Owen Adams
15 min readApr 19, 2024

Get ready to enhance your wooden furniture or add that extra touch of style to your DIY projects with our collection of top-rated black wood stains. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through various options, catering to different types of wooden surfaces and preferences. Let’s dive into the world of black wood stains and discover why they’re a must-have for any woodworking enthusiast.

The Top 10 Best Black Wood Stains

  1. Minwax Black Wood Stain for Furniture and Cabinets — Transform your wood furniture and interior elements with Minwax’s 5x thicker, water-based Black Stain, which provides solid opacity, easy application, and limitless tinting options.
  2. Minwax Ebony Wood Finish for Richly Stained Interiors — Enhance natural wood grain with the rich, oil-based Ebony Minwax Penetrating Stain for a beautiful, durable finish.
  3. Black Minwax Gel Stain for Wood — Black Minwax Gel Stain provides a rich, wood appearance, thanks to its non-drip formula and thick, fiberglass- and metal-friendly consistency, making it a top choice for both durable and attractive staining results.
  4. Easy-Application Black Wood Stain for Home Improvement Small Projects — Transform your furniture with Minwax Wood Finish Water-Based Carbonite MW1106 in Black, offering superior opacity and versatility for a wide range of projects.
  5. Black Wood Stain: Durable, Microporous, and Breathable Finish — Osmo Wood Wax Black 3169 offers a durable, transparent, and microporous finish that enhances wood grain, mixes easily with other tones, and requires no sanding or primer for a smooth, safe, and long-lasting result.
  6. High-Quality Black Water-Based Wood Stain for Rich Color — General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain 1 Gallon Black: High-quality, workable, and rich in color for indoor use, perfect for hardwoods like maple and pine, with low odor and easy cleanup.
  7. Wood Kote 211–9 Jel’d Stain — Black 12 oz — Transform your wood surfaces with Wood Kote Jel’d Stain’s fast-drying, semi-transparent pigmented application, offering 2–3 times more coverage than liquid stains while maintaining a stunning, blotch-free finish.
  8. Fusion Ebony Stain for Black Wood Finishing — Fusion Stain and Finishing Oil, providing rich color and a durable sealing oil in one eco-friendly application, ideal for enhancing wooden surfaces while offering 2–3 times more coverage than water-based stains.
  9. Black Wood Stain for Cabinets and Furniture: Odorless and Fast-Drying — Transform all your bare or stained wood surfaces into chic, protected masterpieces with Saman Seal, Stain & Varnish — 8 oz Ebony SAM-318, an eco-friendly, odorless, and fast-drying water-based option that perfectly meets all your interior woodwork needs.
  10. Rubio Monocoat Black Wood Stain 350mL — Unmatched protection and color enhancement with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C, a VOC-free, eco-friendly option for finishing wood surfaces in one layer.

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Reviews

Minwax Black Wood Stain for Furniture and Cabinets

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Just like the title suggests, it’s a wood finish water-based black MW1173 solid interior stain, and I must say, my wood project turned out better than I expected! The stain gave the wood a rich, deep black color and it was easy to apply — not like the traditional oil-based stains.

What stood out the most was the color opacity, it showed more of the color and less wood grain, yet the wood texture stayed intact. On top of that, the drying time was surprisingly fast, it took only one hour to dry to touch!

Minwax really made it easy for people like me who aren’t the best at DIY projects. The stain is tintable to over 200 colors, so you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.

However, I think the one issue it might have is its application method, it requires a painters pad or synthetic applicator. It could be a bit more versatile with different application options. But overall, I’m very satisfied with the result.

Minwax Ebony Wood Finish for Richly Stained Interiors

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When it comes to reviving the natural beauty of your unfinished wood surfaces, Minwax’s Ebony Penetrating Stain Wood Finish is truly a lifesaver. It’s perfect for all sorts of bare or stripped wood items — from unfinished furniture to cabinets, wood doors, trim, and even hardwood floors.

With this versatile stain, you’re not limited by just one look. Its semi-transparent nature allows it to enhance the unique wood grain pattern, giving it a natural, rich look. On the other hand, it’s got a bit of a challenge to tackle when it comes to cleanup. You’ll need soap and water and a bit of muscle to remove it from surfaces.

The application process is a piece of cake. Just apply with a brush, cloth, or foam applicator in a smooth, even stroke following the woodgrain, and wait for it to dry. The bonus is, it’ll only make you wait around four to six hours before you can apply another coat. Just make sure you clean up with mineral spirits or paint thinner.

But, be prepared to spend about 35 square feet per half pint of this product. And word of advice — if you find yourself needing a richer color, always remember to use Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. It’ll ensure uniform acceptance of the stain color and give you the best results.

There’s only one downside to this product. It’s priced comparatively higher than other stains which might make some folks hesitate a bit. But consider it as an investment towards preserving your precious wood pieces’ natural charm.

Black Minwax Gel Stain for Wood

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With Black Minwax Gel Stain, you can easily achieve a beautiful, rich wood appearance for your furniture, doors, and other surfaces. This versatile liquid formula is perfect for vertical applications on doors and molding, as well as fiberglass or metal doors, ensuring a uniform color even on hard-to-stain materials.

The non-drip formula is a dream to work with, eliminating the hassle of controlling drips on tricky surfaces. And the thick-bodied consistency ensures that it will adhere well to your substrate, providing the perfect balance between even coating and color saturation. The stain dries in 24 hours, making it a convenient choice for both indoor and outdoor projects.

This stain can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, fiberglass, and metal, and is compatible with brushes, cloths, and foam applicators. It’s also relatively easy to clean up, using mineral spirits or solvents to remove excess product or stains.

Black Minwax Gel Stain comes with a low VOC content, making it a safer choice for those with sensitivities or in environments with stricter emissions standards. While it is not ideal for all surfaces or applications, for the right project, this gel stain is a reliable and long-lasting option that will reward you with a beautifully stained finish.

Easy-Application Black Wood Stain for Home Improvement Small Projects

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I recently decided to try the Minwax Wood Finish Water-Based Carbonite Mw1106 in a rich, black color to give a new life to some wooden furniture in my living room. The applicator was a breeze to use, and I was amazed at how quickly it absorbed into the wood, changing its appearance in just one hour.

The coverage was impressive, and I was able to cover 100 square feet with just one quart of this stain. And let me tell you, it wasn’t just a coat of paint — Minwax really did open up an entirely new world of possibilities with only one coat.

The finish was opaque enough to minimize the wood grain but still maintained the wood’s natural texture, which I loved. It wasn’t a hassle either — cleaning up was as easy as washing it off with soap and water. The fact that it’s environmentally friendly and free from any harsh chemicals made it an even better choice for me.

However, I did notice that it was a bit thicker than the oil-based stains I’ve used in the past, but that just meant a little extra ease in its application. The only real downside is that it’s not as widely available as other stains, which could prove to be an issue for some.

Overall, my experience with Minwax’s Water-Based Carbonite Mw1106 has been nothing short of amazing. I love the finish it provides and the convenience of only needing one coat. I wish they made it in more colors, but for now, the black is doing just fine with me. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to give their wooden pieces a new life.

Black Wood Stain: Durable, Microporous, and Breathable Finish

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Recently, I tried out the Osmo Wood Wax Black 3169 for my wooden furniture, and it turned out to be quite the game-changer. The wood grain is strikingly visible even with the transparent tone, making each piece of furniture unique in its own right. It’s perfect not just for the darker shades, but for all interior use.

What stood out in my experience was its durability and ease of application. There’s no need for sanding or primers, which is a major time and cost-saving factor for me. The finish is safe for both humans and pets, which I greatly appreciated. I also loved that it’s microporous, breathable, and does not crack, peel, or flake.

However, there is one area where the product could use improvement. The delivery could be faster to enhance the customer experience. Overall though, the Osmo Wood Wax Black is well worth trying out for its convenience and eye-catching results.

High-Quality Black Water-Based Wood Stain for Rich Color

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I recently tried the General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain in black for a furniture project I was working on, and I must say that I was quite impressed with its performance. The pigments present in the stain produced a rich, deep color that looked amazing on the wood. One of the features that stood out to me was that it spread easily and blended effortlessly, making the application process a breeze.

Another highlight of this product was its low odor and low VOC, which meant that it was not only environmentally friendly but also quite pleasant to work with. Additionally, the water cleanup made it a convenient choice for those who want to keep their workspace clean and tidy.

However, there were a couple of drawbacks to using this product. Firstly, it had a quite high VOC content, which meant that it was not the most eco-friendly choice. Secondly, it could only be used indoors, which limited its potential applications. Despite these minor drawbacks, I had a great experience using this product and would definitely consider using it again in the future.

Wood Kote 211–9 Jel’d Stain — Black 12 oz

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Introducing the Wood Kote 211–9 Jel’d Stain, a high-quality and easy-to-use black wood stain designed to provide a long-lasting and durable finish to interior wood surfaces. With a fast-drying, semi-transparent pigmented formula, this stain covers up to 1,250–1,500 sq. ft.

per gallon, making it perfect for casework-doors, trim, paneling, and cabinets. Its thick, creamy texture allows for easy control and application, and it can be used on both bare or bleached wood.

This versatile wood stain is available in a wide range of colors to suit any style or design preference. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional woodworker, the Wood Kote 211–9 Jel’d Stain makes it easy to enhance the natural beauty of your wood while protecting it from wear and tear.

Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!

Fusion Ebony Stain for Black Wood Finishing

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Experience the versatility of our Stain and Finishing Oil All in One, designed to enhance and protect your wooden surfaces. It effortlessly combines color and sealing properties, ensuring a lasting and vibrant finish.

With its low odor and eco-friendly nature, it’s a breeze to apply using a brush or rag, leaving behind a beautiful and durable result. Ideal for table tops, this oil offers superior resistance to abrasions and can be repeatedly washed without compromising its quality.

With a highly concentrated blend of natural oils and resins, you’ll need less product for greater coverage, making it an economical choice for any wood project. Embrace the richness of our black wood stain and elevate your wooden creations.

Black Wood Stain for Cabinets and Furniture: Odorless and Fast-Drying

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Every time I use this Saman Seal, Stain, & Varnish in Ebony, I’m impressed with its ability to do a perfect job on moldings and wood paneling. It’s odorless, which is a major plus when working inside. And, the best part?

It dries so quickly! You won’t have to wait for hours to apply it on your cabinets, doors, mouldings, and furniture. The 8-ounce bottle is perfectly sized for any project.

If there’s one drawback, it might be that it’s not suitable for exterior use, but for all the interior work, this product is a solid choice.

Rubio Monocoat Black Wood Stain 350mL

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As a fan of natural finishes, I was excited to try Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C on my wood furniture. This product not only protects and colors your wood in one layer, but it also contains eco-friendly components with 0% VOC.

From the moment I applied Rubio Monocoat, I was impressed by its ability to enhance the wood’s natural beauty. In one go, it created a smooth and even finish that really made a difference. Clean-up was easy, and it didn’t leave any sticky residue.

I did notice a slight smell during use, but it wasn’t overpowering. It dried faster compared to other similar products, which saved me time waiting for it to cure.

However, I found that two coats were necessary to achieve the desired depth of color. Overall, Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a natural, eco-friendly finish that’s easy to apply and maintain. Just be prepared to apply an extra coat for maximum impact.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to our Black Wood Stain Buyer’s Guide! In this section, we will provide you with essential information about black wood stain, its features, considerations, and advice to help you make an informed decision. Remember, the goal is to find the right black wood stain that suits your project needs without listing specific product picks or external resources.

Types of Black Wood Stain

There are several types of black wood stain available in the market, each with its unique properties and application methods. Here are the most common types you may come across:

  1. Oil-based, 2. Water-based, 3. Varnish, and 4. Spray cans. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is crucial to understand their differences before making a purchase.

Color Variations

While the keyword “Black Wood Stain” may suggest a uniform color, it is essential to understand that black wood stain can have slight variations in hue. Different brands may offer slightly different shades of black, from matte to high gloss. Testing the stains on your wood surface before application could be beneficial to ensure the desired finish and color match with the rest of your project.

Coverage and Drying Time

When selecting Black Wood Stain, it is essential to consider the coverage and drying time. Coverage will vary depending on the type of wood, its porosity, and the stain’s consistency. Drying times are typically specified by the manufacturer and can range from a few hours to a couple of days. Make sure to check the specific product’s instructions for optimal results.

Application Techniques

Black wood stain can be applied using a variety of methods, such as brushing, spraying, wiping, or dipping. Each method has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on your wood surface, the stain type, and personal preference. Practice on a test piece if you’re unsure about a technique to ensure a professional finish.

FAQ

What is black wood stain used for?

Black wood stain is a type of finish applied to wooden surfaces to enhance their appearance and protect them from wear and tear. It is often used on furniture, doors, and other wooden items to give them a dark, rich color that complements various interior designs. Black wood stain can also be used to achieve a distressed or aged look on wooden surfaces.

It is important to note that black wood stain is not suitable for all types of wood, as some wood species may react differently to the stain, resulting in an unpredictable outcome. Before using black wood stain, it is advisable to test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that it will produce the desired result.

What are the different types of black wood stain?

There are several types of black wood stain available in the market, each with its own characteristics and application processes. These include oil-based, water-based, and lacquer-based stains. Oil-based stains tend to provide better penetration and durability, while water-based stains are more environmentally friendly and easy to work with. Lacquer-based stains, on the other hand, offer a harder, more resistant finish. The type of black wood stain you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

It is essential to read the product label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using black wood stain. Different types of stains require different preparation and application methods, and using the wrong one may result in an unsatisfactory finish or damage to the wooden surface.

How do I prepare the surface before applying black wood stain?

Proper surface preparation is crucial to achieve a smooth, even finish when applying black wood stain. Before staining, the wooden surface should be clean, dry, and free of any dirt, dust, or grease. It is recommended to use a mild detergent solution to clean the surface thoroughly, followed by a rinse with clean water and a drying with a soft, lint-free cloth.

If the wooden surface has visible imperfections, such as knots, cracks, or splinters, these should be addressed before staining. Depending on the nature of the imperfections, you may need to fill them with a wood filler, sand them smooth, or remove them entirely. Sanding the surface with fine-grit sandpaper is also advisable to create a smooth, even surface for the stain to adhere to.

How long does it take for black wood stain to dry?

The drying time for black wood stain can vary depending on the specific product and the environmental conditions. Generally, it takes 2–4 hours for the surface to become touch-dry, and 24–48 hours for the stain to fully dry and cure. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying time to ensure the best possible finish and prevent any mishaps, such as smudging or smearing of the stain when it has not fully dried.

During the drying process, it is essential to protect the stained surface from any contact with water, moisture, or high humidity levels, as these can interfere with the drying and curing process. Once the black wood stain is fully dry, it should be sealed with a clear topcoat to provide added protection and a glossy finish.

Can I mix different types of black wood stain?

Mixing different types of black wood stain can potentially lead to an unpredictable outcome and may not always produce the desired result. It is generally not recommended to mix different types of stains, as they may have different chemical compositions, viscosity, and drying times. These factors can all contribute to the inconsistency of the final finish.

If you wish to achieve a slightly different shade or effect with your black wood stain, it is advisable to test a small sample of the different products together to determine the compatibility and outcome. Alternatively, you can experiment with different application methods or topcoat finishes to achieve the desired appearance.

What should I do if the black wood stain does not cover evenly?

An uneven finish when applying black wood stain may be due to a variety of factors, such as inadequate surface preparation, incorrect application method, or differences in wood grain patterns. To address these issues, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free of any dirt, dust, or grease.

If the unevenness is due to differences in wood grain patterns, it may be necessary to apply a wood conditioner before applying the stain. Wood conditioners help to even out the wood fibers, making it easier for the stain to penetrate and provide a more consistent finish. In some cases, sanding the surface between coats of stain may also help to achieve a smoother, more even finish.

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