What is the Best Black Stain for Wood? (2023)

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Using a black stain can make your wood look sophisticated, but it can be challenging to find the right one. You could end up with a black color that is too light or too dark, or the stain may start to crack or fade after a few months.

So, we compiled the best black stains for wood to achieve the stunning black finish you desire.

Premium Option
General Finishes Oil-Based Gel Stain Black
Editor’s Choice
Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish Gloss Classic Black
Budget Option
Varathane 262028 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Black Cherry
General Finishes Oil-Based Gel Stain Black
Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish Gloss Classic Black
Varathane 262028 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Black Cherry
• Heavy-Bodied Gel Formulation:
• Quick Recoat Time
• Rich Black Color
• Oil-based stain
• No Sanding Required
• Easy-to-use stains
• Two-in-One Solution
• Time-Saving Application
• Premium Black Gloss Finish
• Ideal for use on bare wood or already-stained wood surfaces
• Enhances wood grain
• No Pre-Stain or Wood Conditioner Required
• One-Coat Coverage
• Easy Application
• Formulated with nano pigment particles
• Even Appearance on Difficult Woods
Premium Option
General Finishes Oil-Based Gel Stain Black
General Finishes Oil-Based Gel Stain Black
• Heavy-Bodied Gel Formulation:
• Quick Recoat Time
• Rich Black Color
• Oil-based stain
• No Sanding Required
• Easy-to-use stains
Editor’s Choice
Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish Gloss Classic Black
Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish Gloss Classic Black
• Two-in-One Solution
• Time-Saving Application
• Premium Black Gloss Finish
• Ideal for use on bare wood or already-stained wood surfaces
• Enhances wood grain
Budget Option
Varathane 262028 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Black Cherry
Varathane 262028 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Black Cherry
• No Pre-Stain or Wood Conditioner Required
• One-Coat Coverage
• Easy Application
• Formulated with nano pigment particles
• Even Appearance on Difficult Woods

Reviews of the Top Black Stains for Wood

1. Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish Gloss Classic Black

This is a one-step wood stain and polyurethane in one solution, adding rich color to the wood and providing long-lasting protection. 

What’s great about Minwax Polyshades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish is how it reduces finishing time since you can use it over polyurethane finishes. This makes it convenient to change the color of your wood surface without removing the existing finish. 

You can use it on both bare wood and already stained wood. The results of this wood stain are beautiful. It provided a dark finish with a glossy sheen. It worked great in cabinets, doors, woodwork, and furniture, and the classy black color looked stunning.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

2. General Finishes Oil-Based Gel Stain in Black

First of all, this gel stain is a fantastic black wood stain for woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts. The black color is rich and deep, giving an elegant look to any project, especially wood furniture. The half-pint size is perfect for small projects or touch-ups, and it’s incredibly easy to use.

The General Finishes Oil-Based Gel Stain in Black has a thick consistency, and it doesn’t penetrate as deeply into the wood. It forms a protective layer on the surface—perfect for achieving a uniform color appearance, especially on wood types, which tend to get blotchy. 

If you want the best black wood stain, this one is a reliable option.  

What We Like

What We Don't Like

3. Varathane 262028 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Black Cherry

If you’re looking for the best black wood stain to complete your interior projects, consider the charcoal black Varathane 262028 in Black Cherry. Its rich black cherry color has the ability to convert wood into a piece of beautiful Varathane classic black furniture quickly. 

The stain gives a truer and better color because of its soy oil-based formula that deeply goes into the wood. A lot of black wood stain reviews also report having success in achieving their desired look with this wood stain. 

On most wood surfaces, especially when staining furniture black, it gives a contemporary appearance and provides a classic feel and premium touch.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

4. General Finishes Exterior 450 Water-Based Wood Stain

We tried General Finishes Exterior 450 for interior windows, patio furniture, outdoor kitchen cabinets, and fences, and it’s perfect for these vertical surfaces.

This black exterior wood stain gives protection against harsh weather and sunlight exposure while also providing a stunning color. However, it’s not recommended for large horizontal surfaces like decks due to foot traffic exposure.

Application is effortless, and cleanup is easy with soap and water. Plus, the water-based formula dries quickly. Best of all, the stain contains UV absorbers that prevent fading and discoloration caused by sunlight exposure.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

5. Minwax Wood Finish 227644444 True Black

Minwax’s True Black stain is a stunning option for darkening any wooden furniture or surface, providing a truly deep and rich black color. The stain produces a black hue and provides a beautiful, semi-transparent finish. 

After properly preparing the surface through sanding and removing any wood debris, this oil-based wood stain has a penetrating formula that ensures a consistent black hue throughout the entirety of the wood surface.

One of the best features of this Minwax Wood Finish 227644444 True Black is how quickly it dries. The black stain soaks deeply the wood pores within five minutes of application and dries in just two hours and only one coat, making the process quick.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

6. General Finishes Water-Based Wood Stain in Black

The high-quality pigments in the General Finishes Water-Based Wood Stain in Black produced rich, dark colors that looked stunning on my wooden surfaces. This water-based wood stain is versatile and can be applied by hand or sprayed. It’s also formulated to provide workability like an oil-based wood stain.

Another advantage of this wood stain is its low odor, low VOC, water cleanup, and noncombustible properties. It’s always reassuring to know that it’s safe for humans and the environment. 

You can also create custom colors by intermixing them with other GF Water-Based Wood Stains or paints to get the exact colors you want. 

What We Like

What We Don't Like

7. Minwax 405140000 Wood Effects

For a unique touch to all your wood projects, Minwax 405140000 Wood Effects is one of the best black stains for wood. We tried it on a wooden bench and achieved a stunning charred black effect, giving the furniture a rustic, weathered look perfect for outdoor use.

This water-based stain dries within an hour and can be easily cleaned with soap and water. It is also affordable, offering great value for your money as one can go a long way. 

You can coat an entire bench with just one can. But if you want to have a deeper color, apply additional coats. 

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Black Stains for Wood Buyer’s Guide

Amount

Before starting, it’s important to figure out how much you’ll need to avoid running out of black wood stains while working. To do this, estimate the size of your project and then consult the manufacturer’s specifications to determine how much coverage their stain provides. 

This will help you purchase the right amount of stain for your project and ensure you have enough to finish the job without interruption.

Formula

To have the best black wood stain, make sure that the stain’s ingredients are compatible with the type of wood you’re using and any other finishes or sealers that you plan to apply. 

Different formulas may contain harsh chemicals that require extra safety precautions, so it’s important to check the ingredients list carefully. This will help you ensure that the stain works well with your project and that you can work safely while using it.

Tint

Know that the best black wood stains may have different undertones. To achieve the overall aesthetic you want, choose a tint that complements your design. 

Before applying the stain to the entire project, it’s a good idea to test a small area first to ensure the color is what you want. This will help you avoid any unwanted surprises and ensure that you get the desired look for your project.

Can You Stain Wood Black?

Yes, you can stain wood black using various types of wood stains available in the market. Unlike painting, staining black allows the natural wood grain pattern to show through while giving it a dark color. 

To achieve a true black or medium black color, you can choose from a range of black wood stains, including oil-based stains, water-based, and gel formulas. 

dresser stained black

It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to achieve an even, long-lasting, and beautiful wood stain.

Should I Use Black Stain or Black Paint?

Staining wood black can help protect it and make it look better by bringing out the natural patterns in the wood. 

Unlike black paint, which just sits on top of the wood, stains deeply penetrate wood pores, making it more durable and resistant to scratches. You can apply several coats of the stain without worrying about it becoming too thick or heavy, which can happen with paint. 

What is the Difference Between an Ebony and Black Stain?

Black wood stains and Ebony are similar in color, but they are not the same. The Ebony wood stain is a very dark brown, while black is black. So, if you want a darker, more opaque finish, you should choose a black wood stain. 

testing black stains on wood

However, if you prefer a lighter, more transparent finish that lets the wood grain show through, you should choose an ebony stain. It’s important to know the difference between these two stains to make the right choice for your project.

How to Stain Wood Black

Tools

Steps

Step 1: Getting the Wood Surface Ready

Before you start painting or staining wood, it’s important to prepare the surface. To do this, you’ll need to cover the floor with a tarp or drop cloth to protect it from stains and dust. 

person holding cloth

If the wood is bare or new, use an orbital sander to sand it down. If the wood has any sealant or finish on it, you’ll need to remove it by sanding it down. Start with coarse sandpaper and then move on to medium and fine sandpaper. 

Once you’re done sanding, use a clean cloth and a tack cloth to wipe away any dust or debris.

Step 2: Applying a Pre-stain Conditioner on the Wood

This step is often overlooked, but it’s actually very important for achieving full and even coverage. The conditioner helps prevent the wood from becoming blotchy. 

Simply check the product label of your pre-stain conditioner and apply it to the wood surface for the recommended amount of time.

Step 3: Coating the Wood with the Stain

Applying the black wood stain is a simple process. Start by stirring or mixing the stain to ensure the black pigments are evenly distributed. Next, use a foam brush or clean cloth to apply a coat. 

staining with Varathane 262028

Wipe off any excess stain and let it dry according to the product label. If you want dark wood stains, consider applying a second coat. Make sure to let each coat dry before applying another one. If your stain product recommends sanding between coats, be sure to do so.

Step 4: Putting on a Sealant

After the black wood stain has dried and you’re happy with the color intensity, it’s time to apply a sealant. 

Make sure the stain is completely dry before applying the sealant, as applying it too soon can ruin your hard work. Choose a sealant that won’t turn yellow over time and affect the black color. A clear coat made of polycrylic or polyurethane [1] should be a good option.

Where to Use Black Wood Stain

Tables

To stain your table black, you can choose from different best black stains for wood depending on the type of black color you want. Minwax PolyShades, General Finishes Oil-Based Stains, and Minwax True Black Stain are good options for black wood stain colors. 

Minwax 405140000 Wood Effects on wood

To apply the stain to your table, lightly sand it with 150-grit sandpaper, then apply a coat and let it dry for about two hours. 

Cabinets

Choosing the best black wood stains for your cabinets is a personal preference. However, there are important factors to consider, such as drying time, type of wood, type of black shade required, safety, and location. 

For cabinets, it’s best to choose an interior water-based black wood stain with a short drying time to avoid toxic odors or lengthy drying times.

Decks

The Minwax true black wood stain is a great choice for achieving a true black color on all types of wood projects, although it’s mainly intended for indoor use. 

staining deck black

For decks, it’s important to apply an exterior wood stain and a clear coat to protect the black stain from harsh weather conditions. 

More stain recommendations here:

FAQ

What wood looks best stained black?

The best woods to stain black are hard maple and black walnut. These woods easily and uniformly absorb black wood stains, resulting in a beautiful transformation of their natural color.

What black stain shows wood grain?

A black stain that shows the wood grain is typically referred to as an “ebony stain” or “ebonizing stain.” This type of stain is designed to give wood a dark, black color while still allowing the natural wood grain to show through.

Can you stain pine and oak black?

Both oak wood and pine can be stained black. You can stain oak black because it has a porous grain structure that readily and evenly accepts wood stains. For pine wood, you can use a black stain after applying a generous amount of conditioner, or consider using a black gel stain. 

Are there black stains that are transparent?

Yes, there are available black wood stain options that are transparent. An aniline dye-based stain is a popular choice that provides a deep black color while allowing the wood’s natural grain to show through. 

Can you use polyurethane to make the stain darker?

Polyurethane doesn’t necessarily darken the stain color. Clear coats have their own color, which may show up as a milky white presence or amber on your wood. While polyurethane doesn’t add darker wood stains, it can affect how it appears by showing its own color tone.

Our Top Pick For a Black Stain for Wood:
Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish Gloss Classic Black

The Minwax PolyShades is our woodworkers’ unanimous choice for the best black stain for wood. This innovative two-in-one solution offers the perfect combination of rich color and long-lasting protection, making it an ideal choice for all your woodworking projects. 

With its time-saving application, easy-to-use process, and stunning black glossy finish, the Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain  + Polyurethane Finish stands out as the premier choice for both amateurs and professionals alike. 

Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike.
Robert Johnson
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