What is a gel stain?
Gel stains are thick stain that you apply to a wood surface. Unlike traditional stains that soak into the wood creating a new color, gel stains are applied to the surface of wood and can be built up similar to a paint. Unlike paint, gel stains still allow you to feel the underlying texture of the wood.
Can You sand down gel stain after it has dried?
If the gel stain has totally dried, sand it off and start the process over again. Do I need to sand before applying gel stain? For previously finished wood, yes, you need to sand before applying gel stain. Generally, you need to sand enough to scuff up the existing finish and make the surface even. You DO NOT need to sand down to bare wood.
What is the best way to prep before applying gel stain?
The best rule of thumb, for most anything you are “reviving”, is to at least quickly run the sandpaper over the finish before applying the gel stain. Be sure to wipe down all dust before applying. If you are applying to natural, unfinished wood, the prep would be the same as any traditional stain application.
Can You thin gel stain with mineral spirits?
Gel stain can be thinned with mineral spirits. This will dilute the stain (resulting in a lighter color) and create a glaze, which can be used either for staining or adding a unique antiquing appearance on top of paint. Will mineral spirits remove gel stain? Mineral spirits will remove wet or tacky gel stain.
Can gel stain be used on Laminate flooring?
In addition to this non-permeable surface factor, General Finishes Gel Stain is an oil-based product, and it is more difficult to obtain proper drying characteristics over a dense manufactured surface such as laminate. Gel stains, as all wood stains, were formulated to go over raw wood which has an “open” surface and can absorb some of the stain.
What is Old Masters gel stain?
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. 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.