I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Stain For Mahogany Exterior Door (2023)

I was pleasantly surprised by the results of this product! Initially, I was skeptical due to its claims, but after reading several positive reviews, I decided to give it a try. I had a shiny table that needed to be darker to match my antique chairs, and this product did the job perfectly. With just one coat and following the pattern of the table, it looked great. I applied two coats on a lighter shaded leaf, and although there were a few spots where the finish was gone, I easily fixed them by blending the brush strokes. The table now looks like a brand new piece.

I also ordered the Retique It Poly acrylic to protect the new finish, and I'm hoping it works just as well.

I had another DIY project where I accidentally blew through the veneer while sanding the top of a table. I didn't want to paint it and lose the wood finish, so I decided to try this product. I was amazed at how amazing it looked after applying it. It completely transformed our bedroom furniture. I applied three coats and only added poly to the top of the dresser, leaving the rest with a matte finish. The updated look is exactly what I wanted, and the clean-up was easy with almost no odor.

The photos provided by other customers show the impressive results of using this product. From a before photo to a beautiful finished product, it is clear that this product can truly work wonders. Some negative reviews may be a result of not following the instructions properly, as there are specific guidelines for application. Watching YouTube videos and understanding the correct techniques can ensure success.

Personally, I love this product! I have used it on multiple surfaces, and when paired with the wood graining tool and Verathane Kona stain, the result was outstanding. My customers were also thrilled with the outcome. However, I would not recommend using Minwax with this product, as it may not yield the same desired results.

I am highly impressed with the water-based Walnut Stain that I recently purchased. Contrary to some negative reviews, I found the color to be exactly what I was looking for. While others complained that it appeared too grey and deviated from the traditional walnut stain, I actually appreciated this unique aspect. As I was using it on pine, I wanted a color that was not overly warm, and the Walnut Stain delivered perfectly.

During my testing phase, I applied one coat of the stain without any poly and also tried using the water-based Pre Stain conditioner on one side. I noticed that the side treated with the conditioner absorbed less stain and resulted in a slightly lighter color. Surprisingly, I found this lighter shade to be quite appealing. It is worth mentioning that the stain's consistency was thicker than I anticipated for a water-based product. It resembled more of a thin gel rather than a watery substance. I quickly wiped off the excess stain after application, unlike traditional oil-based stains that require a few minutes of sitting time. I discovered that if left for too long, the water-based stain tends to dry quickly.

Moving on to another product, I cannot speak highly enough of the fabulous results I achieved with the General Finishes Whitewash. It completely transformed my weathered grey hardwood floor and exceeded my expectations in every way. The level of control it offers is remarkable, allowing for customizable coverage that beautifully showcases the wood grain.

Despite using only a few ounces, I was able to cover a large area due to the highly pigmented nature of the product. For my project, I opted for a thinned "lime wash" effect, followed by undiluted lines on the vertical grain to create variation. I am thrilled that I stumbled upon this product, as it has garnered great reviews for good reason.

My floors, which date back to the 1890s and are made of redwood, reacted unexpectedly to other stains, resulting in a patchy appearance. However, following these steps, I was able to achieve stunning results: I sanded and cleaned the floors, applied Classic Grey stain all over to diminish the red tones, wiped off the excess, and allowed it to dry. For added depth, I applied a second coat of Classic Grey to every other board and let it dry.

To create a unique effect, I made an iron oxide "tea" by soaking 0000 steel wool in distilled white vinegar for 36 hours, strained it, and applied it with a moist rag. After waiting 24 hours, I used a damp clean rag to apply General Finishes Whitewash in small sections, wiping off the excess within minutes and allowing it to dry. Using a gloved finger, I applied pressure to draw thin lines following the grain and removed any excess with a dry shop towel. After following the recommended drying time, I sealed the floors with Bona HD (since it is a bathroom) or a suitable clear water-based Varathane in a Matte or Satin finish.

I recently purchased this wood finish product to update the look of my dated closet doors and other woodwork in my spare bedroom. The thin factory finish on the doors was looking worn out and dull, and I wanted to brighten the color without having to go through the hassle of sanding and repainting.

First and foremost, it's important to note that this wood finish is not a stain. It is a tinted transparent polyurethane coat. Many of the negative reviews could have been avoided if people had followed the instructions on the can and understood the purpose of this product.

When using this wood finish, it is crucial to treat it as a varnish or polyurethane type of finish for the surface of the wood. Thin coats should be applied and allowed to dry completely before applying another coat. Light sanding between coats may be necessary, especially if there are any drips. It is also recommended to work fairly quickly and lightly brush the whole surface to even out the coat before letting it dry.

It's worth mentioning that this product is best suited for changing the color of finished wood without completely removing the old finish. It can make a light color darker but will not lighten a dark color. However, the red-toned or yellow-toned colors can add warmth to a darker wood finish.

In my case, the chestnut shade was chosen to add warmth to the dull dark wood of the closet doors. After sanding, I applied this wood finish with a disposable sponge brush, although a natural bristle brush is recommended. The doors required two coats, while the bedroom door, which was in better condition, looked great after just one thin coat. The baseboards, window molding, and weather-beaten windowsill needed varying degrees of sanding and multiple coats to achieve a satisfactory finish.

The end result was woodwork with a refreshed color and a new shine. This product served its purpose exceptionally well in updating the look of my wood surfaces.

One important thing to note is the strong fumes emitted by this wood finish. It is crucial to ventilate the room well while working with it. I opted to remove the screen from the window and place a large box fan to ensure adequate ventilation. Additionally, it is advisable to keep pets and small children out of the room while the finish is drying. The fumes can be harmful to them, and the finish will remain sticky for at least five hours, making it susceptible to handprints or fur clumps.

I recently purchased the General Finishes Gel Stain and I must say it is one of the best home improvement purchases I have made. I wanted to change the color of my honey oak cabinets and had tried multiple products from well-known brands with disappointing results. However, the General Finishes Gel Stain exceeded my expectations.

I experimented with different application methods and found that using a brush worked best for me. The gel stain is self-leveling and applies smoothly, even on overhead and vertical surfaces. I did take some extra time to thin out the coats as I went along, but the end result was absolutely spectacular.

Initially, I used the Java stain, but later decided to try the Black stain for the desired look. The first coat may not look great, but by the second coat, the cabinets transformed into something amazing. I finished off with two coats of rub-on Min Wax poly for added durability.

Everyone who has seen my cabinets has complimented how professional they look. I am usually critical of my own work, but I have to agree with the positive feedback this time. The transformation was impressive and it cost me less than $125 to do my entire kitchen, whereas contractors were quoting me $2500 for the same job.

To complete this project, I used one and a half cans of gel stain, two brushes (which I wrapped in cling wrap and aluminum foil between applications), four 3M scuff pads, three tack cloths, and a surface to work on. I set up two sawhorses with 2x4s and heavy ply plastic underneath.

I was extremely fortunate to find the Kona color, which happened to be an exact match for my floors. The transformation of my floors was truly remarkable, as shown in the photos and video. The application process was simple, and the result was a seamless finish when properly rubbed off.

I would like to offer a few tips for anyone considering using this product. Firstly, I highly recommend using a n95 respirator mask, opening windows for ventilation, and wearing gloves. The stain is potent and can stain anything it comes into contact with, and the fumes can be dangerous. It's better to be safe than sorry.

For small touch-ups, I found that dipping a tissue in the product and rubbing it onto the spot worked well. I let the stain sit for less than 30 seconds before wiping it up with a microfiber towel. If you prefer, you can also use a rag to apply the stain. Just remember not to let it sit for too long, as you can always add more color but you can't take it away.

One thing to keep in mind is that the floors will remain sticky for at least 30 minutes to an hour after application. It's important to be patient and allow the stain to dry properly.

In the photos, you may notice white spots, which are actually wood filler. The previous owners had huskies that caused damage to the bedroom floor, so I filled the deep scratches with stainable wood putty and sanded them before staining. While these sections took the stain unevenly, overall, the result was satisfactory.

Moving on to my experience with building a West Elm table knock off, I must admit that my husband and I were complete novices. We had no idea what we were doing most of the time, but we discovered a newfound love for power tools. Every mistake we made became a part of our table's character, which now has quite a lot of it.

Given the coastal feel of our home decor, the Sunbleached color of this stain was absolutely perfect for us. It was incredibly easy to use, and after drying, we added a furniture wax that takes a few days to fully cure. While this may not be the conventional approach, it worked for us and helped make the dog crates less of an eyesore.

Finally, we used this stain for our mobile butcher block island, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. Since we used mostly reclaimed pallet wood with varying colors, I was concerned that the variations would be noticeable through the stain. However, the stain provided just the right amount of coverage to allow some of the natural wood pattern to show through, creating a consistent color. The application process was straightforward, and it dried quickly. We were able to paint and assemble the entire island in one night. Just remember to stir the stain frequently to ensure even distribution of pigment throughout the can.

I recently had the unfortunate experience of my Ethan Allen headboard getting damaged during military shipping. It arrived with a noticeable quarter-sized depression, dragging through the top layer of the walnut-colored wood. Initially, I was skeptical about a touch-up solution, as the cap of the product was black while my headboard was dark walnut.

However, I decided to give the touch-up pen a try. The felt tip of the pen resembled a sharpie foam tip but with a longer and beveled shape, similar to a calligraphy pen. Upon opening the cap, the tip was tan and dry. As I pressed it into the pen, the color quickly turned dark brown. I was concerned that it would be too dark, but I proceeded anyway.

The pen applied the touch-up solution smoothly, with a wet and dark brown texture reminiscent of paint or thick stain. Surprisingly, the coat was even and perfectly matched the color of my walnut wood. I applied a few more coats, and I am extremely pleased with the results. It effectively blended the scratches and imperfections, leaving my headboard looking as good as new.

Another impressive use of this touch-up pen was on my cherry cabinets, which are over 40 years old and showing signs of fading and wear. I purchased the pen to touch up the cabinets throughout my house, and the difference it made was remarkable. The color and sheen of the touch-up solution matched exactly, restoring the cabinets to their former glory. I was able to touch up a couple dozen cabinet doors and drawer fronts with just one pen, and it still hasn't run out. This product truly delivered on its promises, exceeding my expectations.

Lastly, I had an unfortunate incident where my cats decided to use my dining room table as a hockey rink in my absence. The scratches they left behind broke my heart. However, I decided to give the miwax stick a try, and the results speak for themselves. I used the stick to fill in the scratches and then buffed it out with a soft cloth. The table, which is 70 years old, looked as good as new after the treatment.

I recently used Varathane Wood Stain in the Black Cherry shade and I must say, I am extremely satisfied with the results. After wiping the surface with a rag and applying three coats of polyurethane, the finish came out exactly as I had hoped – beautiful and exactly what I was looking for.

I also ordered the Black Cherry shade to paint a barrel, and after applying three coats, I was absolutely thrilled with the outcome. The color turned out to be gorgeous, just like in the picture, and the three coats were enough to achieve the desired depth and saturation.

Being in search of a dark cherry stain, I had tried various other brands available in my area, including Minwax. While Minwax is a great product, I wasn't getting the rich color and saturation I desired. Thankfully, I came across Varathane on Amazon Prime and it turned out to be a game-changer.

Growing up in a family that was into furniture refinishing, I was familiar with Varathane and its excellent performance. So, I was overjoyed to find a good price and a wide selection of Varathane stains available. I ordered the "Black Cherry" wood stain and it exceeded my expectations. The color is perfect and the stain's saturation and penetration are truly impressive.

I am currently staining an unfinished oak cabinet in my bathroom to match the wood in my existing master suite. With just the initial coat, the color is already perfect. While Minwax has its strengths in color and pickled finishes, when it comes to bringing out the natural beauty and rich color of the wood grain, Varathane has always been my go-to stain.

However, I must mention that the drying time for this product was a bit longer than expected. It took several days to dry and even then, it remained slightly sticky. But once I applied a polyurethane top coat, it sealed perfectly and all my cabinets were covered exceptionally well.

I recently purchased bird houses and wanted to ensure they would withstand the winter weather, so I decided to try out a sample of this wood sealer. I must say, it exceeded my expectations! The finish is flawlessly sealed and smooth, giving my bird houses a clean and polished look. The coverage and color are also remarkable, making this product ideal for woodwork.

Applying the sealer was a breeze, and it seems to effectively repel water. Impressed by its performance, I went ahead and ordered a 5-gallon bucket of the Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer in the Bronze Cedar shade. I plan to use it on my deck, which is located in the Seattle sound area where it rains consistently throughout the winter.

One thing to note is that you may not need to use all of the tint included in your gallon. The formula is quite concentrated, which is a great feature. Additionally, I've noticed that the color has remained fade-resistant for the past two months, which is a promising sign of its long-lasting quality.

I recently refinished an old coat rack that had an unappealing orange tone. I believe it was pine that had been stained with an unknown color. I started by removing all the hardware and sanding the piece to remove the wax buildup. Once it was clean and smooth, I noticed that the wood was very porous. To ensure a more uniform application, I decided to condition the wood with a mixture of 3 parts denatured alcohol and 2 parts Zinsser Seal Coat 100% wax-free shellac.

I'm glad I took this additional step because the Spanish Oak gel stain I used turned out to be very dark. The final result was a beautiful deep dark brown with almost black edges, reminiscent of charred wood. I tried to capture it in a photo, but the camera didn't do justice to the colors. It's a very, very dark brown with blackish highlights, and I absolutely love it!

If you're a fan of dark woods like dark walnut and want to avoid any red or orange hues, then Spanish Oak is a great choice. However, it's important to note that the base color of the wood you're covering will affect the final results, even with gel stain. So, don't expect the color swatch on the sample images to be exactly what you'll get. I recommend doing a test spot or trying it on a scrap piece of wood similar to your project wood.

Some reviewers claimed that the gel stain isn't messy, but that's not entirely true. I did experience some occasional drips and mess, so be prepared by using drop cloths or tarps to protect your workspace.

One thing to keep in mind is that a little goes a long way with this product. I bought a pint and will have more than enough for a larger project like a dining table. Make sure to consider the coverage dimensions before purchasing.

I used the Blue Hawk 4-in x 5-in Cotton Floor Stain Pad to apply the stain, and it was definitely worth the few dollars. It provided a smoother and more controlled application compared to using a wadded-up t-shirt or similar alternatives. However, use whatever application tool works best for you.

For this particular project, I found that I didn't need a top coat. The finish is sufficient for a coat rack. However, if I were refinishing a dining table, I would probably apply multiple layers of top coat product(s) for added durability.

In fact, I'm considering using Spanish Oak on my dining table for my next project. We have white wooden upholstered chairs, and I think the contrast would be magnificent. We'll see how it turns out!

(Note: I will try my best to provide an accurate photo for this review)

I recently acquired a wood laminate desk from the buy nothing project in my area. The original honey pine finish was not to my liking, so I decided to refinish it. Knowing that wood laminate is more delicate than solid wood, I had to be careful with my choice of refinishing products. After lightly sanding the desk, I opted for the mahogany Varathane spray, and I must say, the results are impressive! This spray is truly great for refinishing furniture.

If you're considering purchasing this product, I urge you to stop reading reviews and just buy it already. It truly is amazing. I have used various staining methods in the past, but after using this spray, I will never go back to regular paintbrush staining again. The oil-based formula dries much harder and is more scratch-resistant than water-based alternatives. While the use of mineral spirits for cleanup may be slightly inconvenient, the end result is well worth it.

Using this spray is similar to using any other spray paint from a can. The dry time was a little longer than expected, but it wasn't a major issue for me. I would certainly use this product again for future refinishing projects.

I must admit, I was hesitant to purchase this spray due to the negative reviews I found online. However, I decided to give it a try because of its affordable price and the fact that I only needed a small quantity for my project—a dice tray. I chose the Red Mahogany shade and applied it to balsa wood that I had previously conditioned with Varathane wood conditioner. While I initially expected a brighter red color, the shade I ended up with looks much better than anticipated. It did require a few layers to achieve an even coating, but the end result speaks for itself.