In this article, we have chosen the 7 best White Oak Stains for you, along with all the required information you may need to find the perfect oak stain that can give you the color you desire.
We have ensured the quality of each of the products so you can choose in the blink of an eye.
But the thing is: Many woodworkers have doubts that the stain color might not appear under the white oak’s tan color.
I would say that, once you go through the reviews entailed below, staining it to change its color will no more be a problem for you!
7 Best Stains for White Oak – Economical, Durable with an Even Finish
We have compiled some main characteristics of the product that will help you make a wise decision. Let’s dig in and pick out the stain that is best suited for the wood piece you intend to revamp.
| Stain | Dry Time | Color Range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minwax Wood Finish 227654444 | 6 hours | 36 | Check Price |
| Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium | 2 hours | 24 | Check Price |
| OLD 81004 81004 Gel Stain | 6-8 hours | 24 | Check Price |
| Rust-Oleum Varathane Premium | 2 hours | 24 | Check Price |
| Rust-Oleum 260143 Ultimate | 1 hours | 14 | Check Price |
| Rust-Oleum Varathane Fast Dry | 2 hours | 24 | Check Price |
| Rust-Oleum 262010 Varathane | 2 hours | 24 | Check Price |
1. Minwax Wood Finish 227654444 – Easy Application, and Quick Infiltration
Do you wish to renew that weather-beaten furniture of yours? If yes, Minwax Wood Finish Penetrating Stain is exactly what you need for this purpose.
It is no doubt extremely easy to use. You can either apply it with a piece of cloth, brush, or even a foam applicator.
Sometimes, while applying a stain, you may experience the liquid overlapping with every brush stroke.
However, since lapping is not a problem with this product, you can easily apply multiple layers in a single go.
What should you do to make the stain color darker than it already is? To do so, simply apply one more layer of stain once it dries off. This way, you will be able to achieve a darker color at the end.
Now, here comes the best part: Minwax Wood Finish Stain can easily dry in just 5 to 15 minutes.
How is that even possible? This is because of its unique penetrating properties that help it to sink in the crevices of wooden blocks.
However, it is advised that you wait for at least 6 hours to apply another coat. If, and when required. The plus point to its rapid drying quality, you will be able to finish the job in a day.
This leads to a query: What if you are new at staining the wood? This oil-based formula, along with the qualities mentioned above, allows you to be as messy as you can, and still get the perfect color that you desire.
Apart from the color Simply White 275, there are a variety of colors that you can choose from.
But, how many? In reality, a total number of 28 different shades are readily available in the market, ranging from Pickled Oak, Weathered Oak, Classic Gray, Ebony, and True Black.
Not only this, but Minwax also allows you to customize the stain according to your desires. Moreover, this wood stain comes in different sizes too.
Isn’t that great? It comes in Gallon, Aerosol, Quart, and Half-Pint sizes. To be specific, this product can be used for 150 sq. ft. Per quart.
However, if you want to color any small piece of wooden decoration, get the one packaged in an Aerosol container. But, if you want to color an entire wooden floor, the gallon will be a perfect choice for you.
- Wide range of colors.
- Variety of sizes.
- Easy to apply.
- Dries quickly.
- Some people might find the product to be expensive.
- RICH EVEN COLOR – Minwax Wood Finish is a deep penetrating,...
- QUICK DRYING – Staining interior wood has never been quicker. The...
- EASY TO APPLY – Use a clean cloth or wood stain brush to apply this...
2. Rust-Oleum Varathane 262011 Premium Fast Dry – Time Saving, Gives Perfect Results in Just One Coat
Worried about staining your indoor furniture? Worry no more!
Because this product is particularly designed for interior wooden furniture. It includes any piece of wood, such as wood furniture, doors, trim, paneling, cabinets, and many more.
Although this may be true, this stain will also work perfectly fine on wooden flooring inside your building.
To put it another way, it possesses the highest quality staining that can bring out the hidden beauty of the wood.
How so? This is because the Nano pigments intensify the quality of the color. Therefore, prominently highlighting each grain on the wood.
In particular, the most ideal feature is that the product dries very quickly. Like, in just an hour, the stain will dry. This is because it penetrates through the wood as you stain it. This quality will further harden the woodblock.
Besides the fact that staining using Varathane 262011 is fast, the pores in the wood are also filled in no time.
How many color options does it offer? It is available in a total of 26 different colors that you can choose from.
To point out, this product under review comes from the name, Sunbleached. This color is loved by many, as it gives a vibrant look to your otherwise old-looking furniture.
Want a quick fix? Well, not to worry!
After all, this exceptional formula is made in such a way that the woodblock you are working on, does not require preconditioning. Thus, you get to avoid wasting time in layering the prime coat first and later, the main coat.
How much area will 1 pack cover? In addition to the fact that Varathane 262011 comes in two sizes: How much does it weigh? With a volume of 946ml, it weighs around 1.98 pounds.
Hence, its light-weight property makes it suitable for a person to carry around without facing any inconvenience.
- No preconditioning is required.
- Very less drying time.
- Available in a variety of colors.
- Perfect results attained in one coat only.
- Limited sizes available.
- Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets,...
- One-coat coverage, fast-drying oil based formula
- Dries to the touch in just 1 hour and covers up to 275 square feet
3. OLD 81004 81004 Gel Stain – Oil-Based, Cost-Effective
Ever thought of applying make-up to your wooden gear? While other stains are majorly used to renew old pieces of wood, this gel stain has more of a cosmetic role to play.
So, if you are looking for a stain just for a change, OLD 81004 Gel Stain will be my pick for you!
For one thing, the oil-based formula in this gel provides you with a 2-in-1 option.
That is a layer of paint over the stain. How smooth!
The main reason behind its smoothness is its viscosity. Its thick consistency, not only helps with the easy application but also keeps the natural look of the wood intact.
Also, this way it can be painted on surfaces that are not otherwise easy to stain.
What kind of wood can it stain? However, there are several different types and textures of woods that can be stained using this product. But it is known to stain pine, birch, maple, poplar, and cherry the best.
Oh, wait! Surprisingly, its application is not limited to wooden surfaces only!
It can also be used on non-porous surfaces such as primed metal and fiberglass projects.
Hence, adding to its multipurpose nature.
The cherry on top: It can also be used on outdoor surfaces. Provided that you apply a topcoat at the very end.
What color is OLD 81004 available in? Even though the product I am reviewing is in Pickling White color, there are 12 more shades that the Lancaster Distribution produces.
Is it customization-friendly? Certainly, its properties allow you to play with colors by mixing and matching to create your specific shade.
Furthermore, the product comes in a Quart package, weighing a total of 2.45 pounds.
Guess what? Moreover, this thick gel stain makes its application quite easy and controllable. It enables uniform color with one application only. However, for a flawless finish, use a chip brush.
It does not end here: Another key point is that one pack goes a long way. This way, it saves you a lot of money and helps you cover the maximum surface area with a very little amount of gel stain.
Want a darker shade? No problem! Just restain the surface once it has dried out completely to obtain a rich and bold color.
In case of an accident: Here, the mineral spirits come into play!
That is to say, keep them in hands reach and use them to clean the surface that has been stained by mistake. In some cases, paint thinner would serve the same purpose as well.
- Multipurpose.
- Wide range of colors that you can choose from.
- Inexpensive.
- The color might be a little too dark.
- This item is a Old Masters 81004 Gel Stain Pickling White Oil-Based -...
- Purpose of use for Painting Supplies, household-wood-stains
- This product is manufactured in United States
4. Rust-Oleum Varathane 297424 Premium Fast Dry – Highlights Wood Grains Naturally
Want to give that bench in your foyer a classy look? Nothing better than white, right? This Antique White Varathane 297424 is all you need.
This product is not only ideal for staining the wooden pieces outside the house, like your bench for instance. But also caters for furniture pieces, and cabinets kept indoors. Furthermore, this peculiar oil-based formula helps cover the area in just one coat.
Hence, you can get a perfect shade without applying multiple layers of stain.
For best results: Carefully mix one-part stain with one-part mineral spirits to add a warm and rich tone along with a bold character to your stain.
Not to forget: It dries up to the touch. This means that you can surely finish the job in a matter of a few hours only. The estimated drying time for a single coat is one hour.
Moreover, the manufacturers claim that Varathane Fast Dry Wood Stains are 3 times faster than ordinary stains.
Isn’t that awesome? Additionally, Varathane 297424 is made from nano pigment particles that enhance the performance of the stain manifold.
How does it do so? It further seals the pores and crevices present in the wood. Hence, making it harder than ever.
To top it all: Ultimately, the subtle penetration of this stain reveals the natural beauty of the wood by highlighting the wood grains with an antique white color. Thus, making it more prominent.
Moreover, it is available in 2 sizes. One quart covers an area of 275 square feet, while a half-pint covers up to 70 square feet.
How much stain does this Quart container hold? Weighing 2 pounds, this pack contains 946ml, respectively. Thus, making it light-weighted and easy to carry.
Moreover, the product is not only available in Antique White color, but there are 26 different shades that you can choose from.
By and large, each of them is unique and allows you to mix different colors to make one according to your taste.
Last but not the least: You can use the stain on wood accordingly, without the hassle of preconditioning or pre-staining it. Hence, saving you an extra step to perform.
- Easy to use.
- No preconditioning or pre-staining required.
- Inexpensive.
- Penetrates quickly into the wood.
- The color may not be that
- Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets,...
- One-coat coverage, fast-drying oil based formula
- Dries to the touch in just 1 hour and covers up to 275 square feet
5. Rust-Oleum 260143 Ultimate – Durable, Evenness in Just One Coat
Do you wish to modernize the wooden gear inside your home? Well, you have come to the right place.
Thereupon, I present you with a rich oil-based formula of Rust-Oleum 260143 Ultimate Wood Stain. It instantly targets the wood to bring out an even color in just one coat.
Furthermore, it is your choice if you want to seal the wood with polyurethane on top of it. However, applying a top coat gives a finer finish and long-lasting protection to the wood piece.
What colors can you choose from? This product under consideration is not only available in Golden Oak, but also in a variety of 19 colors that you can select from.
To begin with, this vast variety of colors allows you to experiment on doors, trim, paneling, cabinets, and other wood furniture available.
For darker results: Leave the stain a bit longer than 2-3 minutes on the wood surface. Then, let it penetrate properly. Eventually, you will get a darker tone on the piece of wood.
What saves you more time is that you are not going to need conditioning before applying the stain. Consequently, this will make your job much easier and less time-consuming.
In a word, its fast-drying quality makes the job 75% faster than any other wood stains in the market. You will only have to wait for an hour until the stain dries. That is when you can apply the topcoat.
What is more? In addition to this, this product not only stains the block you are working on but also seals the pores of the block by sinking deeply into its grains.
By and large, Rust-Oleum 260143 comes in two sizes: This product I am reviewing is a Quart size, weighing 3.17 ounces with a volume of 946ml. Furthermore, it can stain up to 275 sq. ft. Per quart.
Keep in mind that: For the most part, you should never dilute the product. Also, remember to always apply it maintaining a range of temperatures within 60-90°F.
Note that: Allow 24 hours to get proper results.
- Variety of colors.
- Quick-drying property.
- No preconditioning of wood required.
- The color may vary from the picture.
- High performance stain enhances wood grain on interior surfaces such...
- Fast drying, oil based formula provides maximum durability and color...
- Dries to the touch in 1 hour and covers up to 275 sq. ft. per quart
6. Rust-Oleum Varathane 307416 Premium Fast Dry – Superior Quality, Perfect Consistency
At the present time, if you are tired of having vivid colors on your furniture and want to tone down its effect, Carbon Gray Varathane 307416 is what you should opt for.
What is the secret behind its high-quality coloring? Its distinct color quality enhances the look of the wooden piece because of the Nano pigments present in it.
Moreover, this technology provides exceptional emphasis on the wood texture and grains causing them to show prominently.
How many coats will show perfect results? The plus point is that its remarkable highlighting properties allow maximum color in one coat.
Its consistency is such that the pores and crevices on the wood surface will properly be covered once you apply Varathane 307416 on top of it.
What makes one coat sufficient? Its unique oil-based formula helps with smooth and effortless application. Henceforth, one stroke with a chipped brush is all you need to get a perfect blend of Carbon Gray color.
Did you know? Under these circumstances, its fast-drying formula makes it one of the few paints to allow a top coating within one hour of application.
However, to turn your furniture into a masterpiece, do not forget to add a topcoat of Varathane Polyurethane.
What does the topcoat do? Generally speaking, this special ingredient applies a protective layer by sealing the stain over the wood surface.
It not only makes it durable in the long run but also makes your furniture rock solid.
No pre-stain conditioner required: Usually, a primer is poured on bare wood surfaces to fill in pores and nicks.
But with Varathane Premium, there is no need of doing so, because the stain itself is a mixture of agents that makes your furniture look enriched with color and is smooth to touch.
How much area will one pack cover? In most cases, a pack of Varathane stain weighing 8.8 ounces comes in a half-pint package. Moreover, it gives a coverage of 70 square feet containing 236ml of stain in it.
However, if you want different colors for different surfaces of wood around the house, you can go for one of the 22 colors ranges it offers.
They include bold colors varying from Traditional Cherry, Barn Red, Vintage Aqua, Bleached Blue, and comparatively muted colors like Rustic Sage, Worn Navy, Light Walnut, Early American, and Spring Oak.
Note that: You might need to dilute the stain accordingly, to get the desired consistency.
- Ideal for interior wood projects.
- One-coat coverage.
- Rapid-drying quality.
- Nano pigment particles present.
- Might not penetrate the wood fully due to high viscosity.
- Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets,...
- One-coat coverage, fast-drying oil based formula
- Dries to the touch in just 1 hour and covers up to 70 square feet
7. Rust-Oleum 262010 Varathane – Bold, and Darker than Ever
Want to stain your wooden doors dark? Look no further! Because I have found a perfect match for your doors to give them a primitive vibe using Kona Rust-Oleum 262010 Varathane.
Now, you must be thinking to yourself: What else can I paint using Kona colored stain? As per choice, you can either stain your bed, dining table, a baby crib, matching with your bed, and even wooden flooring.
No doubt, a dark wooden flooring gives a very regal look to a room. In most cases, people complain about having reddish tones in the stain after it dries out, but Paint Sundries Solutions claim that they have very unnoticeable red undertones in this colored stain.
What colors are available in it? These days, there is a list of 26 colors trending produced under the name Rust-Oleum. Out of which a few of them are Cabernet, Briarsmoke, Dark Walnut, Barn Red, Ipswich Pine, and Honey Maple.
Can it be used for Indoor/ Outdoor applications? Rust-Oleum 262010 Varathane gives the best results when used indoors on surfaces such as cabinets, doors, paneling, trim, and other furniture.
However, it can wither away if used on benches, patios, or decks. It is recommended that you use a varnish or a deck stain for exteriors.
To get amazing results indoors: You can always add a top coat to seal the stain to make it extra smooth and sustainable.
How soon will it dry? Rust-Oleum stain hardly takes an hour to dry. After that, you can conveniently add the topcoat mentioned above.
What is the ideal temperature for stain application? It is advised that, to get the best results, apply the stain only when the temperature ranges within 60 to 70-degree Fahrenheit, otherwise there are chances that the stain gets sticky on the surface.
How much stain is there in a can? In the quart package, you will get 946ml of stain that would cover approximately 275 square foot surface area. This item weighs 2 pounds that is fairly easy to carry around for one person.
- Value for money.
- Dries quickly.
- Easy brush application.
- Dark color.
- Some items may have a high gloss finish.
- Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets,...
- One-coat coverage, fast-drying Oil based formula
- Dries to the touch in just 1 hour and covers up to 275 square feet
Stain for White Oak Buyer’s Guide
No doubt, choosing a perfect color with just the right properties as a wood stain for your white oak furniture is certainly a hard choice to make.
If you wish to restore the original color of the wood or give it a pop of color, this guide will walk you through the 7 most prominent features to keep in mind before homing down to any of the shortlisted stains above.
First things first: What range of colors do I have?
Color Range – A Perfect Blend of Contemporary and Vintage
Choosing the Perfect Stain Color can be slightly tricky, especially when you have more than 30 colors to pick from.
Each woodblock has its grain pattern, natural color, and each one of them absorbs stains differently
Keep in mind that: If you want to enhance the original color and texture of your wood, you simply go for a color that matches it.
Otherwise, if you want to mask the originality of oak wood, and go bold with colors, nothing better than that!
Either you plan on tinting your room cabinets or your main door, there is a wide variety of oak stain colors that you can choose from.
Some of the many colors range from:
- Pickling White
- American Walnut
- Weathered Oak
- Carbon Gray
- Spanish Oak
- Classic Gray
- Dark Walnut
- Antique White
- Rustic Sage
- Golden Mahogany
- Kona
- Sunbleached
- Golden Oak
- True Black, to Simple White
Out of the ones listed above, the 7 best stain colors that I have reviewed for you, reflect a perfect blend of modern and vintage choice.
Viscosity – How Thick the Stain Should Be?
No doubt, the beauty of oak wood is in its grain patterns and texture.
To preserve the elegance of it, I would suggest that you make sure that the stain you buy has a low viscosity.
Why so? The less the viscosity will be, the faster the stain will penetrate through crevices and patterns of wood.
As a result, enhancing the features of the grain pattern along with giving your wood piece a brand-new look!
You must be thinking to yourself, why not use varnish instead? The difference between the two is quite evident.
Stain vs Varnish
While a stain has a low viscosity, a varnish is thick enough to act as a protective barrier on the surface of the wood. It is usually clear and transparent so that it can be painted upon if necessary.
| Stain | Varnish | |
|---|---|---|
| Viscosity | Low Viscosity | High Viscosity |
| Product | Translucent or Opaque | Clear & Transparent |
| Color | Color is already added to it | Can be painted upon |
| Acts As | Penetrates the surface | Acts as a protective barrier on the surface of the wood |
No Primer Required, No Preconditioning & Time Saving
Among a variety of water-based and oil-based stains, I have selected the premium oil-based ones.
Its composition is such that you tend to get rid of the hassle of conditioning your oak wood before tinting it.
This not only saves you time but also gives your wood a perfect irresistible sheen.
However, there are times where the wood pieces irregularly absorb the stain.
Here, the pre-stain conditioner comes into play.
What you need to do is:
- Firstly, just apply a thin layer of primer.
- Let it absorb until it dries out.
- Then coat it with the colored stain.
All said and done: Do not forget that there is a significant difference between staining a white oak and red oak flooring.
White Oak vs Red Oak Flooring:
The only difference between the two is the evenness of its surface.
Red oak has pronounced graining, with reddish-pink tones. While white oak is finer, with less visible grains and textures. Hence, the latter accepts stain color more evenly than the former.
However, both of these materials can be used not only for flooring purposes but also in making doors and cabinets to maintain its structural integrity.
| White Oak Flooring | Red Oak Flooring | |
|---|---|---|
| Grains | Less visible grains | Pronounced grains |
| Texture | Less prominent texture | Defined texture |
| Tones | Golden brown tones | Reddish pink tones |
| End Color | Even stain color | Uneven stain color |
Quick-Dry – No Need to Wait for Hours
The oil-based formula provides maximum endurance to the wood slab you are working on, increasing its shelf-life manifold.
No wonder, one coat coverage, dries to the touch within just 1 hour of application. On average, 1 pack of liquid can cover up to 275 square feet.
However, it is suggested that you recoat after at least 4- 6 hours of the first application.
Surface Coating – What to Use When:
If you ask me: Which out of the 7 stains mentioned above will give the best finish for white oak floors, I would go for OLD 81004 81004 Gel Stain, in a blink of an eye!
That too, white. No doubt, it will give fantastic results.
Talking about gel stain, have you ever wondered what it is? Let me tell you
Stain vs Gel Stain:
While stain sinks till the bottom of the crevices of the wood surface, gel stain sits on top of it.
Therefore, a traditional stain will give you results close to the natural texture of the wood being used, while a gel stain can be used to achieve a smooth and even finished coat.
Although, there is no need to wipe off the excess in case of the gel stain unlike in conventional stains.
| Stain | Varnish | |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Sinks to the bottom of the crevices of the wood surface | Sits on top of the wood surface |
| Texture | Natural texture | Masks the original wood texture giving it a smooth and even finished coat |
| After Stain | Conventional stains need to be wiped off after application | No need to wipe off excess stain |
| Acts As | Penetrates the surface | Acts as a protective barrier on the surface of the wood |
How to Apply – 3 Simple Steps:
- Apply Primer: Firstly, apply a primer or preconditioner only where necessary. Most of the above stains have conditioner mixed with it. Hence, excluding the need for a first coat.
- Stain Coating: Then, coat a thin layer of stain coating with a brush in a single direction.
- Excess Removal: Finally, remove the excess stain with a soft piece of cloth.
That is it!
Tips and Tricks – 6 Tips to Get a Perfect Stain:
- Do a Test Patch First: Never start staining from the front of your piece. Instead, turn it around and do a test on the back. This way, any mistakes made while applying it, will go unnoticed.
- Stir Well: Keep in mind that the pigments in the stain container settle to the bottom of the can. Shaking it does not guarantee even distribution of the pigment. So always make sure that you stir the can thoroughly before you start applying.
- Do Not Overdo the Stain: Longer the stain remains on the wood, the darker and richer will it be. So, apply the stain accordingly. Do not go overboard with it.
- Go with the Flow: Furthermore, make sure you brush the stain in the direction of the grooves and patterns on the wood.
- Add Multiple Coats for Darker Color: If you want a richer and darker color than the original stain color, add another coating until you get the desired color.
Remember: Since each layer will add to the darkness of the color, wait for a while until one layer completely dries off to get the desired results.
Customize the Color of Your Choice:
The best part about these stains is that you can make a color you desire by mixing parts of each color in recommended proportions.
Although, to do so, make sure that you measure each color properly before mixing them.
Impressed! Aren’t you? What are you waiting for?
Go ahead and get ready to give your wooden gear the wow factor they need!
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
All in all, I have enlisted the most affordable, premium, fast-drying, and easy-to-apply stains along with a variety of colors each one of them has to offer.
Keep in mind: Irrespective of the fact that whether you are looking for a stain that is best suited for indoor or outdoor wood pieces, you need to choose which stain contains relevant properties for your job.
This article along with a detailed buyer’s guide will not only help you save time and money that would have otherwise gone into researching what is best for you but also save you from a lot of effort.
I am sure, by now you must have chosen for yourself, the Best Stains for White Oak furniture, cabinets, doors, flooring, and other wooden gears.
Hurry up! Get the renovation started.
