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.
Gel stain top coat.
I also spray painted the metal bases at this point.
On the downside gel stain is not available in as many color options as traditional stains.
Check out this before and after using the gel stain topcoat.
If applying stain exteriorly top coating with an exterior clear finish is strongly recommended.
Gel stain works on most surfaces from wooden to metal and even painted surfaces can be gel stained.
Continue doing daily layers of stain in the same way until you can no longer see streaks in the finish.
In all of my experiences i ve had to apply 3 4 coats of gel stain.
Multiple coats will create a more opaque finish but the sheen will remain matte.
Our gel stain and topcoat is a one step combination product which is a little bit of stain mixed into a durable topcoat.
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 the thick urethane which can carry a lot of color to any surface but that color must be sealed in with.
Wet or tacky gel stain can be removed easily with a rag moistened with mineral spirits.
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.
As a result it lets some of the wood s unique markings.
Think of stain as the color and top coat as the sealer and protectant.
All stains need a top coat.
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.
General finishes focuses on state of the art water base finishes and waterbourne coatings and is the country s leader in waterbased finish technology offering wood stains dye stains top coats gel stains exterior wood finishes liquid oilbase stains water based lacquers furniture paint.
As you stir the product it becomes less gel like and is easy to brush on.
Some of the colours can be a thick gel or a thin consistency.
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.
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.
Wipe brush often on a lint free rag to remove excess stain.
The left side is scratched the right side has 2 coats of double espresso and it looks flawless.
This was the gel stain top coat i chose to finish my kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Each coat of stain needs about 24 hours to dry so plan accordingly.