Minwax 710740000 Finish Penetrating Interior Wood Stain, 1 Gallon (Pack of 1), 250 VOC Ipswich Pine, 128 Fl Oz

Hi, thanks for giving our Oil-Based 250 VOC Wood Finish Stain, our Wood Putty, and our stainable Wood Filler products a try and for your feedback. Sorry to hear that you did not have success with any of them. Regarding our 250 VOC Stain, it is required to wipe off within 5 minutes of application, until no stain comes off on the cloth. This is to ensure that no excess stain is on the surface. If there is, there will be drying issues as well as issues when one of our protective finishes is applied. Yes, our label does not advise to using any type of mineral spirits or thinner to wipe the surface. In regards to the purpose of our Wood Putty, if applied as directed IN nail holes and minor imperfections, once applied in the surface of the wood, it should not come out, and offers a quick solution to filling these spaces. Since it does not harden, it is not recommended to apply anything over it. Finally, regarding our Stainable Wood filler product, It accepts stain, though sometimes at a different rate from the surrounding wood. If you are willing to try it again, try these suggestions, to help get a closer match to the surrounding stained wood: 1.) Lightly sand filler before applying stain (no finer than 100 grit.) Over-sanding or using a finer grit tends to close pores. 2.) Stain as soon as possible after the filler hardens, following our label instructions for the stain. The longer the filler cures, the harder and less porous it will be, and therefore the less stain it will absorb. 3.) If the first coat of stain is not as dark as desired, in a sample area, use a piece of 100-grit sandpaper and dampen the sandpaper with the stain you are using. Use this paper to wet sand our Stainable Wood Filler. I would recommend rubbing out the area with light pressure in the same direction as the wood grain. Increase your rubbing/sanding pressure as needed. You should notice that the combination of the stain and sandpaper is blending the Wood Filler compound with the surrounding stained wood. Here again, practice your technique in a test area or inconspicuous spot. 4.) If the spots are so small that the wet sanding technique is not practical (finish nail holes), you may have to use a topical stain, such as our Gel Stain, in a matching color, and using an artist's brush, paint the stain lightly on the spots. Rather than wiping, allow the stain to dry on the surface, which may take up to 48 hours. If desired, to achieve more of a wood grain effect, 5 minutes after applying the stain, use a dry brush to drag through the stain in the direction of the wood grain, then let dry. These techniques should help blend the filler with the surrounding stained wood. I know this is a lot of information. If you would like to further discuss your rating, please contact us directly at info@cbgbrandreview.comor by phone at 1-800-523-9299. Sincerely, Dane @ Minwax Customer Support.

Thank you for taking the time to review the Wood Finish Cherry Stain. The previous version that states "penetrates, stains, and seals" was also semi transparent, we just did not have that on the label. The formula has changed as the stain now dries quicker than previously, but the color has not changed. If you would like to discuss your review further, please contact us directly at 1-800-523-9299 or info@cbgbrandreview.com. Sincerely, L.T., Digital Care Team