Minwax is owned by Sherwin-Williams (the United States, NYSE: SHW), which acquired the brand on 7 January 1997 for $830 million.[1][2] Minwax was founded in 1904 in the United States and was independent until 1997.
Minwax makes wood stains, varnishes and finishes and is the leading brand for treating bare wood in the United States. Sherwin-Williams acquired it with Thompson Minwax in 1998. Its Polyshades and polyurethane finishes are the standard recommendation in American home improvement for sealing furniture and floors.
Sherwin-Williams acquired all outstanding shares of Thompson Minwax Holding Corp through a wholly owned subsidiary, effective 7 January 1997. Buying the shares and paying off Thompson Minwax debt took about $830 million, financed largely with commercial paper that the company refinanced with bond issues later that year. The purchase brought the Minwax wood finishes and Thompson's WaterSeal lines into a company that had until then sold mostly paint.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is the parent company of Minwax?
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The parent company of Minwax is Sherwin-Williams, a publicly listed company headquartered in the United States.
Is Minwax American?
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Yes. Minwax originated in the United States in 1904 and its owner, Sherwin-Williams, is also headquartered in the United States.
When did Sherwin-Williams buy Minwax?
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Sherwin-Williams completed its acquisition of Minwax on 7 January 1997. The deal was valued at $830 million (enterprise value).
Who owned Minwax before Sherwin-Williams?
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Minwax was an independent company from its founding in 1904 until Sherwin-Williams acquired it in 1997.
Is Minwax still owned by Sherwin-Williams?
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Yes. As of 16 September 2026, Minwax is still owned by Sherwin-Williams. The ownership record was last checked against primary sources on that date.
Sources (2) & corrections
Last verified . Every ownership fact above is backed by one of these primary documents. Numbers in brackets in the text refer to this list.