Hi,

We are finishing our lower level in a water-based stain product, and we would appreciate some input from people who have gone this route.

One thing we have noticed, is some homes have very dramatic, strong colors/patterns and that is great for them, but we wanted something more subtle, with a more natural aesthetic. A little reminiscent of leather or stone is ok, but not a lot of pattern.

The color swatches I've seen from our contractor's recommended brand (H&C, through Sherwin Williams), seem rather strong, for lack of a better word. Is this product the best bet for getting a subtle, natural final finish, or is there another water-based product that delivers better results? Any other tips?