The primary difference between gel and a traditional stain is that gel stain sits on top of the wood while a traditional stain sinks in.
Gel stain top coat.
Unlike traditional oil and water based stains gel stain is very easy to apply by wiping it on with a brush versus having to rub it in like most stains.
Multiple coats will create a more opaque finish but the sheen will remain matte.
Gel stain works on most surfaces from wooden to metal and even painted surfaces can be gel stained.
As you stir the product it becomes less gel like and is easy to brush on.
Appropriate for mill work furniture cabinets garage doors windows decks and more.
Continue doing daily layers of stain in the same way until you can no longer see streaks in the finish.
The left side is scratched the right side has 2 coats of double espresso and it looks flawless.
This is a water based top coat so you have to wait 3 days after doing the oil gel stain.
Check out this before and after using the gel stain topcoat.
Wet or tacky gel stain can be removed easily with a rag moistened with mineral spirits.
Think of stain as the color and top coat as the sealer and protectant.
Each coat of stain needs about 24 hours to dry so plan accordingly.
Wipe brush often on a lint free rag to remove excess stain.
I also spray painted the metal bases at this point.
As a result it lets some of the wood s unique markings.
All stains need a top coat.
It also has a uv stabilizer which helps protect the finish from breaking down in the sun.
The beauty of gel stain comes from the thick urethane which can carry a lot of color to any surface but that color must be sealed in with.
To complete the graining process wait until the first coat of minwax gel stain is completely dry 24 48 hours then apply a second coat of gel stain with a natural bristle brush in the direction of the grain pattern created.
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.
On the downside gel stain is not available in as many color options as traditional stains.
Our gel stain and topcoat is a one step combination product which is a little bit of stain mixed into a durable topcoat.
If applying stain exteriorly top coating with an exterior clear finish is strongly recommended.
Apply a liberal coat of gel stain with a firm synthetic brush or lint free rag and work the stain across and into the grain uniformly feathering out streaks while stain is wet.
Like our natural sfo the patina gel stain can be used as a protective top coat however remember it will have a yellowing effect as it is an oil base.
In all of my experiences i ve had to apply 3 4 coats of gel stain.