Walnut Minwax Express Color on Cedar

Stain Application

I always recommend starting on the underside first if you are staining it.  Just squirt the Minwax Express Color directly on the project.  Use a clean lint free cloth to wipe the stain into the project working in the direction of the wood grain.

Just wipe the Express Color on, and wipe it off.  It's that simple.  

Once the bottom is done, move on to the sides.  NOTE: If you were working with a project where the inside is less accessible than the outsides, I would suggest staining the inside, harder to reach areas first, and then moving on to the outsides.

May I suggest wax paper to protect your work surface here?

Finish applying Minwax Express Color and wiping off to the outsides of the project.

Then move to the inside, squirting Minwax Express Color on to the project.  You can also apply the stain to your cloth, and then use the cloth to place stain on the project.

And then just keep working it in until the entire project is
stained.  If you want to deepen the
color, you can go back after 1 hour and apply a second and third coat.

Optional Top Coat

Minwax Express Color is an all in one, meaning a top coat is not required.  But for greater durability, you can apply any top coat.  For indoor projects, good top coats include Minwax Express Finish, Minwax Polycrylic, or Minwax Water Based Wipe-On Poly.  For outdoor projects, try Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane.