One of the things I love to do in my workshop is try out new products, and these two unfinished Lazy Susan trays gave me the opportunity to experiment with Minwax’s® Wood Finishing Cloths. If you’re curious about how they did, just keeping on reading….
Each resealable package contains 8 cloths, and each 7″ x 8″ cloth is pre-moistened with both stain and finish for a one-step application, perfect for a small project like my Lazy Susan.
I love the idea of including a pair of gloves with each package! So convenient!
I chose Maple for my first project. As you can see by the reflection, each cloth already has the finish combined with the stain.
To make it easier to handle, I simply folded the cloth into a pad that fit snugly in my hand.
I then began rubbing the combination stain-and-finish into the wood, going in the direction of the grain. I was pleased to see that one cloth contained more than enough stain and finish for my project.
And any excess stain can easily be wiped off with a clean cloth, again going in the direction of the grain to avoid swirl marks.
Once the top was done, I turned it over and did the same on the bottom, still using the same Wood Finishing Cloth.
Although it wasn’t required, I waited three hours, then applied a coat of Minwax® Polycrylic Protective Finish over the dried stain-and-finish to give it even more sheen, protection and durability.
And in less time than I could have imagined, my new Lazy Susan was sitting on our dining room table, ready to go to work. The verdict: the Minwax® Wood Finishing Cloths are a great way to apply both stain and finish to a small project without opening a can or using a brush.
Watch for it at your favorite home improvement center!
Until next time,
Thanks for stopping by – and be sure to check out the Minwax® Facebook page for more tips and techniques to make your staining and finishing faster and easier.
Bruce
“Parting Shots”
I occasionally have to travel, so when I do, the first thing I get out is my briefcase. I share my over-the-garage office with two cats, Percy and Patches, and two dogs, Jasper and Daisy, so when I do leave, they sometimes get upset. Patches decided last time that rather than stay home, she would ride along with me. Imagine their surprise at airport security? Many thanks! – Bruce
Hi Bruce! I saw your segment on WTVM Channel 9 on the Dee Armstrong show. I’m not a junk collector or a DIYer but found myself intrigued and encouraged that I could pick up that beautiful chair on the side of the road. My question is this, I saw you had some product, I’m thinking a wipe that cleaned up the pieces you had. I cannot find the product or know the name of it. Can you please help someone chomping at the bit to try her first DIY project with minwax ???? Pretty please?
If you’re not referring to the new Wood Finishing Cloths, Joanna, then I think what you’re looking for is Minwax Wood Cabinet Cleaner in the trigger spray bottle, followed by an application of Minwax Wipe-On Poly to restore a worn out finish. You can see how to use all of these products by scrolling through my other blog posts here. These products are available in all major hardware and home improvement stores. Have fun!
8 years ago I purchased unfinished red oak cabinets. I stained with minwax stain and applied 7 to 10 coats of minwax polyurethane. I had doors custom made (free) and they didn’t fit so I got discouraged. I purchased premade red oak doors at a box store recently and finished the same way as the cabinets. The poly on the cabinet has yellowed in the 8 years and they don’t match the new doors. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
Hello,
I have been searching for the Minwax wood finishing cloths. I live in Hamilton Ont. I have tried Home Depot Walmart and Lowe’s but they don’t carry the finishing cloths. Where can I purchase them in Canada?
Thank you,
Donna
Hi Donna! Give the Minwax Customer Service toll-free number a call at 1.800.523.9299 and they’ll be able to point you in the direction of a local retailer. Thanks for reading!