Cleveland – September 22, 2026 -- Minwax has introduced Minwax One Step Stain & Topcoat, a water-based product that combines wood stain and protective finish into a single application, cutting DIY project time significantly.
The formula skips wiping and dries in two hours
Unlike traditional wood finishing, which requires staining, wiping, and then applying a separate protective topcoat, Minwax One Step is brushed on like paint with no wiping step required. The product dries in just two hours, which the company says helps DIYers finish projects up to three times faster compared to using Minwax Wood Finish Water-Based Stain and Polycrylic Protective Finish separately.
Brooke Carpenter says the goal is to lower the barrier for first-time DIYers
"Wood finishing has traditionally required time, precision and multiple steps to achieve the best results," said Brooke Carpenter, Brand Marketing Director at Minwax. She added that the single-application format is designed to make staining projects more approachable for beginners while still giving experienced users a faster path to professional-looking results.
Buyers can choose from more than 240 tintable colors
Minwax One Step is available in satin and semi-gloss finishes, with over 240 tintable color options plus five prepackaged shades: Pickled Oak, Special Walnut, Dark Walnut, Charcoal Gray and True Black. It works on both bare and previously finished wood, making it suited for furniture and cabinet refinishing projects. Cleanup only requires soap and water.
The product is sold in quart and half-pint sizes
Minwax One Step Stain & Topcoat is available now at Lowe's stores nationwide and on Lowes.com. Minwax cites YipitDATA industry analytics identifying it as the top-selling brand of interior wood stains and clears for the 12-month period ending September 2025.