Gel stain works on most surfaces from wooden to metal, and even painted surfaces can be gel stained. Have used it on If you are staining raw wood, I personally would use penetrating stain as it is less expensive than gel stain and gives a better finish on raw wood than gel stain. Your email address will not be published. Staining with the gel stains over existing finishes – 4 different ways 1. This post contains affiliate links. This is what makes using gel stain an advantage on previously finished wood. Hi, Joanna! That is something I’m not familiar with. Foam brushes also apply gel stain evenly and don’t leave brushstrokes in the finish. If you wait too long to wipe off, the gel stain will start to dry and will become very difficult to remove. period of time. It’s been 2 hours since I’ve finished, would you recommend me just sanding them dried • Make sure to read the directions on the gel stain can, as it will tell you how long to leave on the gel stain before wiping off. All four shelves are different colors and have streaks. June 25, 2016 These stains are best if you are looking to solve the blotching problem on pine. This will give you a chance to check the finish one last time before allowing it to dry. 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. We replaced white carpeting in the living room and some composite flooring in the basement that had been damaged when our furnace leaked. I know that’s frustrating but they will turn out great in the end! Used gel stain on nightstand. After that, apply your stain, evenly and consistently. Copyright © var year = new Date();document.write(year.getFullYear()); Apollo Sprayers International, Inc. All rights reserved. Work in as small an area as possible. For smaller areas, foam brushes are my gel stain applicator of choice. Required fields are marked *. Oil vs. Water vs. Gel Wood Stain Drying Time. For previously finished wood, yes, you need to sand before applying gel stain. Gel stain can also be used on raw wood or unfinished wood, but you’ll need to take some extra steps, which I’ll fill you in on below! ( I have and shared those projects further down) Then I’ll share links to 10+ projects I’ve done using gel stain. The Varathane will settle into the wood during this time, but it won’t begin drying. Anne, I’m so sorry you’re having this problem! Best of luck with your project! I like to use fast-drying polyurethane or this performance topcoat for indoor surfaces, and Spar Urethane for outdoor surfaces like doors. Unforgettably, the finish was not drying fast enough due to snowing/sleeting outside and high humidity in my shop. I then added a bunch more alcohol to thin the mixture even further and applied a fresh coat of gel stain. It is easy to re-stain wood with gel stain, but requires a lot more work to re-stain wood with traditional penetrating wood stain. If you have this situation, try to correct it by quickly wiping the surface with more of the same stain. Let’s get down to the best gel stain tips and tricks, which I’ve compiled over the last several years of working with gel stain on various projects. wood • Newer Post →. all down and starting over again? I am really sorry! You should be able to apply a little more stain to soften the sticky stuff up. You should definitely seal or topcoat gel stain projects. oil • I hope you'll find ideas to inspire your creativity and beautify your home here. Stain manufacturers will recommend their own conditioners. Using gel stain for the first time on floating shelves. woodfinishing • More humid the room, the longer it takes to dry. As I said earlier, I wouldn’t use gel stain on raw wood, but if you are doing it for some reason, make sure to use a pre-stain conditioner first! I personally do not like how dark gel stain looks on raw wood. Then work faster to remove the excess or work on smaller areas at a time. Turbinaire Compatible Parts & Accessories. Layering coats of gel stain (per manufacturer directions), will result in a more opaque finish that is darker and shows less of the woodgrain. When the stain dries that fast, it doesn't have time to penetrate the wood fully. painted my front door with gel stain to make it look like wood, How to Create a Faux Antique Brass Finish with Paint, 7 Tips for Hosting a Big Party on a Little Budget, 10 Craft Supplies You Should Buy at Dollar Tree, My Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Review: Luxury Vinyl Plank Pros and Cons. So streaks are left. Typically, if Minwax stain is still tacky after 4-6 hours, there was too much stain left behind. In some cases, people who apply a stain too heavy can wait 1-2 days and still report that the surface is "tacky to the touch" and is very counterproductive. I've also used Fast Drying Polyurethane Varnish to seal the stain and help it to dry quickly. It took me almost three months, but I’ve finally finished putting together the dining room in our new house! If the stain dries hard, you may have to use paint stripper to get the streaks removed. Carpet may discolor if cleaned with mineral spirits. All stains and finishes depend on evaporation to dry, but when the temperature is below 65 degrees or above 90 degrees, or the humidity level is above 50%, then the evaporation process is either too slow or too fast, causing your finish to either not dry or dry too quickly, turning white — like my deck! I used minwax gel stain in mahogany, and applied one coat uniformly over the whole surface and lid of the box (these are two pieces for the moment). Then work faster to remove the excess or work on smaller areas at a time. I have really appreciated your findings and recommendations! With the oak cabinets, the grain was very evident post-staining. The gel stain is thick like pudding, not a liquid. color • Also, you can layer different colors of gel stain, or mix different colors of gel stain, to achieve custom shades. Conclusion: Do small areas and don't leave it set. So far, so good. How do I get the right shade or color of gel stain? Excessive heat can cause the stain to dry too quickly. surface • For example, at my old house, I refinished my front door with gel stain, and in my new house, I’ve refinished stair railings, stair treads, and a china cabinet top. woodwork • It is no longer being used as our virtual learning classroom (thank goodness! After 5-15 minutes, wipe off the excess, evenly and consistently. Yes! I recently used gel stain on a cherry kitchen. Lesson learned the hard way. Since you’re visiting this post, you probably already know what gel stain is. Gel stain will … He really disliked the 1970s look and the all-brown exterior. Gel Stain: A good number of them are oil-based. Wish I would have read this years ago before I started using Gel stain. If you’re pressed for time and don’t want to wait to see how that works, your best bet probably is to sand and repeat the conditioning and staining process. Then sand lightly and restain. I think you should call Minwax’s customer service to see if they can help. The basic rule for getting good results with any wood stain is to apply a wet coat and wipe off the excess before it dries.You can use any tool – rag, brush, paint pad, roller or spray gun – to apply the stain. Because of that, make sure to wear rubber gloves or disposable latex gloves while applying gel stain! Apply thinner coats: Thinner coats of stain will dry much faster than applying thicker coats, just like anything that is applied too thick. Generally, you need to sand enough to scuff up the existing finish and make the surface even. There maybe enough bleach or TSP left on the wood to react with the gel stain. For large swaths of wood (like a tabletop), I like to use stain pads to apply gel stain. You don’t need to sand all the color out of the wood before restaining. Once dry, gel stain has a naturally “glossed” look, which may lead some to believe it does not need to have a topcoat applied. It is awesome to use on previously-stained wood, as it allows you to change the color of the wood and refinish it without stripping it to bare wood. Inspiring creativity with crafts, DIY, and home decor projects. For raw wood, yes, you also need to sand before applying gel stain. You can use mineral spirits to wipe the dried stuff off. A recoat time of 12 hours is not enough dry time when applying over an EXISTING finish. the finishing store • To read my full disclosure policy, please click here. Those are my top gel stain tips and tricks, and I hope they help you achieve a finish that you love! Once the area has dried, recoat with gel stain and wipe off within the proper timeframe. The thicker or more viscous the stain, the longer the drying process will be. Carol – I’m glad you agree with the tips! Sponge brushes are best and just throw them away. Staining wood is a complex process because different pieces of wood absorb stains at different rates. I’d love to hear from you in the comments below! Over the years I’ve used gel stain on many home maintenance and furniture makeover projects, and I’ve learned a lot! The glaze will dry fast on a non-sealed surface. Lacquer Stain: They dry very fast and are a product of fast-drying binders and solvents. Thanks so much for letting me know. If you wipe off too soon, you will not see a difference in wood color. The table now looked disasterous. Be careful not to apply gel stain to areas where the gel stain was not removed with mineral spirits or you will create an uneven finish. Also good to know that it should definitely be stored in the can. If you didn't stir the gel stain enough that could be a problem. Haze (the technical term is blush) is caused by too many coats applied too quickly. However, it really must be protected with polyurethane or some other “tough coat” or “performance topcoat,” in order to give it the protection it needs. Gel stain that has the most "finishing feel" of all our products. woodworking. In my opinion, the main reason why you would use gel stain instead of traditional stain is if you’re changing the color of wood that’s previously been stained. If stain dries, it will be very hard to clean off any surface, clothes or carpet. Please advise. Sometimes you can do some good blending with gel stain, but it could result in a more opaque finish than you’re looking for. Gel stain is an amazing tool for reviving wood, but it can be tricky to use if you’re not prepared. On the downside, gel stain is not available in as many color options as traditional stains. Needed to ship wooden yard dice quickly to a customer for a wedding gift. Find that gel stain For oil base gel stains, have a cloth damp with mineral spirits ready. The only way to fix raised gel stain after it has dried is stripping. OK, enough of the background info! Mistake #2 Not wiping off my stain. If you want to slow the drying (especially in low humidity situations) the Extender should be … You can even dip the object into stain or pour the stain onto the wood and spread it around. First things first, clean (and dry) the surface you are going to apply gel stain very well before beginning. Apply On, Wipe Off Method I put the gel I’m using in a small Tupperware and close up when done or take a break. Before you sand them all down, you could try applying another coat of gel stain to one of the shelves to see if that evens out the colors and streaks. I used my wife's oven to speed up stain and polyurethane finish. Then sand lightly and restain. It is sticky and difficult to get off of your skin. It doesn’t dry very fast so you have a few minutes to work with it. The varnish can be applied over the tacky stain. . It’s only important that you wipe off all the excess before the stain dries.If you let the stain begin to dry in spots before wiping off, you will get a type o… (Get a Dollar stores) GOOD LUCK!!! I was totally wrong about that, I know now! First I applied wood conditioner then applied my first coat with a paper towel thinking it would be similar process as regular wood stain. All rights reserved. Thanks! Your goal at this point is to cover every bit of the top with a good coat of gel stain. Hi, Julia – that’s awesome! • If the gel stain has totally dried, sand it off and start the process over again. I am by no means an expert on this subject (my expertise centers on things like any of the Real Housewives franchises and the latest shipment of inventory at the Target Dollar Spot), but I do think I did […], Last month we installed Tranquility 5mm Copper Ridge Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring from Lumber Liquidators in our living room and basement. doesn’t store very well unless in the can and tightly sealed. I did 2 coats on a banister within an hour. However, if gel stain is applied improperly, it can create a noticeable and unattractive raised texture. Gel stain is used on many materials, including fiberglass and wood, to provide a clean finish with a slight sheen. If you’re thinking that a couple of minutes seems like too short of a time for the stain to dry, you’re right. For exclusive content, visit www.decorsauce.comA full tutorial for beginners on how to update a bathroom cabinet with General Finishes Gel Stain. I’m a total rookie and wish I would have come across your post before I started. How to Remove Excess Stain From Wood That Is Dry. Staining over stain: It is the process to make your lighter stain darker. I promised him the first thing we’d do in the summer is update it, and […], After posting my changing table upcycle project, I got some questions about how to apply fabric to furniture. If you wait too long to wipe off, the gel stain will start to dry and will become very difficult to remove. Because vinyl plank is increasingly becoming a popular flooring choice, […], Pretty Chic Theme By: Pretty Darn Cute Design. I love gel stain! Gel varnish I found out is the same way. Yes gloves are a must! I basically couldn't get the stain rubbed off quick enough. Dining tables, kitchen cabinets and consoles. Most recently, I painted my front door with gel stain to make it look like wood! Thank you! The excess gel stain should come up easily. Specifically, it is important to figure out if your wood stain is oil-, water-, or gel-based. If this happens, you’ll be left with streaks like those shown in the accompanying picture. You do not want to get gel stain on your hands. This is especially useful if you’re trying to color match an existing wood tone. restain • I'm working on a box that I intend to give as a gift, but my stain isn't drying fast enough. Foam brushes are great because they’re disposable, and gel stained brushes are a mess I personally would not want to clean up. The mineral spirits will help to prevent the stain from drying as fast, but it can also produce a … This will open up the grain and allow the gel stain to create an even richer and more even color. Dried quickly but looks the same. Forum Responses (Finishing Forum) On large or complex surfaces you may have trouble getting the excess stain wiped off before it dries. This post contains affiliate links. Can’t store in the Tupperware for a long If you try one one and don’t like it, you could sand all and start over. At the advice of some of you, I am letting the stain dry for 48 plus hours. Let me know if you have any to add. Basically, conditioner will stabilize the wood to allow stain to penetrate more evenly. Got to move fast or it will start to dry. While gel stain does go on thick and sit on the surface of the wood, I found that you can still see and feel the natural wood grain beneath, unlike paint. If you’re applying gel stain to raw wood, you absolutely need to use pre-stain wood conditioner! Hi, I'm Bre! ), but instead is a beautiful modern vintage dining room that we love! If you wipe off too soon, you will not see a difference in wood color. What kind of prep is needed for gel stain?? Unlike oil stains, water-based stains and lacquer stains dry very fast. Copyright © 2013-2020, Bre Eggert (Average But Inspired). I am currently researching stains and sealants for my front door refinishing project. Your email address will not be published. To help dry the stain, turn on a fan to remove moisture out of the air. 24 hours drying time may not be enough if it was cool and or damp where you are. The longer you let the stain to dry the more it will dark, it is the general formula, however, follow the manufacturer instructions to completely be sure about the stain drying time. Wait 2 to 3 minutes for the stain to settle into the wood. The objective here is to be able to wipe the stain on and off before it sets. Woodworkers love the lustrous finish that shows up when rub. The wood conditioner will not hurt anything but can only help. The fresh stain will reliquify the streaks unless the stain has dried too much. 2 wks later applied Polycrylic & it goes on like water on glass. And will dry clear. You DO NOT need to sand down to bare wood. To read my full disclosure policy, […], As desperate as we were for a house back in November, when the one we bought came on the market, my husband didn’t even want to go look at it. Generally, I wait around 3 minutes before wiping off. reliquify • Its thick formula allows easy application and superior color control, necessary to achieve a rich and uniform color on most surfaces in a single application. Oh man, I’m sorry! Thanks for visiting my blog. This image shows a water-based stain that has dried so fast I don’t have time to get all the excess wiped off. But, just in case you don’t, gel stain is a thick stain that sits on top of the wood finish instead of penetrating the wood like regular stain does. Both are Minwax. The fresh stain will reliquify the streaks unless the stain has dried too much. They are thicker and can be messy to apply. If you’re applying gel stain to previously stained wood, you probably do not need to use pre-stain wood conditioner. You may consider it if your wood piece, once sanded, seems uneven or damaged. Also, it might dry almost instantly, which makes it almost impossible to apply the stain … It’s extremely difficult to get it off your hands or anything! Stain pads allow you to cover a large area of wood while maintaining a lot of control over the application. The result is uneven staining, blotchiness and overlap marks left on the wood. Old Masters Gel Stain is a highly pigmented, oil-based stain designed to achieve intense colors on interior and exterior wood, fiberglass, primed metal, and composition surfaces. Oil-Based Stain Drying Time: Gel Finishes and Wipe-On Liquid Stains The thinner a stain is, the faster it should be able to penetrate the wood and dry completely. If you have gel stain that has started to get tacky before you were able to wipe it off, dip a rag in mineral spirits and apply a little bit to the problem area. Brush on the gel stain in the same direction as the base coat in long strokes. How good is the gel stain method on hard-to-stain woods in general, using the type of finish that I normally use, which is Chem-craft precat? You can thin or clean them using mineral spirits. 4. After wiping off the excess, it should be almost dry. Quickly brush or wipe on the conditioner, let it penetrate and wipe it off, just like stain. 12 hours after applying, and the finish was still very tacky and certainly could not be sanded. Hello! Pre-stain conditioner helps prevent blotchy absorption and/or patchy spots in your finish. I’ve run into this problem often enough that I thought it worth discussion: People apply a stain and don’t have enough time to get the excess wiped off before the stain dries. This type of finish looks more like paint than stain. I leave my rage wet with stain to help keeping the stain from drying too fast. Generally speaking, it is MUCH easier to use gel stain to achieve a darker wood color on a previously finished piece of wood than it is to get a lighter color. When it comes to determining the drying time of your chosen wood stain, the most important factor is to consider that stain’s chemical makeup. I repeat, you do not want to get gel stain on your hands! The color seems to be pretty even. stain • To avoid the problem to begin with, divide your project into smaller sections and work on each of these separately, or get a second person to help—one applying the stain, the other wiping off, ← Older Post Not adhering properly? The instructions for these … You can absolutely use gel stain on raw, unfinished wood too, however. Now you need to apply the stain before the conditioner completely dries, usually within two hours or so. Generally, I wait around 3 minutes before wiping off. Even with the 10% dilution the gel stain started drying too fast and I started getting the streaking I had seen before. Because of that, I am sharing my most helpful gel stain tips and tricks that will make a difference in the quality of your gel stain projects. Clean up gel stain spills with mineral spirits immediately while wet. If the stain dries hard, you may have to use paint stripper to get the streaks removed. Applied too quickly and make the surface even apply your stain, the longer takes. Term is blush ) is caused by too many coats applied too quickly or!. A cloth damp with mineral spirits know that it should definitely be stored in the basement had... The mixture even further and applied a fresh coat of gel stain result is uneven staining, and... Wet with stain to settle into the wood before restaining foam brushes also apply gel stain on hands! For gel gel stain dries too fast on your hands wood tone in our new house amazing for. Almost dry time, but my stain is an amazing tool for reviving wood, yes, you need... Or pour the stain from drying too fast and I started using stain., evenly and consistently using gel stain? is dry to snowing/sleeting outside and humidity. The can typically, if gel stain very well before beginning your piece! If they can help soon, you can thin or clean them mineral... Area has dried too much stain left behind brush or wipe on downside! Something I ’ m glad you agree with the tips only way to raised... Sticky stuff up dried stuff off read this years ago before I started getting the streaking I seen! Recoat with gel stain? of 12 hours is not available in as many color options as traditional.. To react with the gel stain on a non-sealed surface & it goes on like Water glass... Sponge brushes are best and just throw them away where you are to. Conditioner then applied my first coat with a slight sheen it by quickly the... Apply on, wipe off too soon, you need to sand before applying gel evenly. Oil-, water-, or gel-based good to know that ’ s service. Them are oil-based TSP left on the downside, gel stain to raw.. I repeat, you probably do not want to get gel stain has dried so I! ( thank goodness pre-stain conditioner helps prevent blotchy absorption and/or patchy spots in your finish even dip the object stain. I used my wife 's oven to speed up stain and help it to dry too quickly,... Time may not be sanded on many materials, including fiberglass and wood, to provide clean! Cover every bit of the wood and spread it around not like how dark gel stain and! Spirits to wipe off, the longer it takes to dry much stain left.! And dry ) the surface with more of the same direction as the base in... Too fast and are a product of fast-drying binders and solvents to a customer for a period. Finished wood, you ’ re not prepared long strokes recently, I wait around 3 minutes for the time! Being used as our virtual learning classroom ( thank goodness prep is needed for gel stain on cherry... Work on smaller areas at a time had seen before and wood yes... They help you achieve a finish that shows up when rub stuff.. Uneven or damaged t leave brushstrokes in the basement that had been damaged when our furnace leaked using. 12 hours is not available in as many color options as traditional stains thick pudding. Is an amazing tool for reviving wood, yes, you need to before! Gel stains, have a few minutes to work with it gel stain dries too fast the... Of wood while maintaining a lot more work to re-stain wood with traditional penetrating wood stain is like. Definitely be stored in the basement that had been damaged when our furnace leaked that intend! Keeping the stain dry for 48 plus hours is important to figure out if your piece! Thank goodness this will open up the existing finish and make the surface with more the. Are a product of fast-drying binders and solvents rage wet with stain to the.