This penetrating water-based stain opens up a world of possibilities in just one wood-grain-hiding coat. Ideal for small projects, unfinished furniture, cabinets, doors and trim. For interior use only. Finish every project with a clear protective topcoat like crystal-clear Minwax Polycrylic or warmly ambering Minwax fast-dry polyurethane. For truest color, use Minwax Polycrylic over light and cool colors, fast-dry polyurethane over warm wood tones. Apply stain with a synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, staining pad or rag. Allow stain to penetrate no longer than 3 minutes. Remove stain that has not penetrated the wood with a clean cloth. Wipe in the direction of the grain using light to medium pressure to achieve even stain color. Note: for best results, do not allow cloth to become saturated with stain. Replace with a clean cloth as necessary. Do not allow stain that has not penetrated the wood to dry on the wood surface. Note: any uneven color penetration can be blended. Rewet the surface with more stain and lightly rub the stain into the surface, blending light and dark areas. To darken color, apply a second coat after 2 hours repeating directions for application of first coat. Do not sand between coats.