Not everyone finishes the same way; just make sure to experiment on the back side, not the one you see. I started out by trying my tried and true favorites…. Old cotton T-shirts work well for wiping the gel stains. Do you have something you want to refinish but preserve the look of the wood grain? My floors are applying general finishes gel stain treatment and most of the varnish was already worn away.

Much like other stains, it typically needs anywhere from 8 to 24 hours to dry between coats—of which you might need several, depending on the level of opacity you want to achieve. Generally speaking, you can use a cloth rag to wipe away wet gel stain and fine-tune the finish as you go, but it might be touch and go in tough-to-reach spots like deep cracks and extreme corners. Apply its thick consistency to horizontal tabletops or vertical cabinet framework, fine woods or those notoriously difficult to cover evenly.

Disclosure: BobVila. You agree that BobVila. All rights reserved. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Use cardboard or plastic to lean against, as it will stain. Also when doing both sides you have to make sure all fingerprints are wiped and evened out on both sides before letting it dry.

Dry time is one of your most crucial steps. If it is rainy, cold, or winter, dry times will be longer; this is normal. If the color is being removed when applying a secondary or topcoat, stop. Let it dry another day, and then continue. If in doubt waiting longer is always better. This second coat is usually brushed on, and you can again wipe excess off or take the brush and dry brush over the entire area, working and evening the stain as you go.

Keep several dry brushes or rags handy for wiping excess off brushes. Several coats can be used to add more color or depth. Always let dry fully between coats.

Wet a brush with mineral spirits to even out any areas, such as corners or deep molding, that are hard to wipe with a rag. If you mess up, use a slightly dampened mineral spirits rag to remove unwanted areas that need to be reworked. As long as the gel is still wet you can remove the product. If the gel is dry and needs to be removed, it can be sanded back off after it has been dry.

To Wipe Stains On. This is normally done if you want to add just a little color to areas that have been damaged and down to raw wood or to touch up lightly damaged areas. Apply General Finishes Gel Stain Colors Grey Treatment more coats to even color and get the depth desired. Brushing Stain On This method is normally used if a very dark, almost painted, look is desired and can be done using techniques 1 and 2.

Brush stain on by using the stain sparingly and basically dry brushing it on, evening it as you go. When the brush becomes full, wipe off excess on rags. Brush stain on heavily with bristle or foam brush , and then remove excess stain. Using the flat part of a dry bristle brush angled a bit, brush across and feather out Applying General Finishes Gel Stain Quiz in the direction of the grain pattern.

Additional stain coats will give a darker color. When dry brushing on lightly, dry time will be 24 hours. When brushing on heavy, dry time will be longer; let dry 48 hours between coats.

If it has been rainy, humid or cold out, dry time will be longer. After any of these techniques you can pad the stains out while still slightly damp. Let dry a half an hour before padding so as not to remove too much material.

Padding can help blend surfaces, breaking up grain lines, if you feel they are too strong. Put another square over the top, giving a nice smooth pad that fits in your palm. Dab the stained area, blending and smoothing out any heavy lines.

You can also use a dry natural brush to help soften or smooth out any lines. Adding Top Coats Over Gels For More Durability and Protection If you are finishing heavily used items such as kitchen cupboards, bathroom vanities or tabletops that need water and scratch resistance, you need to apply 3 to 4 coats of topcoat over these gel stains to make them water- and chemical-resistant.

Many ask if the gels can be used on laminate or plastic non-wood surfaces. It does stick to some and not to others. To test, apply gel stain, let dry for 48 hours, and then try to scratch it off. Make sure on these types of surfaces to let them dry good and long, a minimum of 48 hours for each coat.

There are many ways to use this gel stain. Perfect your own technique. Not everyone finishes the same way; just make sure to experiment on Applying General Finishes Gel Stain Off the back side, not the one you see. Thank you, Linda for bringing her for a visit and entrusting her in my care.

She just needed a light sand, some fresh stain and a poly treatment. This is the first time I have stained an entire piece this color and it is gorgeous! I definitely could have kept this one!

Framing Tools Install Exotic Wood Bowl Blanks 60