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The 8 Best household stains of 2025

Are you trying to find household stains among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling household stains on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 29 hours of research and did 34 household stains tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best household stains you can buy today

No. 1
Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon
  • WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoors with Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multi-Purpose Waterproof Stain. Proven to waterproof concrete, brick, exterior wood and other exterior surfaces.
  • CLEAR STAIN – This outdoor wood stain and sealer provides a clear finish. It will hide the grain, but still allow the texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding enhancing the natural color.
  • FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
  • EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new patio, this concrete, brick, wood sealer is easy to apply. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
  • THOMPSON’S – Protecting & maintaining all your exterior surfaces, can easily be simplified if you know where to start. Thompson’s WaterSeal is here to take the edge off, thanks to our one-coat products, informative how-to guides & decades of expertise.
No. 2
Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
  • Requires no primer. Ready Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days. Do not apply Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
  • May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the woods surface.
  • Requires no back brushing and will nerver leave runs, laps, or streaks.
  • Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application.
  • Requires no diluting or thinning prior to spray applications.
  • "Goof Proof" application
  • No laps, runs or streaks
  • No back brushing
  • Apply in any temperature
  • Subject to or will include a PaintCare recycling fee in the following states: CA, OR, CT, VT
No. 3
1/2 pt Minwax 273 Espresso Wood Finish Oil-Based Wood Stain
  • RICH EVEN COLOR – Minwax Wood Finish is a deep penetrating, oil-based wood stain that provides beautiful color and enhances the natural wood grain in one coat. It’s perfect for interior staining projects such as wood furniture, cabinets, doors and more.
  • QUICK DRYING – Staining interior wood has never been quicker. The special formula allows it to deeply penetrate wood pores within 5 minutes of application, resists lapping, and dries in two hours, making all your wood projects quick, beautiful and easy.
  • EASY TO APPLY – Use a clean cloth or wood stain brush to apply this wood stain in the direction of the grain. Wait 5-15 minutes and wipe away excess stain. The longer you wait, the darker/richer the color. Reapply coats for deeper color.
  • ESPRESSO WOOD STAIN – This dark wood stain provides a beautiful, rich espresso color. With dark brown and black undertones, it’s a great choice for a wide variety of projects.
  • A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Minwax is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects. Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to Keep on Finishing. We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing need.
SaleNo. 4
Varathane 262025 Varathane-262025 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, Half Pint, Dark Walnut
  • Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets, doors, trim and paneling
  • One-coat coverage, fast-drying oil based formula
  • Dries to the touch in just 1 hour and covers up to 70 square feet
  • High performance stain system enhanced with nano pigment particles
  • Highlights natural wood grain to reveal wood's beauty
SaleNo. 5
Varathane 349560 Premium Gel Stain, Half Pint, Dark Walnut
  • Designed for vertical surfaces including doors, window trim and furniture; creates a natural wood look on fiberglass and composite doors
  • Formulated with a thicker consistency to prevent drips and runs and provides twice the coverage of traditional oil-based stains
  • Dries to touch in 1 hour and covers up to 60 sq. ft. per half pint; allow 2 hours between coats
  • Applies evenly without causing lap marks or grain raise; not recommended for floors, decks or siding
  • Enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain with long-lasting, rich deep color
SaleNo. 6
Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C, 350 Milliliters, Pure, Interior Wood Stain and Finish, Food Safe, Easy One-Coat, Linseed Oil, Plant Based, VOC/Solvent Free, Furniture & Flooring Hardwax Oil
  • ONE LAYER: Rubio Monocoat's hardwax oil protects and colors interior wood in one single layer. This way you get durable protection, need less time to treat your wood and can easily maintain your wood in case of repairs or renovations.
  • PROTECTS ALL WOOD TYPES: Oil Plus 2C can be applied to almost all wood types and has great wear, water and heat resistance. It's very user-friendly, has very low consumption and avoids overlaps and marks.
  • ECOLOGICAL WOOD TREATMENT - 0% VOC: Only a small amount of wood oil is required for the durable protection of your wood, ensuring low consumption, less packaging and less transport. Our wood oil is also sustainable thanks to being linseed oil based.
  • 55 COLORS: The Oil Plus 2C range boasts 55 colors which enrich the natural look and feel of your wood. Pure is non-pigmented, but will warm the wood on application due to the linseed oil base.
  • CERTIFIED QUALITY: Oil Plus 2C contains 0% VOC and does not contain water or solvents. Our oil is therefore safe to use on wooden toys (EN 71-3), complies with food contact regulations and is free of harmful substances for indoor use (Eurofins).
No. 7
Minwax Gel Stain for Interior Wood Surfaces, Quart, Black
  • WOOD GEL STAIN – Minwax Gel Stain is specifically designed to give you full control over the staining process and help you achieve beautiful results. Recommended uses include woodwork, furniture, doors, molding, trim, cabinets, and accessories.
  • UNIQUE NON-DRIP FORMULA – The non-drip formula of this gel stain for wood makes application easy, even for vertical surfaces. It’s thick-bodied, so it stays more towards the surface of the wood, allowing for greater color control during application.
  • DELIVERS EVEN COLOR – Minwax interior wood stain delivers color evenly on wood and non-wood surfaces, such as metal, veneer, and fiberglass. Pre-treat bare wood with Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner to ensure you get the most uniform color.
  • BLACK WOOD STAIN – This beautiful natural wood stain provides a rich, black-colored finish. It offers a dark color that looks great on a variety of projects.
  • A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Minwax is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to Keep on Finishing. We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing need.
SaleNo. 8
Ready Seal Stain & Sealer for Wood, Outdoor Deck and Fence, 1 Gallon, Multiple Colors Available – Easy to Apply, No Back Brushing Needed, and UV Protection (Mahogany #130)
  • Wood Stain and Wood Sealer in one
  • No peeling, cracking, or chipping.
  • Goof Proof application process
  • Ready Seal is designed for exterior use only
  • Approximately 125-150 sq. feet per gallon
SaleNo. 9
Varathane Less Mess Wood Stain and Applicator, 4 oz, Gray (Pack of 1)
1,175 Consomer Reviews
Varathane Less Mess Wood Stain and Applicator, 4 oz, Gray (Pack of 1)
  • 2-in-1 wood stain and applicator is perfect for crafts and small projects
  • Water-based, low odor formula is easy to use and cleans with soap and water
  • Enhances the natural beauty of wood without the mess of traditional wood stain
  • Easy flow sponge tip provides greater color control for easy application and less mess
  • Semi-transparent stain colors are buildable with multiple coats
  • Liquid volume: 16.0 fluid ounces
No. 10
1 qt Minwax 61500 Clear Pre-Stain Oil-Based Wood Conditioner
  • Specifically designed to use before staining to help prevent streaking and blotching and help ensure a beautiful, even stain
  • Quickly dries in 15 minutes to minimize project time
  • Can be applied over any wood but is especially necessary when working with soft or porous woods like pine, alder, birch, and maple
  • Evens out the absorption of oil-based stains
No. 11
Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane - Premium Waterproof Sealant -1 Gallon & Coastal Gray
  • WATER-BASED POLYURETHANE WOOD FINISH: Our sealant provides top-notch protection against wear and tear in high traffic areas. It's odorless and ideal for use on wood siding, log homes, swing sets, outdoor furniture, wooden deck and fence, and more.
  • WOOD SEALANT: Unlike many sealers that only form a topcoat, our protector penetrates below the surface to create a long-lasting, water-resistant shield around the wood. It helps resist wood damage, deterioration, and protects against the elements.
  • FLOOR SEALER APPLICATOR: Our premium gloss is ultra-low VOC and great for enhancing the extended life of your exterior flooring. The sealant can be safely applied around your home, landscaping, vegetation, or over any water area.
  • WATERPROOF SEALER: Ditch the oil-based sealers and choose a UV-stable coating option. Our fast-drying liquid creates a flexible, breathable barrier and provides a no-fuss, easy clean-up with soap and water, as it allows the wood to grey naturally.
  • SEAL-ONCE: Our user-friendly wood sealers and stains are an effective way to protect your lumber or concrete against water damage. When you use Seal-Once, you have the satisfaction of knowing our products will not harm pets, plants, or people.
No. 12
Varathane 331305 Aged Wood Accelerator, Quart, Brown, (Pack of 1)
  • For interior use on bare or untreated wood to create an aged look
  • Water-based, low odor formula with easy soap and water clean up
  • Dries to the touch in 1 hour and covers up to 275 sq ft depending on wood type and porosity
  • Replicates and creates a natural aged look in minutes
  • Final look will vary depending on the type of wood used
No. 13
Furniture Clinic Wood Stain | Multiple Finishes | Fast Drying | Indoor and Outdoor Furniture and More | Water Based, Low Odor, Non-Toxic | Polyurethane| Natural Oak (17oz / 500ml)
  • EFFECTIVE ON ALL SURFACES and QUICK DRYING: Furniture Clinic Wood Stain is a fast drying and highly concentrated wood stain making it effective on all indoor and outdoor wood surfaces. Our wood stain provides excellent coverage and ensures even color penetration. It's water based, environmentally friendly, and dries to a natural matte finish in only 10 minutes.
  • COMES IN 12 COLORS - VISIBLE WITH ONE COAT: Our wood stain comes in 9 colors ranging from dark to light and can be purchased in multiple sizes. It evenly covers and stains wood in one coat, restoring old and tired wood with a new finish.
  • SAFE TO USE: The water based formula of our stain is safer for your wood and the environment than other wood stains. It's low odor, non-toxic, easy to use, and easy to clean up! Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets, doors, trim, floors and more.
  • USE WITH IN COMBINATION WITH: After staining wood, you should finish the job by sealing the stain in with one of our Furniture Clinic Wood Waxes, Wood Varnishes or Wood Oils. These will bring out the color of the stain further, provide additional protection and can be used to alter the finish to either satin or gloss.
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: We understand that protecting your surfaces can be a very precise task, and not to worry. Our experts are here if you have questions before purchasing and if after purchasing you're not satisfied with the results (we expect you will be), we offer a money back guarantee. We know our product works wonderfully when used correctly.
No. 14
Overnight Stain Remover for Cleaning Oil Stains on Concrete, Driveway, Pavers & Garage Floors,White, AOD3232301
  • POWERFUL OIL STAIN REMOVER - oil-eating microbes clean deep beneath the surface to remove oil stains on hard & porous surfaces like concrete, asphalt, brick & stone. Works great on all types of oil, grease and petroleum-based automotive leaks.
  • RESTORES DRIVEWAYS, GARAGE FLOORS & PAVERS - product cleans stains at a molecular level, leaving surfaces looking like-new, improving curb appeal at home and work. Works great on fresh stains and older stains - multiple applications may be necessary for severe & older stains
  • 3 EFFORTLESS STEPS - pour, dry, sweep away! Simply pour on a small amount of product to cover the stain, wait overnight for the to dry to a powder, and sweep away without any scrubbing or rinsing. As the formula dries, the oil stain is pulled up from beneath the surface where it can be seperated from the concrete and swept away.
  • SAFE & SIMPLE - biodegradable formula uses no harsh acids, bleaches or hazardous materials.
  • VERSATILE - designed to work on various types of concrete, asphalt, stone & more to keep homes and offices looking their best. Also great on patios & decks to clean up grease spills from BBQ grills!
No. 15
qt Minwax 108500000 True Black Wood Finish Water-Based Semi-Transparent Color Stain
  • One coat color
  • Dries in 1 hour
  • 5x thicker for easier application
  • Color that showcases wood grain
SaleNo. 16
#1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks, Fences, & Siding - 1 Gallon (Cedar)
  • Protects wood from damaging UV rays
  • Acts as both a stain and sealer for your wood
  • Available in 4 beautiful semi-transparent finishes that dry to a flat, natural looking finish
  • Low VOCs (<50 g/L) - Water-based, easy cleanup
  • For use on all softwood types including pressure treated pine, cedar, fir or redwood
SaleNo. 17
AMTECO DIVISION OF GEMINI INDUSTRIE TWP-1530-1 Gallon Natural VOC Stain
  • Smooth, even coverage
  • Superior application results
  • Renews and refreshes exterior wood surfaces
SaleNo. 18
Minwax 308240000 Wood Finishing Cloths, Dark Mahogany, 8 Piece
  • Experience the fast and easy way to finish wood
  • Sand the wood smooth, remove any sanding dust, simply wipe on the stain and finish using the pre-moistened cloths
  • Wipe off the excess with a clean rag, let dry for an hour, and you’re done
  • One easy step
  • Wood Finishing Cloths come in 5 popular wood tones from Natural Oak to Dark Mahogany
  • Wood Finishing Cloths come in 5 popular wood tones from Natural Oak to Dark Mahogany
  • Dries in one hour and cleans up with soap and warm water
  • It's DIY in a whole new way
  • Provides beautiful results in one hour
SaleNo. 19
Birchwood Casey Easy-to-Use Fast-Acting Walnut Wood Water-Based Stain for Gun Stock Staining & Antiquing, 3 OZ Bottle, Brown
  • RICH EVEN COLOR - Birchwood Casey Walnut Wood Stain brings out the richness and beauty of fine woods gives you a tough, long-lasting finish. This walnut stain is a true, brown-walnut color for the traditional look
  • WALNUT - Water-soluble stain is sun-fast, true-to-color and non-bleeding. Produces a clear, rich color without grain clouding or smearing. It is very good for staining a maple or alder wood or making a light walnut wood darker
  • WATER-BASED STAIN - Birchwood Casey Walnut Wood Stain is water based so color intensity is easily controlled by adding water to concentrate or using full strength for light colored woods such as birch
  • TOP-GRADE PRODUCT - This top-grade product is expertly made in compliance with stringent industry standards to offer a fusion of a well-balanced design and high level of craftsmanship. Manufactured from industry-leading materials
  • BEST SHOOTING GEAR - Since 1948, serious shooters, avid collectors and professional gunsmiths have relied on Birchwood Casey for shooting and gun care products; Birchwood Casey has pioneered innovative products with an unwavering dedication to quality
  • Rich brown walnut
  • Perfect addition to any gun maintenance kit
  • Easy to use
No. 20
Minwax Store Minwax-671004444, Quart
  • Protects dense woods from moisture and UV rays
  • Enhances wood grain by penetrating into wood pores
  • Ideal for outdoor and indoor furniture or marine surfaces above the water line
  • Teak oil
  • Teak oil
  • Protects dense woods from moisture and UV rays
  • Enhances wood grain by penetrating into wood pores
  • Restores wood's natural warmth and richness
  • Ideal for outdoor and indoor furniture or marine surfaces above the water line

How to choose a good household stains

Does the idea of finding a fantastic household stains make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in household stains. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top household stains products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top household stains on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top household stains brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top household stains based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the household stains were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good household stains, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your household stains.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting household stains for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our household stains. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what household stains should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on household stains.