Ask Mylow

Mylow is an AI virtual assistant.

More Information

Can I use on previously stained wood?Does this clean up with water?Is it safe for indoor use?How do I apply this stain?What is the recommended number of coats?

Minwax PolyShades Oil-based Espresso Semi-transparent Satin Interior Stain ( Half-pint )

Name: Minwax PolyShades Oil-based Espresso Semi-transparent Satin Interior Stain ( Half-pint )
Brand: Minwax
SKU: 999913961
Rating: 4.3 (2348 reviews)

Shop Minwax

4.3

2348

Get Pricing & Availability

Manufacturer Color/Finish: Espresso

Container Size: Half-pint

1-quart

Half-pint

Sheen: Satin

Gloss

Satin

Here are some similar items...

MinwaxWood Finish Color Series Oil-based Dark Walnut Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

122

MinwaxPolyShades Oil-based Antique Walnut Semi-transparent Gloss Interior Stain ( Half-pint )

2345

MinwaxGel Stain Oil-based Aged Oak Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

734

MinwaxWood Finish Water-based Dark Walnut Solid Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

354

MinwaxWood Finish Oil-based Dark Walnut Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( Half-pint )

6517

MinwaxGel Stain Oil-based Black Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

766

MinwaxWood Finish Oil-based Espresso Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

6512

MinwaxOne Step Water-based True Black Semi-transparent Semi-gloss Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

146

MinwaxOne Step Water-based Special Walnut Semi-transparent Semi-gloss Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

146

MinwaxPolyShades Oil-based Olde Maple Semi-transparent Satin Interior Stain ( Half-pint )

2344

MinwaxWood Finish Oil-based Espresso Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( Half-pint )

6512

HowardRestor-A-Finish Oil-based Walnut Semi-transparent Satin Interior Stain ( 1-pint )

156

MinwaxPolyShades Oil-based American Chestnut Semi-transparent Satin Interior Stain ( Half-pint )

2344

MinwaxGel Stain Oil-based Coffee Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

771

MinwaxWood Finish Oil-based Dark Walnut Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

6522

COMPLETE YOUR STAINING PROJECT

PurdyWhite Bristle 2-1/2-in Reusable Flat Stain Brush

624

MinwaxOil-based Pre-stain wood conditioner ( 1-quart )

922

MinwaxPolycrylic Water-based Clear Transparent Satin Interior Stain ( 1-gallon )

3084

Project SourceCotton Cloth

Klean Strip128 -fl oz Fast to dissolve Odorless mineral spirits

953

3MPRO Grade Precision 15 -Piece Aluminum Oxide Multi-grade pack -Grit Disc Sandpaper

161

MinwaxColor-Changing 5.5 Ounce(s) Natural Wood Filler

908

Norton AbrasivesRed Heat Extra coarse 36 Grit Sheet Sandpaper 12-in W x 18-in L

Project Source5-Gallon Steel Paint Stir Stick

132

Ram BoardSurface Protector Paper 3-ft x 100-ft Drop Cloth

139

HGTV HOME by Sherwin-WilliamsInfinity Satin Ultra White Tintable Interior Paint Paint + Primer ( 1-gallon )

4475

GEAdvanced Silicone 10.1-oz Window and Door Clear Silicone Caulk

4629

PurdyDual Roll Off 640-fl oz Paint Pail

166

Simpson Strong-TieStrong-Drive SD #9 x 1-1/2-in Mechanically galvanized Exterior Construction screws 100 -Per Box

426

Best Price. Guaranteed

Find a lower price on an exact item? We'll match it. Some exclusions apply.

Price Guarantee

FREE Returns

Return it in store or ship it back for free. Eligibility rules apply.

Return Policy

FREE Shipping

Delivery is on us for orders over $45. Some exclusions apply.

Shipping Details

Minwax® PolyShades® enhances wood grain by combining beautiful rich stain color and long-lasting polyurethane protection in one easy step.

Can be used over polyurethane finishes, so you can change the color of your finished wood, without removing the existing finish
One-step product reduces finishing time
Easy application with a high quality natural bristle brush
Two coats are recommended; to deepen the color, apply a third coat
Mineral spirits clean up

General
Sub-Brand	PolyShades	Base Material	Oil-based
Clean-up Method	Mineral spirits	Use Location	Interior
Transparency	Semi-transparent	Unit of Measure	Fluid ounce(s)
Apply with Brush	Yes	Unit of Measure Quantity	8
Apply with Roller	No	Number of Coats Recommended	2
Apply with Paint Sprayer	No	Sheen	Satin
Apply with Paint Pad	No	Color/Finish Family	Black
Shake Can Before Use	No	Manufacturer Color/Finish	Espresso
Package Quantity	1	Paint Color Family	Black
Stains	Yes

Dimensions
Container Size	Half-pint	Maximum Coverage Area (Sq. Feet)	75

Features
Stain and Sealer in One	Yes	Finishes	Yes
Pre-Tinted	Yes	Revives	No
Stain and Polyurethane in One	Yes	Conditions	No
Dries Clear	No	Dry to Re-Coat	6-8 hours
Gel	No	Dry to Touch	6-8 hours
Protects	Yes	Tintable	No
Seals	Yes

Certifications
CA Residents: Prop 65 Warning(s)	Prop 65 WARNING(S) -

Warranty
Warranty	Limited lifetime

Compatibility
For Use with Doors	Yes	For Use on Softwood	Yes
For Use on Fiberglass	No	For Use on Clear Coated Wood	Yes
For Use with Furniture & Cabinets	Yes	For Use on New or Bare Wood	Yes
For Use with Shelving	Yes	For Use with Small Projects	Yes
For Use on Stripped Wood	Yes	For Use with Hardwood Floors	No
For Use on Veneer	Yes	For Use on Previously Stained Wood	Yes
For Use on Plywood	Yes	For Use with Moulding & Trim	Yes
For Use on Hardwood	Yes

Miscellaneous
UNSPSC	31211700

Check out the Best Selling Interior Stains on Lowes.com

Review

4.3 out of 5

2348 Reviews

82% Recommend this product

Ratings may include incentivized customer reviews.

Read All Reviews

+ 244

What Customers Are Saying

The Minwax Polyshades product has received mixed reviews. Some customers found it easy to use with good coverage and color matching, leading to satisfactory results. However, many reported issues with the application, such as uneven finish, streakiness, and difficulty achieving an even coat. Several customers also complained about the strong odor and long curing time, which made the product unusable in their homes for weeks. Overall, the product seems to work well for some customers but can be problematic for others, with potential application challenges and strong fumes.

Customer review summary generated by AI, including incentivized reviews.

2348 Customer Reviews

Sort By

I will buy it again and again

Would Recommend

This is the first time I have used the PolyShades instead of just the Wood Finish penetrating stain. I like both and have worked with both but the PolyShades required less separate coats and still provided a deep color and finish.

AK28October 8, 2026
From PolyShades Oil-based Bombay Mahogany Semi-transparent Satin Interior Stain ( 1-quart ) Verified Purchaser

Was this Review Helpful ?

Inconsistent

Would Not Recommend

Any product that is this Inconsistent from the reviews is garbage. Don't waste your money.

EdwardSeptember 26, 2026
From PolyShades Oil-based Classic Black Semi-transparent Gloss Interior Stain ( Half-pint )

Was this Review Helpful ?

Response from MINWAX

We apologize you had an issue when using our product. If you would like to discuss your review further or have any questions, please contact us direc... Read More

MINWAXSeptember 28, 2026

MINWAX

Okay product

Would Recommend

This is a great product but love the look of satin better than the gloss.

DiapgaskinSeptember 14, 2026
From PolyShades Oil-based Espresso Semi-transparent Gloss Interior Stain ( 1-quart ) Verified Purchaser

Was this Review Helpful ?

Easy tinted poly

Been using this product for a few years now. Provides an easy way to touch up existing poly finishes. Colors are pretty accurate and application is easy. A little pricey but worth it in a pinch.

ErBrSeptember 8, 2026
From PolyShades Oil-based Antique Walnut Semi-transparent Gloss Interior Stain ( Half-pint ) Verified Purchaser

Was this Review Helpful ?

Fussy to use

Would Not Recommend

Unlike most standard stains , which you wipe off after application, you leave this on to fully dry. Unfortunately, that makes it more likely to create unevenness or blotchy spots, especially on edges where a little extra may seep around a corner. The idea is that it saves time, not having to add an additional polyurethane finish. But it’s much fussier to work with than regular stains. I had to re-sand multiple pieces to get rid of blotches. If you use it, believe the instructions that say “app...

BrianHSeptember 1, 2026
From PolyShades Oil-based Classic Black Semi-transparent Gloss Interior Stain ( Half-pint ) Verified Purchaser

Was this Review Helpful ?

Response from MINWAX

Thank you for taking the time to review the Polyshades. We apologize you did not get the desired results when using this product for your project. Ap... Read More

MINWAXSeptember 2, 2026

MINWAX

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 10

80 Questions

Read All Q&A

Sort By

What product do I use to fill nail holes before using PolyShades?

Can this product be used to touch up a wear areas,prolonging time needed to strip and restain?

Can this be used over minwax polyacrylic?

Why is this product not recommended for floors? What would happen if used in this way?

If I add multiple coats of polyshades classic oak sanding between coats will it darken finish with each coat? I need to match some old finished oak.

Where can I find gallon size polyurethane in the pecan color

I put the second coat on and it's been 14 hours, but it's still a bit sticky. What can/ should I do?

Can this be used on sauder furniture or particle board, or just wood?

can this stain be sprayed?

Can this be used on unfinished interior wood windows?

Minwax: Featured Videos

COMPARE PRODUCTS

		Name	Current Item MinwaxPolyShades Oil-based Espresso Semi-transparent Satin Interior Stain ( Half-pint )
		Ratings	2348
		Transparency	Semi-transparent
		Container Size	Half-pint
		Gel
MinwaxGel Stain Oil-based Coffee Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )	MinwaxOne Step Water-based Special Walnut Semi-transparent Semi-gloss Interior Stain ( 1-quart )	MinwaxWood Finish Oil-based Espresso Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )	MinwaxWood Finish Color Series Oil-based Dark Walnut Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )	MinwaxWood Finish Oil-based Dark Walnut Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )	MinwaxGel Stain Oil-based Black Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )	MinwaxWood Finish Water-based Dark Walnut Solid Interior Stain ( 1-quart )	MinwaxWood Finish Oil-based True Black Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )	MinwaxWood Finish Oil-based Ebony Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )
771	146	6512	122	6522	766	354	6512	6518
Semi-transparent	Semi-transparent	Semi-transparent	Semi-transparent	Semi-transparent	Semi-transparent	Solid	Semi-transparent	Semi-transparent
1-quart	1-quart	1-quart	1-quart	1-quart	1-quart	1-quart	1-quart	1-quart