. If you’re looking for a transparent stain with good coverage and an easy application process, this product might be right up your alley.

However, be warned that it can dry incredibly fast, which may lead to issues like streaks or blotchy finishes if not applied carefully. Furthermore, it has a rather thick consistency compared to some other stains on the market.

Wood Defender Grey Charcoal Stain & Sealer

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Wood Defender’s 200 Series Charcoal Grey Semi-Transparent Stain & Sealer boasts a versatile blend of performance and aesthetics. Crafted with a modified-oil formula, it offers remarkable results with just one application, while eliminating the need for back-brushing. Its deep-penetrating formula effectively seals and enhances your wood’s appearance, allowing you to walk on it within 24–48 hours.

The addition of finely ground iron oxide pigments ensures vibrant color while showcasing the wood’s unique grain and texture, making your wooden projects stand out. Its low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content allows for healthier and more environmentally-friendly use. Whether you’re staining a fence, deck, or any other outdoor item that will undergo frequent foot traffic or close contact, this Charcoal Grey stain is your reliable partner with high user satisfaction.

Less Mess Grey Wood Stain 4 oz. & Applicator

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The Varathane Less Mess Wood Stain & Applicator is a 2-in-1 solution designed for crafts and small projects. This water-based, low odor formula makes it easy to apply and clean with soap and water.

The semi-transparent stain colors are buildable with multiple coats, allowing you to enhance the natural beauty of your wood without the mess commonly associated with traditional stains. The double-layered sponge tip offers greater color control, ensuring a clean and hassle-free application process.

This product is perfect for indoor use and comes in a 4 oz container, ensuring ample coverage for your projects.

Varathane Grey Weathered Wood Accelerator Stain

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I recently tried out the Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator for a home improvement project. This product is perfect for creating that charming, weathered look on any bare or untreated wood surfaces. It’s water-based, so it’s easy to clean up and has a low odor.

The coverage of the stain is great, and it dries quickly. However, my experience was a bit messy — it seems like the paint bled through my brush a bit, leaving some unwanted lines. But overall, the final result was quite attractive.

Something I found fascinating about this product is the way it reacts with the wood. The color changes depending on the type of wood it’s applied to, which adds a unique touch to each project.

I was really happy with how easily I could apply this product with a brush. It dried quickly, and I didn’t have to do any touch-ups. Just make sure to apply it to bare wood, as it’s not suitable for outdoor surfaces. The stain is also not recommended for use in outdoor projects.

In summary, the Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator is a great product for creating a unique, weathered look on bare or untreated wood. It’s easy to use, dries quickly, and provides a mess-free cleanup experience.

Buyer’s Guide

Wood staining can transform the look and feel of any wooden surface, providing a durable and long-lasting finish. However, selecting the right grey wood stain can be a challenging task. This buyer’s guide aims to provide essential information to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect grey wood stain for your needs.

Types of Grey Wood Stains

Before choosing a grey wood stain, it’s crucial to understand the different types available. Most grey wood stains can be classified into three categories: water-based, oil-based, and solvent-based. Each type has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on the intended application and user preferences.

Considering Your Project

The type of grey wood stain you need will depend on the project you’re working on. For example, a solvent-based or oil-based stain might be ideal for outdoor furniture as they provide excellent weather resistance. Meanwhile, water-based stains are more eco-friendly and easier to clean up, making them a suitable choice for indoor projects.

Finish and Coverage

Pay close attention to the finish and coverage the grey wood stain provides. A high-quality stain will offer a smooth, even, and natural-looking result. It’s crucial to choose a stain with the right coverage, as some may require additional coats to achieve the desired effect. Furthermore, consider factors such as drying time and ease of application.

Weather Resistance and Durability

For exterior furniture and wooden surfaces, weather resistance and durability are essential factors to consider. Look for stains that have been specifically designed for exterior use and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Ensuring that your chosen stamp provides a reliable and long-lasting finish is key.

FAQ

What is Grey Wood Stain?

Grey wood stain is a type of finish that is used to enhance the color and appearance of wood surfaces. It provides a unique, contemporary look and can be used on both interior and exterior wooden surfaces. Grey wood stain is a versatile option and can range from light to dark shades, depending on the desired outcome.

The stain works by penetrating the wood pores, allowing the natural wood grain to show through while giving it a uniform, solid color. Applying grey wood stain is easy, and it can be used on a variety of wood types, including pine, oak, and maple. It is a popular choice for those who want to create a modern, sophisticated look in their home or outdoor living space.

What types of wood can be stained with Grey Wood Stain?

Grey wood stain can be used on a variety of wood types, including hardwoods and softwoods. Some common examples of hardwoods that can be stained with grey wood stain include oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and mahogany. Softwoods, such as pine, cedar, and fir, can also be stained with grey wood stain, providing they have been kiln-dried to remove excess moisture.

It is essential to prepare the wood surface correctly before applying the grey wood stain. This includes sanding, cleaning, and allowing the surface to dry thoroughly. Proper preparation ensures that the stain adheres well to the wood, providing a long-lasting, even finish. It is also important to choose a high-quality stain, as this will result in a more vibrant, consistent color and better overall performance.

How long does it take for Grey Wood Stain to dry?

The drying time for grey wood stain can vary depending on several factors, such as the air temperature, humidity, and the type of stain used. In general, most stains take between 2 and 4 hours to dry to the touch. However, it is recommended to allow the stain to dry completely for 24 to 48 hours before applying a second coat, if necessary.

It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying grey wood stain. This includes allowing the stain to dry thoroughly before applying additional coats, as applying too many layers can result in a blotchy, uneven finish. Additionally, it is a good idea to test the stain on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire wood surface to ensure that you are satisfied with the color and coverage.

What type of finish should be applied over Grey Wood Stain?

After applying grey wood stain, a clear sealer or topcoat should be used to protect the stained surface from wear and damage. There are several types of clear finishes available, including varnish, polyurethane, and shellac. These finishes provide an additional layer of protection, enhancing the stain’s durability and longevity.

When choosing a clear finish, it is essential to select one that is suitable for the specific type of wood being stained. For example, a water-based polyurethane is a good choice for softwoods, as it is less likely to yellow over time. On the other hand, an oil-based polyurethane is better for hardwoods, as it provides a more durable, scratch-resistant finish.

What are the benefits of using Grey Wood Stain?

Grey wood stain provides several benefits, including enhancing the natural beauty of the wood and creating a modern, sophisticated look. It can also help to conceal imperfections, such as knots or stains, while providing a uniform, solid color. Grey wood stain is easy to apply, and it is suitable for both interior and exterior wooden surfaces.

Another benefit of using grey wood stain is that it can help to protect the wood from wear and damage. By applying a clear finish, such as a varnish or polyurethane, the wood surface is given an extra layer of protection, making it more durable and resistant to scratches, fading, and other types of damage.

Is Grey Wood Stain more expensive than other stains?

The cost of grey wood stain can vary depending on the brand and the specific product. In general, however, grey wood stain is not significantly more expensive than other stains. It is essential to compare prices and features when selecting a stain to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.

While the cost of the stain itself may not be greatly different from other stains, it is essential to factor in the cost of any additional materials or supplies needed, such as sandpaper, cleaning solutions, and clear finishes. Some stains may require multiple coats for optimal coverage, which can increase the overall cost. It is always a good idea to read the manufacturer’s instructions and review customer reviews to get an accurate sense of the products’ performance and value.

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