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Oil Based Gel Stain

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.

Do Gel Stains Require a Topcoat?

Gel Stains (Oil Based)

All stains need a top coat. Think of stain as the color and top coat as the sealer and protectant.

The high urethane content of General Finishes Gel Stains results in a lustrous finish that tends to fool people into assuming no sealant is required. The beauty of Gel Stain comes from thick thick urethane which can carry a LOT of color to any surface, but that color must be sealed in with top coat. An added bonus of top coat is that it also protects the wood from drying out.

Think of stain as the color and top coat as the sealer and protectant.

Does Gel Stain Need a Top Coat?

sofa table finished with gel stain up against a wall

Post Date

Wed, 12/10/2014 - 12:00

Yes. All stains need a top coat. Think of stain as the color and top coat as the sealer and protectant. Discover the best topcoat for your gel stain.

What pre-existing surfaces can I apply General Finishes Gel Stain (AKA One Coat Wonder) to?

Post Date

Tue, 04/08/2014 - 12:00

You can apply Gel Stain to MDF, stained surfaces

Boring to Beautiful with General Finishes Java Gel Stain

before and after of bathroom cabinets refinished with java gel stain

Post Date

Mon, 03/24/2014 - 12:00

Melissa Harvey used General Finishes Java Gel Stain

How to Update Existing Cabinets with GF Gel Stain

Post Date

Thu, 07/30/2015 - 12:00

In this video, Tom and Sheryl Monahan of General Finishes show how to refresh existing oak cabinets with General Finishes Brown Mahogany

Kitchen Makeover with Java Gel Stain

before and after of kitchen cabinets using java gell stain

Post Date

Thu, 08/29/2013 - 12:00

Check out this refinished kitchen in Jav

*Can I Mix Gel Stain Colors Together to Achieve Other Colors?

Gel Stains (Oil Based)

Yes, you can mix similar products together at any ratio to make more color options.

You can also mix with 10% General Finishes Liquid Oil Based Wood Penetrating Stains to obtain a slightly thinner stain than the normal Gel Stain formula.