Gel Stain gets its deep rich hue from a large amount of colorants. Seal the stain with a topcoat before applying glaze to prevent "color pull" when applying glaze.
We love this step-by-step video by OrganizedClutterbug about how she used General Finishes Gel Stain to refinish her kitchen cabinets! Please note, this video was not created by General Finishes, nor is it our professional recommendation for application method, but it is creative!
It's a wrap! General Finishes next round of tutorial videos are on their way! We will be releasing one per week for the month of November so stay tuned.
While Gel Stain can be applied over an existing finish, it was originally engineered for raw wood surfaces. We prefer applying the Gel Stain over a slip coat of mineral spirits instead of topcoat as shown in this video, "How to Apply Gel Stain to Raw Wood"
Click on the first photo and follow along with this photo tutorial as we finish a walnut table with 1 coat of Java Gel Stain over Nutmeg Gel Stain. Completed with 3 coats of Gel Satin Topcoat. Table design by John Harryman.
Gel Stain from General Finishes is home of the popular Java Gel Stain featured across the nation's social media for upcycling furniture and cabinets.
General Finishes offers a complete line of oil based, water based and wax products. Application techniques differ between oil based products and water based products.
Gel Stain can be mixed with up to 50% Liquid Oil Stain but be aware that this will thin the viscosity.
We recommend starting with 10% Liquid Oil Stain and testing to your satisfaction. Add more Liquid Stain as needed up to 50%. The mix will be thin and more translucent with less color saturation and intensity, but will not lose any of its properties for adhesion and curing.
Gel Satin Topcoat has been a long-time favorite finish of woodworkers, with a heavy-duty oil-and-urethane base that produces a beautiful, hand-rubbed look. Gel Satin Topcoat has a thick consistency, so there are no drips, or runs.