Best Brush-on Wood Stain of 2025

Mohammed Clark Avatar
Mohammed Clark
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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Brush-on wood stain is a popular product among DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. It is a versatile and easy-to-use solution for adding colour and depth to bare wood surfaces. The stain can be applied using a brush, roller, or sprayer, depending on the desired finish. With a wide range of colours and finishes available, it is possible to achieve a variety of effects, from subtle to bold. Brush-on wood stain is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance the natural beauty of their wood furniture, floors, or other surfaces.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Exterior Wood Stain - Quick Drying and Easy-to-Apply Cover #TOP 1
Exterior Wood Stain - Quick Drying and Easy-to-Apply
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Harris 10620 2-Inch Transform Wood Stain and Varnish Brush Cover #TOP 2
Harris 10620 2-Inch Transform Wood Stain and Varnish Brush
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Furniture Clinic Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner & Sponge Foam Brushes Cover #TOP 3
Furniture Clinic Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner & Sponge Foam Brushes
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Brush-on Wood Stain

Exterior Wood Stain - Quick Drying and Easy-to-Apply

EXT-WOOD-STAIN
Greys
5x15ml Tester
Exterior Wood Stain - Quick Drying and Easy-to-Apply Cover
Exterior Wood Stain (Tester Kit, Greys) - Quick Drying and Easy-to-Apply - Concentrated Wood Stain for Outdoor Wood, Garden Furniture, Windows & Cladding

Features
EASY-TO-USE And EASY CLEAN-UP: Apply With A Foam Brush, Bristle Brush Or Lint Free Cloth And, Because It Is A Water-Based Wood Stain, Just Rinse Out The Brush Under The Tap Ready To Use Again.
FAST DRYING And ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Suitable For All Softwoods And Hardwoods, Our Exterior Wood Stain Is Touch Dry In 10 Minutes And Rainproof In Just 30 Minutes. This Outdoor Wood Stain Has A Water-Based Formula Which Is Low Odour And Non-Toxic, So Safe To Use In All Outdoor Environments.
WOOD DYE: Our Stain Penetrates Wood Just Like A Dye, Allowing The Grain Of The Wood To Show Through, Enhancing The Beautiful Characteristics Of The Timber. Additional Coats Can Be Applied To Deepen The Colour.
USE WITH: After Staining Your Outdoor Wood, The Stain Is Lightfast And Water Resistant, But We Recommend You Seal And Protect The Wood With Our Teak Oil. Our Exterior Wood Stain Is Based On The Same Technology As Our Wood Stain But Is Made A Little Thicker To Suit Exterior Wood. This Means That It Can Be Used On Interior Wood Too If You Prefer These Colours.
DEEP PENETRATING STAIN: Our Exterior Wood Stain Is Highly Concentrated And Stains Wood In Just One Coat. It Can Be Used To Colour New Wood And Restore Old Wood, And Is Specially Formulated To Evenly Dye Wood, Ensuring Equal And Even Colour Penetration Throughout. Additional Coats Can Be Applied To Deepen The Colour. 28 Different Colours Available, As Well As 15ml Tester Kits In 5 Different Colour Ranges. Coverage: 13m² Per Litre.
#TOP 2

Harris 10620 2-Inch Transform Wood Stain and Varnish Brush

10620
Green
2-Inch
Harris 10620 2-Inch Transform Wood Stain and Varnish Brush Cover
Harris 10620 2-Inch Transform Wood Stain and Varnish Brush - Green

Features
Suitable For Use With All Wood Preservatives And Wood Care Treatments
Designed Specifically For Wood Care Tasks
Suitable For Use On Interior And Exterior Wooden Surfaces
Provides Excellent Bend Recovery And A Fine Finish
#TOP 3

Furniture Clinic Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner & Sponge Foam Brushes

Furniture Clinic Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner & Sponge Foam Brushes Cover
Furniture Clinic Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner (250ml) & Sponge Foam Brushes (4 Pack) - Brush & Condition to Ensure a Smooth Even Application of Stain - Water Based Staining for Indoor & Outdoor Use

Features
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: The Non-Toxic Formulation Is Water-Based, Low Odour And VOC-Free, So Is Safe To Use In All Environments. It's Easy To Clean Up With Just Soap And Water.
PRE-STAIN WOOD CONDITIONER - GIVES A MORE UNIFORM STAIN: Use To Prepare Wood Prior To Staining With A Water-Based Wood Stain. Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner Ensures A More Even Absorption Of Wood Stain, Enhances The Look Of The Wood When Stained, And Results In More Even Coverage With Reduced Blotching And Spotting.
USE WITH: After Conditioning, Stain The Wood With Our Quick-Drying, One-Coat Colour Water-Based Wood Stains Or Exterior Wood Stains. Then Improve The Finish By Sealing The Stain In With One Of Our Waxes, Varnishes Or Oils. These Will Bring Out The Colour Of The Stain Further, Provide Additional Protection And Can Be Used To Alter The Finish To Either Matt, Satin Or Gloss.
USE TO APPLY PAINTS, DYES AND VARNISHES: Use When Applying Paint, Dyes, Stains, Oils And Varnishes To Wood Or Leather.
SUITABLE FOR ALL WOODS: Our Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner Can Be Used On Any Softwoods Including Pine, Fir And Spruce. It Can Also Be Used On Porous Hardwoods Such As Birch, Maple And Alder To Help The Stain Soak In And Colour The Wood More Evenly. For Interior And Exterior Use.
NO BRUSH MARKS: Our Foam Brushes Quickly Absorb The Product And Distribute It Evenly Onto The Surface, Leaving No Brush Marks.
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR USE: These Lightweight Brushes Are Suitable For DIY Use And Crafting, Making It Easy To Apply Interior And Exterior Paints, Wood Stains And Dyes.
EASY TO USE: Simply Apply To Pre-Prepared Wood Using A Foam Brush, Bristle Brush Or Cloth. Dries Within One Hour.
BRUSHES - FOUR PIECE SET: Our Pack Of Foam Brushes Contains Four Different Brush Sizes.

Rustins Pre Stain Wood Conditioner 250ml

PSWC250
Clear
Rustins Pre Stain Wood Conditioner 250ml Cover
Rustins Pre Stain Wood Conditioner 250ml

Features
Seal Stains: Seal In Stains And Prevent Blotching For An Even And Consistent Wood Surface
Enhance Wood Finish: RustinsPre Wood Conditioner Enriches The Natural Beauty Of Wood, Ensuring A Flawless Finish
Smooth Application: Effortlessly Apply Stains, Paints, Or Varnishes After Conditioning For A Seamless Finish. ADD TO BASKET Now
Protect Surface: Safeguard Wood Against Moisture, Scratches, And Wear For Long-Lasting Durability.
Deep Penetration: With Its Advanced Formula, RustinsPre Deeply Penetrates Wood Fibers, Maximizing Protection And Longevity
#TOP 5

Furniture Clinic Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner

5060914416675
Clear
250ml
Furniture Clinic Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner Cover
Furniture Clinic Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner - Water-Based - Indoor and Outdoor Use - Low Odour and Non-Toxic – Use Before Staining Wood 250ml

Features
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: The Non-Toxic Formulation Is Water-Based, Low Odour And VOC-Free, So Is Safe To Use In All Environments. It's Easy To Clean Up With Just Soap And Water.
GIVES A MORE UNIFORM STAIN: Use To Prepare Wood Prior To Staining With A Water-Based Wood Stain. Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner Ensures A More Even Absorption Of Wood Stain, Enhances The Look Of The Wood When Stained, And Results In More Even Coverage With Reduced Blotching And Spotting.
USE WITH: After Conditioning, Stain The Wood With Our Quick-Drying, One-Coat Colour Water-Based Wood Stains Or Exterior Wood Stains. Then Improve The Finish By Sealing The Stain In With One Of Our Waxes, Varnishes Or Oils. These Will Bring Out The Colour Of The Stain Further, Provide Additional Protection And Can Be Used To Alter The Finish To Either Matt, Satin Or Gloss.
SUITABLE FOR ALL WOODS: Our Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner Can Be Used On Any Softwoods Including Pine, Fir And Spruce. It Can Also Be Used On Porous Hardwoods Such As Birch, Maple And Alder To Help The Stain Soak In And Colour The Wood More Evenly. For Interior And Exterior Use.
EASY TO USE: Simply Apply To Pre-Prepared Wood Using A Foam Brush, Bristle Brush Or Cloth. Dries Within One Hour.
#TOP 6

Furniture Clinic Wood Stain - Fast Drying

WOODSTAIN_Teak_250
Teak
250ml
Furniture Clinic Wood Stain - Fast Drying Cover
Furniture Clinic Wood Stain (Teak) – Fast Drying, Highly Concentrated, and Easy-to-Apply Wood Stain for All Indoor & Outdoor Wood – Water Based & Non-Toxic – 250ml

Features
QUICK DRYING: This Wood Stain Is Specially Formulated To Evenly Dye Wood, Ensuring Equal And Even Colour Penetration Throughout. The Stain Dries To A Natural Matt Finish In Only 10 Minutes And Has Excellent Coverage.
ONE COAT COLOUR: Our Wood Stain Is Highly Concentrated And Deeply Colours Wood In One Simple Application. Available In 12 Colours, It Can Be Used To Stain Any Type Of Wood For Indoor Or Outdoor Use. 15ml Tester Kits Available.
USE WITH: After Staining Wood, The Stain Is Lightfast And Water Resistant, But You Can Improve The Finish By Sealing The Stain In With One Of Our Waxes, Varnishes Or Oils. These Will Bring Out The Colour Of The Stain Further, Provide Additional Protection And Can Be Used To Alter The Finish To Either Satin Or Gloss.
MULTIPLE USES: Our Wood Stain Can Be Used On All Different Types Of Wood (Oak, Pine, Teak, Etc) And For All Jobs Such As Furniture, Cabinets, Doors, Floors, Toys And All Other Items Made From Wood.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: The Non-Toxic Formulation Is Water-Based, Low Odour And VOC-Free, So Is Safe To Use In All Environments. It's Easy To Use And Easy To Clean Up With Just Water.
#TOP 7

Rustins Pre Stain Wood Conditioner 500ml

PSWC500
Natural
Rustins Pre Stain Wood Conditioner 500ml Cover
Rustins Pre Stain Wood Conditioner 500ml

Features
Seal Stains: Seal In Stains And Prevent Blotching For An Even And Consistent Wood Surface.
Enhance Wood Finish: RustinsPre Wood Conditioner Enriches The Natural Beauty Of Wood, Ensuring A Flawless Finish.
Smooth Application: Effortlessly Apply Stains, Paints, Or Varnishes After Conditioning For A Seamless Finish. ADD TO BASKET Now.
Protect Surface: Safeguard Wood Against Moisture, Scratches, And Wear For Long-Lasting Durability
Deep Penetration: With Its Advanced Formula, RustinsPre Deeply Penetrates Wood Fibers, Maximizing Protection And Longevity.
#TOP 8

Littlefair's Wood Stain Water Based

Traditional Wood Colours
Medium Oak
250ml
Littlefair's Wood Stain Water Based Cover
Littlefair's Wood Stain Water Based - 250 ml - Indoor Furniture Stain Light & Dark Finishes - Special Non Toxic & Eco Friendly Formula - Wood Stain for Crafts - Colour: Medium Oak

Features
ECO-FRIENDLY & SAFE - Littlefair's Stain For Wood Furniture Dye Is Water-Based, Natural And Free From Toxic Chemicals, Ensuring A Safe And Eco-Friendly Choice For Your Woodworking Projects.
WONDERFUL WOOD AWAITS - Achieve A Premium Finish With Littlefair's Water-Based Stain For Bare, Sanded Wood, Accentuating The Natural Wood Grain's Details, And Adding Depth And Character To Your Work. IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS: The Wood Stain Needs To Be Applied To Bare Wood So It Can Soak In. If It Is Applied Over An Existing Finish, It Will Run Off.
VERSATILE BRITISH CRAFTSMANSHIP - Crafted Lovingly In The North West Of England Using The Unique Colour Formulae Created By Mr. Littlefair Himself. Our Wood Dyes Are Perfect For Indoor Wood, Including Doors, Tables, Chairs, Shelves And More. Embrace A Touch Of British Heritage In Every Drop.
FAST DRYING & LOW ODOUR - Say Goodbye To Long Waiting Times And Unpleasant Odours. Littlefair's Water Based Stain For Wood Quickly Dries With Minimal Odour So That You Can Keep Your Project On The Fast Track.
EFFORTLESS CLEANUP - Cleaning Up Is A Breeze With Our Wood Dye. Brushes Are Easily Cleaned, Saving You Time And Ensuring Your Tools Are Always Ready For The Next Project.

Polar Stain Blocker Paint - Matt White

1355
Matt White
500 ml (Pack of 1)
Polar Stain Blocker Paint - Matt White Cover
Polar Stain Blocker Paint - Matt White - 500 ml | Ideal for Concrete, Cement, Wood, Brick & Painted Surfaces | Prevents & Removes Stains, Grease, Water Marks & Rust on Internal Walls & Ceilings

Features
Permanently Block Stains: Our Stain Block White Paint Instantly Seals Unattractive And Stubborn Stains. Formulated To Stop Further Staining, It Blocks Rust, Bitumen, Grease, Pen Marks, Nicotine, Smoke Damage, Crayon, Coffee, Watermarks, Soot, Graffiti, And Tannins.
Guard Against Stain Resurfacing: Ideal Stain Block Paint For Redecorating And Painting Over Bare Wood, Plastic, Tiles, Ceramics, And Other Surfaces. Use Polar Stain Block Paint As An Undercoat To Effectively Stop Old Stains From Reappearing.
Interior Walls & Ceilings: Our Stain Blocker Is Perfect For Tackling Stains On Wood, Plaster, Cement, Stone, Metal, Plastic, And More. This Paint Ensures Stains On Interior Walls, Ceilings, Windows, And Doors Are Effectively Blocked And Remain Covered.
Extensive Coverage: Polar Stain Block Paint Is Simple To Apply, Making It An Ideal Primer For Pre-Decorating. Each Litre Covers Up To 11m². The Paint Is Touch Dry In 3 Hours And Re-Coatable In 12-24 Hours. Quickly Cover Affected Areas With A Brush Or Roller. Apply A Second Coat If Needed And Allow It To Dry Thoroughly Before Repainting Or Wallpapering.
Attractive Finish: Achieve A Smooth, Attractive Matt Or Satin Finish On Your Walls And Ceilings With Long-Lasting Results. Our Stain Block Paint Effectively Tackles Any Surface Stain And Is Available In White And Magnolia. Apply The Paint Evenly From Left To Right Or Up And Down For Optimal Effectiveness And A Consistent Coat.
#TOP 10

Village Green Ready to Use Wood Stain

Village Green
Flower Pot
50ml
Village Green Ready to Use Wood Stain Cover
Village Green Ready to Use Wood Stain - Water Based, Eco Friendly, Premium Quality (Flower Pot, 50ml)

Features
Clean Up With Just Water, So Experiment, Make A Mess & Get Creative!
Ready To Use, Water-Based Wood Stain For Interior & Exterior Use. Eco Friendly, Premium Quality, Odour Free. 100% Chemical Solvent Free, 99.8% VOC Free
Produced In The Heart Of The UK. 50ml Sample Bottles Available In Every Colour
Extremely Versatile, Layer Up, No Dragging Of Previous Layers. Use As A Standalone Product Or Finish By Sealing With A Wax, Oil, Lacquer Or Varnish
Coverage = 12-15 m2/L On Sanded Wood
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it better to spray or brush on stain?

Brushes waste the least amount of stain or finish. Only the amount that remains in the brush after you are done is wasted. Rags waste the amount of stain or finish that remains in the rag when you are done. Spray guns waste all the stain or finish that bounces back off the object or misses the object.

2. Is it better to apply stain with a rag or brush?

Apply stain with a brush or a rag, depending on preference. With a staining brush, work both with the grain and against it. Don't worry about being neat; all that matters is getting a nice, even, liberal coat over the wood.

3. What brush is good for wood stain?

Natural bristle brushes can be cleaned and reused for multiple projects, making them one of the best brushes to apply stain. Synthetic bristles are best with 100 percent acrylic and acrylic or oil stains. Unlike natural bristles, they won't become limp.

4. What happens if you don't wipe off wood stain?

If you do not wipe off the stain or spread it too thickly, it will become sticky and blotchy as the solvents within the stain evaporate. Usually, you may want to leave the stain on for a few minutes to let it apply the color. As a rule of thumb, the longer the stain stays on the wood, the darker the color you achieve.

Editor's Notes

During our brush-on wood stain research, we found 74 brush-on wood stain products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 85,405 customer reviews through our big data system to write the brush-on wood stain list. We found that most customers choose brush-on wood stain with an average price of £12.21.

The brush-on wood stain are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of brush-on wood stain, including Furniture Clinic, Harris, RUSTINS, Littlefair's, Polar Specialist Coatings. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 930 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Mohammed Clark Avatar

Mohammed Clark is an architect and a contractor. His architectural skills are not limited to designing the plan for structures alone, but it extends to aesthetics and home décor. Before establishing his firm, he worked under a construction firm for eight years. Mohammed has gathered enough experience from his time practicing as a professional architect and now has vast knowledge in home designs and aesthetics.