I Tested And Reviewed 7 Best Stain For Red Oak Floors (2023)

I recently used Varathane's Black Cherry wood stain to refinish my furniture, and I must say, I am extremely pleased with the results. After wiping on a light coat with a rag, I applied three coats of polyurethane and the final finish came out absolutely beautiful. It was exactly what I was looking for!

I also ordered the Black Cherry stain to paint a barrel, and after three coats, I fell in love with the color. The deep, rich hue was exactly as shown in the picture and it looked great!

What impressed me the most about Varathane's Black Cherry stain was its saturation and penetration. I had been searching for a dark cherry stain for a while, but other brands didn't give me the deep color I desired. However, Varathane exceeded my expectations. The color was perfect, and even with just the initial coat, it matched my existing wood perfectly.

Having grown up in a family that loves refinishing furniture, I was thrilled to find Varathane available on Amazon Prime at such a good price. I have always trusted Varathane for its ability to bring out the natural beauty and grain of wood. While Minwax has its merits with color and pickled finishes, Varathane remains my go-to stain for a rich and vibrant look.

One thing to note is that the drying time for the stain was longer than expected. It took several days to fully dry, and even then, it was still slightly sticky. However, once I applied a polyurethane top coat, it sealed perfectly and the stickiness disappeared.

I highly recommend Minwax oil-based stains for anyone looking to achieve a high-quality finished product. Compared to other oil-based stains I have tried in the past, Minwax stains consistently deliver superior results.

One aspect that sets Minwax apart is their separation of stain and polyurethane sealants. I find that when the two are combined into a single application, it becomes more difficult to control the absorption rate. With Minwax oil-based stains, you have full control over the stain's penetration and color before applying the polyurethane sealant separately.

In terms of appearance, Minwax stains offer a deeper, truer, and more luxurious look compared to other brands, including higher-priced options. For the best results, I recommend using Minwax brand polyurethane/spar in combination with their stain.

When it comes to application methods, I have found that spraying the stain using a HVLP sprayer yields the most even coat, especially for larger areas. By using the same sprayer for both the stain and polyurethane, I achieved consistent and professional-looking results. To enhance the polyurethane's finish, I would sometimes cut it with penetrol, resulting in a smooth, glass-like surface. Additionally, I would use the activator known as "Jap dryer" to expedite the drying time of the polyurethane/spar.

I have used this method on various surfaces such as exterior and interior doors, cabinetry, moldings, and trim, and have always been satisfied with the outcome when utilizing the HVLP sprayer. Whether using a more affordable HVLP sprayer or a higher-end one, the results have consistently been impressive. The more expensive models may make the job easier, but even the less expensive options perform well regardless of the unit's cost.

In contrast to water-based products, I have found Minwax oil-based stains and polyurethane/spar to be far superior. Therefore, I highly recommend giving them a try for your staining and finishing needs.

I was initially skeptical about trying a water-based wood filler, especially after my previous experience with solvent-based fillers that ended up drying out and being unusable. However, I decided to give it a try and I'm glad I did. The product arrived promptly, thanks to its availability in the local Amazon warehouse.

There were several aspects of the water-based wood filler that impressed me. Firstly, the screw-off lid was incredibly easy to remove and put back on, ensuring a tight seal to prevent drying out. This was a stark contrast to the can version that required a screwdriver and hammer to open and close, which was quite inconvenient.

Another positive aspect was the jar being completely filled to the top, unlike the can version that often comes half-empty. This not only reduces the chances of it drying out quickly but also minimizes wastage. Additionally, the lip of the plastic jar can be used to scrape off excess filler and return it to the jar, further reducing waste. With the can version, filler often gets stuck in the lid groove, compromising the seal.

In terms of consistency, texture, and thickness, the filler was smooth and creamy, resembling wall plaster. It spread easily and filled in deep cracks and holes effortlessly without requiring excessive pressure. This was not always the case with the can version, which sometimes made it difficult to achieve a deep fill without exerting a lot of force.

I was pleased to find that the water-based filler dried just as fast and hardened just as well as the solvent-based options. It also sanded smoothly and evenly, similar to the solvent-based alternatives. Additionally, it took stain very well, allowing for a seamless finish.

One of the standout features of this product is the convenience of reviving it with just water if it becomes too dried out. Although I haven't personally tested this yet, based on my positive experience so far, I am confident that it will perform well in this aspect too. This eliminates the need for wood filler solvent, making it more cost-effective and hassle-free.

My husband and I recently made a king-sized headboard for our bed using materials from Home Depot. We opted for B-Board, which we had cut to size, and paired it with matching trim. For the stain, we decided to use SamaN, and I must say, we were quite pleased with the results.

One of the things I really appreciated about the SamaN stain was its minimal odor. I was able to do the painting outside without any major smell concerns. After sanding the pieces and brushing off the dust, I used an old towel to apply the turquoise stain and another towel to wipe off the excess. The stain went on smoothly and dried quickly, within a minute.

Once all the pieces were stained, I decided to use SamaN white stain to slightly whitewash the turquoise. Again, I used a clean old towel to apply the stain and wipe off the excess. The drying time was impressively fast, which allowed us to move on with the project without any delays.

While we initially found the turquoise color to be a bit too bright for our room, I came up with a solution. I used Paine's Grey acrylic paint to highlight the grain of the wood. With a craft brush and a touch of water, I applied the paint to certain areas, occasionally wiping it off with a towel. The acrylic paint dried quickly, so I mixed it with a paint retarder to give myself more time to work. To touch up some areas, I applied a small amount of stain.

The end result was stunning. The SamaN stain, combined with the Paine's Grey highlights, created a beautiful finish. We let the headboard sit overnight, although it's worth mentioning that the SamaN stain doesn't require curing. It goes on smoothly, dries rapidly, and looks fantastic within minutes.

While the B-Board we used was relatively inexpensive, we did encounter a few splinters during the staining process. In the future, we would opt for a smoother wood, even if it means spending a bit more. However, this was a minor inconvenience and didn't significantly impact the overall outcome.

A word of advice: make sure to wear rubber gloves when working with the stain, as it can temporarily discolor your skin. However, I found that warm water and soap easily removed any stains from my hands. This is one of the benefits of using water-based paints.

My husband installed the headboard using screws, small L-brackets for added support, and tiny finishing nails for the trim. The end result was a beautiful, professionally-looking headboard that would easily cost $700-800 in a store. However, we managed to complete the project for under $100.

I highly recommend the SamaN stain and would definitely use it again in the future. Its fast drying time, smooth application, and beautiful finish make it a fantastic choice for any staining project.

I recently had new oak flooring installed in my home, replacing the old carpet. The floor installer complimented the quality of the oak floor vents and even asked where I purchased them. I must say, they do look far better than the drop-in registers typically used. If you're planning on installing solid floors, I highly recommend considering these vents.

However, I did come across a review mentioning that the sliding damper of the vent got stuck during installation due to the stain and top coat. To avoid this issue, it is advised to remove the damper and install it after the flooring installation is complete. This way, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free installation process.

I also used this oak vent at the bottom of my ice maker, and it fits perfectly. I painted it white to match the surrounding area. The vent also came with a surround, although I didn't find the need to use it in my case.

In terms of quality, these vents are top-notch. However, it is worth noting that basic knowledge of carpentry is required for installation. So, if you're planning on installing them yourself, it's important to have some carpentry skills or seek professional help to ensure proper installation.

Personally, I find these vents to be great. They not only enhance the overall look of my home but also match perfectly with my light oak flooring. Although they have a slightly raised profile compared to my old metal vents, it doesn't bother me at all. In fact, it adds a subtle touch of elegance to the room.

Lastly, I applied three coats of polyurethane to these vents, and the result is perfect. They now match the other three vents I have in my bedrooms, creating a cohesive and attractive finish. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with these oak floor vents and would highly recommend them for anyone looking to upgrade their home.

I recently purchased the Ethan Allen headboard and unfortunately, it was damaged during shipping. There was a noticeable quarter-sized depression and the top layer of the walnut-colored wood was dragged, leaving a bare and dry area that felt like balsa wood. I was initially skeptical about a solution for this, but decided to give the Miwax touch-up pen a try.

When I first opened the pen, I noticed that the color of the cap was black, which worried me as the headboard was supposed to be dark walnut. However, the felt tip of the pen, resembling a sharpie foam tip but longer and beveled like a calligraphy pen, had a tan and dry texture when I opened the cap. To my surprise, when I pressed the tip onto the damaged area, it quickly turned dark brown. I was concerned that it might be too dark, but decided to proceed anyway.

The pen applied the touch-up solution smoothly, with a wet and dark brown texture resembling a thicker liquid than a sharpie pen. It almost felt like applying paint or thick stain. I decided to wipe off the excess solution and was impressed by how even the coat was and how perfectly it matched the walnut color of the wood. I applied a few more coats and the results were satisfying. If the wood is raw like balsa wood, it will absorb the solution and stay dark. However, if the wood is scratched, this pen does an excellent job of blending it well.

Another use I found for this touch-up pen was for my 40-year-old cherry cabinets throughout the house. These cabinets had faded and shown signs of wear over the years. I was amazed by the difference this pen made. The color and sheen matched exactly, making the cabinets look brand new again. I was able to touch up a couple dozen cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and the first pen still hasn't run out. It's always a pleasant surprise when a product lives up to its claims. If possible, I would give this pen more than 5 stars.

In the attached picture, you can see the bottom trim of one of my cabinets. The middle section was rubbed with the pen for just a couple of seconds. After treating the entire section, the entire cabinet looked like new again. It truly worked wonders.

Lastly, I want to mention how this touch-up pen saved my dining room table from the scratches caused by my playful cats. I was heartbroken when I saw the damage, but decided to give the Miwax stick a try. The results speak for themselves. I used the stick to fill in the scratches and then buffed it out with a soft cloth. My dining table, which is 70 years old, looks as good as new.

I recently purchased and used this wood fill stick for the first time, and I must say, I am impressed. The color matched my wood floor perfectly, blending in seamlessly. I had some nail holes that needed filling in a piece of cherry wood stained with Varathane Traditional Cherry Stain, and this fill stick was a perfect match. The nail holes disappeared completely.

I also used this fill stick to cover up finishing nails on a banister and railing that we recently replaced on our stairs. The color, which was "Provincial," blended in perfectly with the stain we used. It was so well-blended that I had to really look closely to see where the fill stick was covering up the nails. Even then, it was difficult to spot. I absolutely loved how this product performed in this regard.

One of the things I appreciated about this fill stick is how easy it was to use. Unlike other wood fillers I've tried in the past, this one was not messy at all. It applied smoothly and effortlessly, making the filling process a breeze. It dried quickly and hard, ensuring that it won't come off easily once applied. I did notice that it dried like a rock, so it's advisable to remove any excess right away.