How To Use Gel Stain

Gel stain is a versatile and user-friendly finish that is used by both DIYers and professionals. As its name suggests, it has a gel-like consistency.

It doesn’t drip or run, making it an ideal choice for staining vertical wood surfaces like doors, trim or railings. You can also use it on horizontal surfaces, making it an option for refinishing furniture.

You can also use gel stain on non-porous surfaces like fiberglass and metal to give them a wood-like appearance.

Types of Gel Stain

Gel stains are available in oil- and water-based formulas.

• Oil-Based Gel Stain: People know gel stain for its rich color. It slightly penetrates wood to enhance its natural beauty. Oil-based gel stain takes longer to dry, giving you more time to work. It requires mineral spirits for cleanup.

• Water-Based Gel Stain: This stain dries faster than its oil-based counterparts. It emits less odor, making it a better choice when you want to stain indoors. Water-based gel stain cleans up easily with soap and water.

Both types of gel stain are available in a choice of natural wood colors.

Applying Gel Stain

Gel stain is easy for most people to use. But it’s important to do a little preparation before applying the stain. These key steps will help you achieve great results.

• Prepare the surface. Remove any dust, dirt or grease from the surface. Use sandpaper or a stripper to remove any existing coatings. Before staining bare wood, sand the surface in the direction of the grain. Remove all sanding dust, and then apply wood conditioner. Make sure to pick an oil-based wood conditioner for oil-based stain. Use a water-based wood conditioner for water-based stain.

• Apply stain. Apply gel stain to your surface, using a bristle brush or foam brush. If you choose a bristle brush, you’ll want to use a natural bristle to apply oil-based gel stain. Use a synthetic bristle brush to apply water-based gel stain. If staining wood, work in the direction of the grain to maintain a consistent appearance.
• Remove excess. After allowing the stain to sit on wood for a few minutes, wipe off the excess with a clean cloth, still following the grain. For non-wood surfaces like fiberglass or metal, don’t remove the stain.
• Allow to dry. Let the stain dry completely according to the instructions on the product’s label.
• Seal the surface. Apply a topcoat such as polyurethane or spar urethane to ensure durability.

Gel stain offers a simple and effective way to rejuvenate a variety of surfaces. By following these simple steps, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results..