Not all stains are created equal, and this is true when it comes to staining maple woods. Some stains cannot fail to bring out the natural beauty of the wood, but they can also lead to discoloration and unevenness.
To ensure the best result, I tested the best stains for maple wood available in the market, and here are the results:
Reviews of the Top Stains for Maple Wood
1. General Finishes Water-Based Wood Stain, Espresso
I appreciate how General Finishes Water-Based Wood Stain in Espresso produces rich, dark colors without harsh chemicals. It has the same workability as oil-based stains, making it easy to achieve a beautiful finish.
One of the great things about this maple wood stain is that it can be sprayed or hand-applied, so you have flexibility in how you want to apply it. It’s perfect for indoor use only, and it’s non-combustible, has low odor, and has low VOC.
You can create custom colors by mixing this stain with other GF Water Based Wood paints. And to add some extra depth, mix it with any GF water-based topcoat for tone and tint.
What We Like
- Resistant to wear and tear.
- Offers ample coverage
- Provides a uniform stain penetration
- Best maple wood stain
- Can be cleaned with soap and water
- Low in volatile organic compounds (VOC), making it less toxic
- Simple to apply
What We Don't Like
- Limited to indoor use only.
- Requires the use of an additional sealant
2. Minwax Gel Stain for Interior Wood Surfaces, Antique Maple
If you’re looking for the best stain that offers excellent control and beautiful results, this Minwax Gel Stain for Interior Wood Surfaces in Antique Maple is an excellent option.
One of the standout features of this gel stain is its non-drip formula, which makes application much easier – even on vertical surfaces. The thick texture of the gel stain gives greater control over the color to achieve the exact hue easier.
For those who prefer a classic and warm color, the Antique Maple Stain is an attractive choice that works well on different projects. It creates a rich, maple-colored finish that adds elegance.
What We Like
- Simple to clean.
- From a well-known and trustworthy company
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- There are 12 different wood stain colors available
- No need for it to penetrate the fibers of the wood
- Does not leak or run
- Has a wide range of uses
What We Don't Like
- Gloves are necessary as they can be messy to handle.
- Must be disposed of in a responsible manner
3. Varathane 262006 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain
The Varathane 262006 suits interior wood surfaces, including paneling, trim, maple doors, and cabinets. Its oil-based formula is fast-drying and provides one-coat coverage, making it an excellent option for those who want to finish their project quickly.
Another advantage is that it dries to the touch in just one hour, so you won’t have to wait long before applying a second coat. In addition, it can cover up to 275 square feet, which is a significant amount of coverage for the price.
Its high-performance stain system is further improved by nano pigment particles that accentuate the natural wood grain and enhance the wood’s natural beauty.
What We Like
- Simple to clean
- Affordable
- Enhances the wood's natural grain
- Provides complete coverage in a single coat
- User-friendly
- Quick drying time
What We Don't Like
- It can only be used for indoor wooden surfaces
- Some colors are not accurate
4. Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain and Polyurethane Finish
The Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain and Polyurethane improves the look of maple wood by giving it a uniform color and enhancing its texture. It protects the wood from damage and extends its lifespan.
The good news is that it can be applied over other polyurethane finishes without any hassle. This can be cleaned easily using mineral spirits and dries quickly. It’s good that it’s available in both satin and gloss finishes – housed in an aerosol can.
While the application process for this wood stain is quite straightforward, it’s crucial to apply it rapidly as it has a quick drying time.
What We Like
- Comes in a variety of maple stain colors to choose from.
- Easy to clean up with mineral spirits
- Results in a rich and deep color
- Can be applied on top of other polyurethane finishes, providing long-lasting protection
What We Don't Like
- Inconsistent results can occur if the instructions are not followed carefully.
- Not suitable for outdoor surfaces
5. Rust-Oleum 260358 Ultimate Wood Stain
The Rust-Oleum 260358 is a top-quality and one of the best maple wood stains that are perfect for improving the look of interior surfaces. Its powerful formula enhances the natural wood grain, providing a rich and uniform color in just one coat without requiring a wood conditioner.
It will dry to the touch in only one hour, allowing you to move on to other tasks without worrying about smudging or sticking. Additionally, it can cover a considerable area of up to 70 square feet per half-pint. Its oil-based formula provides long-lasting protection and can also be top-coated with polyurethane.
What We Like
- Results in a deep and consistent color.
- Able to penetrate deeply into the wood
- Affordable and has a fast drying time.
- Long-lasting
- Comes in various colors to choose from.
What We Don't Like
- Limited to indoor woodwork only.
- Not suitable for finished wood
6. Minwax Wood Finish 70012 Dark Walnut Oil-Based Wood Stain
The Minwax Wood Finish 70012 Dark Walnut is an oil-based wood stain that deeply penetrates the wood to enhance the natural wood grain while providing a uniform color. This is perfect for staining interior wood surfaces like cabinets and maple doors.
Thanks to its unique formula, this wood stain can penetrate the wood pores in as little as five minutes, prevent overlapping, and dry within two hours.
Applying the wood stain is easy; just follow the wood grain pattern direction using a clean rag or brush. Sometimes, applying only a few coats of this wood stain is enough to get the desired hue, so there is no need to use the product too much.
What We Like
- No need for thinning.
- Requires fewer coats to achieve a darker color
- Easy to apply, even for those with little experience
- Distributes evenly for a uniform color
What We Don't Like
- Additional protection is required for the wood.
- Limited to indoor use only.
7. Howard Products RF2016 RF3016 Restor-A-Finish
The Howard Products RF2016 RF3016 Restor-A-Finish is a unique formula that can penetrate and restore wood finishes and blend out minor abrasions, scratches, and blemishes.
One of the key features of Restor-A-Finish is its convenient wipe-on, wipe-off application process. Within a few minutes, it can revive the look of a wide range of finished wood surfaces that might require a full refinishing job.
Besides, it can remove smoke damage, oxidation, sun fade, watermarks, and white heat rings without compromising the existing finish. This is perfect for those who want to refurbish their wooden furniture without removing the current finish.
What We Like
- It can be used on drawer fronts.
- Does not require the use of mineral spirits for cleaning maple cabinets
- No need to pre-wash before the application
- Restores wood finishes without the need to remove existing finish
- No need to wear gloves while using this maple stain
- Comes in various color options
What We Don't Like
- Some of the colors may not be an exact match.
- Highly flammable.
8. Varathane 331305 Aged Wood Accelerator
If you want to achieve an aged look on your interior wood, the Varathane 331305 is a great option. Specifically designed for untreated or bare wood, it offers a low-odor, water-based formula that’s easy to clean up with water and soap.
It dries quickly and can cover up to 275 square feet, depending on the type of wood and its porosity.
One of the main advantages of this product is that it creates and replicates a naturally aged look in just a few minutes, saving time and effort compared to traditional aging methods. However, it’s worth noting that the outcome may differ depending on the kind of wood.
What We Like
- Imparts a distinctive look to various types of wood.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Dries quickly
- Contains a low amount of volatile organic compounds
- Low in odor
- Effortless to clean up
- Simple to apply
What We Don't Like
- Only available in one stain color
- It cannot be applied to other finishes.
9. General Finishes Oil-Based Penetrating Wood Stain
The wood stain penetrates the grain of the wood and accepts stains uniformly, which results in a beautiful and even finish without any unsightly streaks or blotches.
The application process is also very simple. You can choose to brush it on, wipe it on with a rag, and then wipe it off. Additionally, clean-up is a breeze with mineral spirits.
Another great feature of General Finishes Oil Based Penetrating Wood Stain that makes it one of the best stains for maple wood is its versatility. It can be top-coated with either water or oil-based products. This allows you to customize the finish to your liking and provides added protection to the wood.
What We Like
- It can be cleaned up using mineral spirits.
- The formula penetrates deeply into the wood
- 13 different maple stain colors are available
- Has a wide range of uses
- Simple to apply
What We Don't Like
- The container may be difficult to open.
- Not suitable for indoor use
What are the Properties of Maple That Make it Hard to Stain?
Due to its durability and beautiful wood grain patterns, Maple is a popular choice for hardwood flooring, furniture, and cabinetry. One of the reasons why maple is preferred over other types of wood is its resistance to staining.
Maple wood has several properties that make it difficult to stain, including its tight grain structure, low porosity, and high density.
The tight grain structure of maple means that it has fewer wood pores or openings for stains to penetrate, which makes it less likely to absorb excess stains.
Additionally, maple has a low porosity level, which means it absorbs stain slowly, providing more time to wipe off excess stain before it penetrates the wood.
Lastly, maple is denser than many other types of wood, making it less likely to absorb moisture, preventing stains from setting in.
Why Do I Get a Blotchy and Patchy Finish When Staining Maple?
Does maple stain well? One of the main reasons maple can appear blotchy and patchy when stained is due to uneven absorption of the stain. Because maple has a tight wood grain structure, some wood areas may absorb more stains than others, leading to an uneven appearance.
This can be exacerbated by any sanding or planing that may have occurred before staining, creating inconsistencies in the wood’s surface. Additionally, oil stains can make maple appear blotchy due to its high viscosity and slow drying time.
To minimize blotchiness and achieve a more uniform stain penetration when staining, it’s important to properly prepare the wood surface by sanding it with fine-grit sandpaper and applying a pre-stain wood conditioner.
A water-based stain (or even a gel stain) is the best stain for maple rather than oil-based stains, as these tend to absorb more evenly and are less prone to blotchiness. Applying multiple light coats of stain can also help achieve a more even finish.
Stain Types That Work Well on Maple Woods
Even staining is difficult to achieve in Maple wood. However, certain stains work well on maple and can help achieve a beautiful, consistent finish.
- Water-based Stains: Water-based stains have a lower viscosity than oil stains, allowing them to penetrate the wood more evenly and with less blotching. Additionally, water-based stains dry more quickly than oil stains, reducing the time the stain has to sit on the wood and potentially creating blotchy areas.
- Gel Stains: Gel stain is thicker in consistency than traditional liquid stains, which can help them cling to the surface of the wood and provide a more even coloration. Gel stain is also less likely to be absorbed unevenly by the wood, which can reduce blotching.
- Tung Oil: Tung oil is a natural, non-toxic oil often used as a finish for maple wood floors and furniture. You can use tung oil on maple to help bring out its natural beauty while also providing a protective layer that helps to prevent water damage and staining.
- Water-soluble Wood Stains: Water-soluble stains are similar to water-based stains in that they are easy to apply and clean up with water. They also provide a more even coloration than an oil-based wood stain, making them a good choice for maple wood.
- Linseed Oil: Linseed oil is another natural oil that can be used to finish maple wood. It provides a warm, amber coloration to the wood and is easy to apply. However, it can take a long time to dry and can become sticky if not allowed to cure fully.
- Oil-based Wood Stains: Oil-based stains are a popular choice for staining maple due to their ability to penetrate deeply into the wood and bring out its natural beauty. However, an oil-based wood stain can be more prone to blotching, so applying a pre-stain conditioner before staining is important.
How to Stain Your Maple Wood Pieces
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- Topcoat
- Pigmented stains
- Sandpapers with a grit size of 120 and 180
- Pre-stain wood conditioner or sanding sealer
- Mineral spirits
- Damp cloth
- Wood stain brush
- Rags or any pieces of cloth
- Chemical stripper
Step #1: Clean and Prepare Your Work Area
To avoid a messy workspace while working with wood stains, it’s crucial to prepare the area properly. One of the key steps is ensuring adequate ventilation and airflow throughout the workspace.
Another important step is organizing your tools in a way that’s easy to access without stretching over other items. Keeping all the tools on the same side as your dominant hand is recommended.
Lastly, position your workspace directly in front of you to avoid accidentally brushing against or tilting the workpiece, which could cause the stain to spill.
Step #2: Strip the Old Finish Off (If Needed)
To begin refinishing your maple wood pieces, it’s important to get rid of any existing finish on them.
This can be accomplished by applying a wood chemical stripper to the surface, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then using a plastic scraper to remove the old finish. After that, wipe down the surface of the cabinets with a damp cloth and allow it to dry.
Step #3: Sand the Surface
Next, in the process, the goal is to achieve a smooth surface on the wood, which can be accomplished through sanding. Begin using 120-grit sandpaper for light sanding, but remember that this may result in some sanding scratches.
To address this, use 180-grit sandpaper to gently sand these scratches before moving on to a 220-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface.
Step #4: Apply Wood Conditioner
Before proceeding with the staining process, it’s important to take a few preparatory steps. One such step is to apply either a pre-stain wood conditioner or a sanding sealer to prevent the stain from being absorbed excessively and causing uneven staining.
For example, the Rust-Oleum Zinsser shellac sanding sealer is an excellent option for use as a base coat. Alternatively, if you prefer a wood conditioner, the Minwax pre-stain conditioner is a good choice for achieving optimal results.
To apply either of these products, mix them with an appropriate solvent, such as denatured alcohol for the Zinsser sanding sealer or mineral spirits for the Minwax conditioner.
Then, apply the solution evenly to the wood surface and wait for it to dry completely before beginning the process.
Step #5: Wait for it to Fully Dry
Once you’ve applied the pre-stain wood conditioner or sanding sealer to the surface of the wood using a brush or rag, allow it to dry completely for several hours. Typically, a drying time of 6 to 8 hours should be sufficient.
After this time, inspect the wood surface for any blotchiness. If you do notice blotchiness, it’s important to reapply the conditioner or sealer to the affected area, allowing it to dry for at least overnight before proceeding with the process.
Step #6: Apply a Coat of Stain
When it comes to applying maple stain, the key is to exercise patience rather than relying on any particular level of skill.
It’s recommended that you test your stain on a practice wood piece first, as this will give you a good idea of the amount of stain required to achieve your desired effect and to see the reaction of the wood to the stain.
If you’re aiming for a lighter color, using Linseed or tung oil may be best instead of stain. However, if you want to stain maple wood dark, an oil-based wood stain can be applied using a sponge.
For sizeable workpieces, it’s recommended to apply the wood stain consistently, starting from one end and continuing until the other end, while following the direction of the wood’s grain.
If your workpiece is unconventional, start staining from the middle section and then progress toward the edges. Be sure to top up the stain if your sponge or cloth becomes dry.
While oil-based stains may be more challenging, gel-based or water-based wood stain products require less preparation. However, consider your budget, time constraints, workspace, and application method when choosing the appropriate stain for your wood piece.
Step #7: Apply a Finish
Once you’ve achieved the desired stain color on your maple wood pieces, protect now the wood surface and ensure its longevity.
Applying a top coat is an effective way to safeguard the wood from scratches, stains, and other forms of damage. A Polyacrylic finish or polyurethane topcoat can be used for this purpose, both of which are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Staining Maple Cabinets
Staining maple cabinets can be a great way to update the look of your kitchen while preserving the natural beauty of the wood. However, staining maple cabinets can be challenging due to the low porosity of the wood and tight grain structure.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to stain maple wood cabinets:
Step 1: Remove the Cabinet Doors and Hardware
Before starting the staining process, removing the cabinet doors and hardware is recommended to make it easier to work on the cabinets and ensure that the hardware does not interfere with the process.
Step 2: Clean and Sand the Cabinets
Clean the cabinets thoroughly with a mild detergent and water, and allow them to dry completely. Sand the cabinets with 220-grit sandpaper, following the grain of the wood to create a smooth and even surface. Remove any sanding dust with a clean cloth.
Step 3: Apply Wood Conditioner
Apply a thin, even coat of pre-stain conditioner to the maple wood cabinets. This helps to prevent blotching and ensures an even finish. Allow the conditioner to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Apply the Stain
Apply a light coat of wood stain using a paintbrush or foam brush. Apply the stain to the grain of the wood, and wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. If desired, allow the stain to dry for the recommended time before applying a second coat.
You can apply a penetrative stain such as dye stain, oil stain, or water stain, or a non-penetrative option like gel stains can be considered. Whichever type of stain you choose, it’s important to use a conditioner with it to ensure optimal results.
However, a conditioner may be unnecessary if you opt for a dye stain.
Step 5: Apply the Finish
Once the stain is fully dry, apply a coat of finish using a paintbrush or foam brush to the stained maple. Allow the finish to dry completely before sanding lightly with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough spots. Apply a second coat of finish if desired.
Urethane and oil are both effective in creating a highly durable finish on surfaces. In cases where an even stronger level of protection is required, Poly can be used to create a “bulletproof” finish that will provide exceptional resistance against damage.
How Do You Stain Maple Darker?
Staining Maple with a dark stain can be challenging for DIYers, particularly with tight-grained woods like hard birch ply, maple, and cherry that absorb stain unevenly.
Staining Maple wood dark is a little bit hard because it needs more preparation and attention to detail. However, it’s still possible to stain maple dark without struggling with blotches by following these steps:
- Remove the previous finish: Use a chemical stripper to remove any existing paint or finish. Follow the product’s instructions, then scrape it off with a putty knife or paint scraper.
- Sand the wood: Start with 120-grit sandpaper, progress to 180-grit, and finish with 220-grit. Sand in the direction of the maple wood grain so that stain can deeply penetrate wood pores.
- Raise the wood grain: Water the wood to make it wet, let it dry, then lightly sand again with 220-grit sandpaper.
- Apply wood conditioner: Mix equal parts of sanding sealer and denatured alcohol, then apply to the wood surface. Allow it to dry for a few hours.
- Use a dye or dark stain: Choose an oil stain with black color, a dark walnut gel stain, or an aniline-trans tint dye. You can also mix the dye with water if needed.
- Apply thin coats: Apply a thin dark maple stain or dye coat. You can add more coats to stain maple wood darker. Let the wood dry between coats.
- Seal with tinted shellac: Mix tinted dewaxed shellac with a bit of water and apply it gently to the wood surface, then allow it to dry.
- Apply final finish: Choose a finish like polyurethane, tung oil, linseed oil [1], or polyacrylic, and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Best Stain Colors for Maple
There are two types of stains available for Maple: penetrative and pigmented.
Penetrative stains are designed to soak into the wood and are suitable for smooth, well-sanded Maple surfaces. In contrast, pigmented stains sit on the surface of the wood and require a rougher surface to adhere to.
When selecting a Maple stain color, you can choose from a range of colors, including:
- Honey maple wood stain
- Early American stain on Maple
- Special walnut stain on Maple
- Provincial stain on Maple
- Minwax stain colors on Maple
- American Walnut
- Traditional Mahogany
- Country Pine
- Golden Oak
- Natural maple stain
- Traditional Cherry
- Cinnamon
Tips and Tricks for Staining Tight-Grained Maple Wood
- To avoid blotchiness when staining Maple, use a wood dye stain.
- To prevent uneven stain absorption, condition the maple with a sanding sealer or pre-stain wood conditioner.
- Choose a wood dye or gel stain to achieve a maple stain darker.
- Gel stains are recommended as they sit on the surface and don't penetrate, avoiding uneven coloration.
- Applying dye stains will ensure that the cells are uniformly colored.
- If blotching occurs, sand the end-grain areas with 220 or 320-grit sandpaper to prevent excessive stain absorption.
- Another method to prevent blotching is applying glue size on the end grain. Mix white glue and water, apply to the end grain, let dry, lightly sand, and re-stain.
Maple Stain or Dye: Which Should You Use?
When it comes to enhancing the appearance of maple wood, you may find yourself choosing between stain and dye. Both options have their merits, but the decision ultimately depends on your desired outcome and personal preferences.
Stains are generally more beginner-friendly, containing pigment stain that fills the wood pores and creates a more even, consistent finish. This can be especially beneficial for maple, known for its tight, closed-grain structure that often leads to blotchy staining.
Conversely, dyes offer a more vibrant color palette and can create a deeper, richer appearance. They penetrate the wood fibers more effectively, accentuating the natural beauty and figure of the maple.