How to Remove Minwax

Minwax is a major manufacturer of wood finishing products, including wood stains, and an unpleasant scenario in working with wood stain is discovering that the color imparted by the stain is unsightly. Unlike paint, wood stain penetrates the wood, so it is not easily covered up. However, it isn't necessary to sand off the entire top layer of wood to remove a Minwax stain. Some sanding is necessary, but the use of solvents can minimize how much sanding you need to do.


Dip a clean cloth into a container of a suitable solvent, such as mineral spirits or paint thinner. Rub the solvent into the wood, using short circular movements. Continue refreshing the cloth so it is always wet, and if the cloth becomes impregnated with stain, replace it.


Allow the wood to dry for several hours (or overnight, if more convenient) once you think you have removed most of the stain. Examine the wood once it is dry to determine if most of the stain is out. If only a faint trace remains, continue to Step 3. Otherwise, repeat Steps 1 and 2.


Sand the wood with a handheld rotary tool fitted with a 120-grit sanding disc to remove the residual Minwax stain from the wood.


Wipe the grainy, stained sawdust away with a tack cloth