Top Wood Stain Brands: Unleashing Stunning Finishes

Choosing the right wood stain can transform any wooden surface, infusing it with character and enhancing its natural beauty. With a plethora of brands available in the market, selecting the best one can be overwhelming, each offering unique finishes and durability. The top brands are often distinguished by their superior quality, ease of application, and lasting protection against wear and the elements. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive list of the best wood stain brands below.

Illustration of wood stain

Best brands of wood stain in 2025

Minwax

Minwax, established in 1904, is America's number one selling brand of interior stains and clears, holding a significant market share with a wide variety of both oil-based and water-based options, offering over 200 colors and is known for its one-step staining process, allowing for projects to be completed in a single day with a 2-3 hour drying time.

Varathane

Varathane, established as a leading wood stain producer, offers a wide array of high-quality wood stain products, known for achieving exceptional results with up to 2x the coverage of other stains, according to consumer reports in 2023; their formulations often feature advanced oil-based and water-based technologies, ensuring a durable and beautiful finish, and are available in over 30 unique colors catering to varied project requirements.

Cabot

With a history dating back to 1877, Cabot has established itself as a premier wood stain producer, offering a wide range of high-quality stains that consistently receive customer satisfaction ratings above 90%, and that provide long-lasting protection against the elements; their products utilize advanced formulas with up to 60% more fade-resistant pigments than competitors, ensuring vibrant color for years to come, and they also offer low-VOC options that contribute to a healthier environment. You can explore their extensive product line.

Rust-Oleum

Rust-Oleum is a well-known brand offering a variety of wood stains and finishes designed to enhance the beauty and protect wood surfaces, with some products claiming to complete projects 75 percent faster than competitors. These stains are suitable for indoor and outdoor projects ranging from furniture to floors and are available in different colors like light and dark browns, reds, and grays. However, some customer reviews suggest a two-day dry time and potential issues with color uniformity. Rust-Oleum also offers other wood products such as sealers, polyurethanes, and wood conditioners, and is known for its wide availability in retail stores.

Behr

Behr, a leading brand in wood care, offers a wide variety of stains including their premium semi-transparent waterproofing stain, which utilizes a 100% acrylic formula, provides UV protection, and is designed to last up to 3 years on decks and 5 years on fences and siding, with 60 custom colors available to enhance the natural wood grain; though some users have experienced peeling and uneven application, Behr's water-based stains are known for easy cleanup and relatively low odor, and for optimal results, proper preparation is key, including cleaning and removing previous coatings, as the brand is often praised for its rich color options and water repellency, making it a popular choice for both DIYers and professionals.

General Finishes

General Finishes is a leading producer of wood stains, known for their water-based options that are low in VOCs and environmentally friendly, with some formulations using more than 50% renewable resources. They offer a user-friendly experience with easy application, repair, and blending capabilities, making their products suitable for various wood types and available in a wide array of colors.

Old Masters

Since 1953, Old Masters has been a leading brand in wood stains, offering a diverse range of high-quality finishes, with some products boasting up to 60% solids for superior color and durability, and is favored by professionals; the brand's products provide lasting protection and enhance the natural beauty of wood with their formulations that provide deep, rich color; available in a variety of colors and sheens, Old Masters stains are designed for both interior and exterior applications with a focus on delivering consistent results, making it a top choice for woodworking enthusiasts and contractors alike. You can explore their full product line.

Olympic

Olympic, a leading brand in wood care, has been providing high-quality wood stains for over 80 years, establishing a proven track record of exceptional durability and color retention. Their formulations, which include transparent, semi-transparent, and solid stains, offer up to 10 years of protection against the elements, surpassing many competitors according to recent customer surveys from 2023. With a wide range of colors and finishes, Olympic stains enable homeowners and professionals to enhance the beauty of their wood projects while providing robust UV protection. The brand’s advanced acrylic resin technology ensures a lasting, weather-resistant finish on decks, fences, and siding, with a customer satisfaction rate exceeding 90%. You can explore their extensive product line and find the perfect stain for your project on their website.

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore is a well-known brand offering a variety of wood stains, including their Arborcoat line, which is designed to protect and enhance wood surfaces, with some professionals noting its ability to minimize lap marks; while some reviews mention issues such as peeling and an unnatural look, many users find it easy to apply, and it is available in various opacities and colors, utilizing Gennex color technology for a durable finish, with some professionals recommending it for decks, siding, and outdoor furniture, despite some users experiencing color discrepancies; the brand also offers Woodluxe exterior stains, known for their protective qualities and ability to enhance the wood's natural grain. For more information on their products, visit their website.

ZAR

ZAR, established in 1928, has consistently been recognized as a premier wood stain producer, offering a wide range of high-quality stains, including oil-based and water-based options, with some lines boasting up to 50% more pigment for richer colors; their stains are renowned for their exceptional durability, often lasting for years, making them a preferred choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts; ZAR's commitment to innovation ensures a product that not only enhances but also protects wood surfaces, creating a lasting and beautiful finish, so it is no wonder that they continue to hold a significant market share in the wood finishing industry.