RECOAT/DRY TIME: Ideal drying conditions are 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% humidity. If you are working outside ideal conditions, be cautious about dry time. Other factors are 1) the surface you are applying to and 2) the application method. On denser surfaces, such as an existing finish, the dry time will be longer. A "painted" finish is thicker, and will take longer to dry, than one that is wiped down or dry brushed. Prepping will affect this process - if there is wax on the surface, the finish may never adhere. And if Pledge has ever been used on a piece, there is silicone contamination, which is difficult to remove.

 

These dry times relate to Gel Stain applied over raw wood.

• Dry-time to touch: 4-6 hours.

• Dry-time to recoat with stain: 12 to 24 hours. Do not recoat until you are sure the stain is dry. 

• Dry-time to apply oil-based topcoat: 12 to 24 hours.  

• Dry-time to apply water-based topcoat: 72 hours.

• Dry-time for light use: 7-10 days.

• Cure time: 21 to 30 days

 

These dry times related to Gel Stain applied over an existing finish.

• Dry-time to touch: 4-6 hours.

• Dry-time to recoat with stain: 24 to 48 hours. Do not recoat until you are sure the stain is dry. 

• Dry-time to apply oil-based topcoat: 24 to 48 hours. 

• Dry-time to apply water-based topcoat: 72 hours.

• Dry-time for light use: 7-10 days.

• Cure time: 21 to 30 days

• CURE TIME: Cure time for all General Finishes oil based products is about 30 days. Dry time and cure time are totally unrelated. During the curing process protect your flat surfaces and avoid placing any heavy items on horizontal surfaces or sliding anything across the surface. 

 

APPLICATION METHOD: Wipe on, natural bristle brush, foam brush, paint pad applicator, roller

TOPCOAT: Use Gel Satin Topcoat or Arm-R-Seal. You can also use waterbased High Performance, but wait 72 hours before applying when changing from oil to water based finishes.
CLEANUP: Mineral spirits.
COVERAGE: 200 sq.ft/qt VOC:<550 g/l (4.59 lbs/gal).
RECOMMENDED USES: any wood project, fiberglass doors, interior or exterior.

HOW TO APPLY OIL BASE GEL STAIN

See VIDEO on how to apply Gel Stain on raw wood and layer colors

• Sand wood to 120-150 grit. Sanding between coats is optional.

• Apply Gel Stain on liberally with a poly foam brush, Handi-Painter applicator, natural bristle brush, or a cotton cloth.

• Then wipe off with the grain using a clean dry cotton cloth or even better, high quality paper towels.

• Additional coats can be applied for a deeper, richer color.

HOW TO USE OIL BASE GEL STAIN OVER EXISTING FINISHES

See VIDEO on how to upcycle existing oak cabinets with Java Gel Stain.

PREPARE THE SURFACE

• Cover any glass with blue painter's tape. Remove (or tape off) any hardware as the gel will stick to it.

• Clean the surface with mineral spirits and scotch brite pad or a mixture of 50/50 denatured alcohol and water.

• Sand the surface with 400 grit paper or a soft back sanding sponge. This is not a heavy duty sanding, but a light buffing.

• Wipe off dust with a tack cloth or a water dampened rag. Let dry.

TWO WAYS TO APPLY GEL STAIN OVER EXISTING FINISHES
 

1. Apply On/Wipe Off Method:
Work on one section at a time. Apply gel stain liberally with a cotton cloth, shop towel, pad, brush, or Handi-Painter applicator. Wipe off excess stain with a cloth or high quality paper towels.  Wipe with the grain and blending any adjoining areas. Additional coats will darken the initial coat.
2. Painting Stain On:
This method is normally used if a very dark painted look is desired. Dry brush on sparingly the first coat. Brush on the second coat heavily with a bristle or foam brush and then dry-brush the excess stain off with a clean brush. Using the flat part of a dry bristle brush (slightly angled) brush across and feather out in the direction of the grain pattern. Additional coats will give a darker color.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 

Can I mix Gel Stains together to achieve other colors? Yes, mix like products together to make more stain options. You can also mix with GF liquid oil base stains to obtain a slightly thinner stain than the normal gel formula.

How can I tell if the stain is dry? If the stain feels cool to the touch, its not ready. If it is raining, cold, or humid dry times will be longer. If in doubt, waiting longer is always better.

What is the best top coat to use over Gel Stains? Oil Base GF Gel Satin or Water-based High Performance Polyurethane (after 72hrs dry time).

Will Gel Stains darken with another coat? Yes, Gel Stains will darken with additional coats.

 

Are GF products compatible with other brands? It might work, it might not. We can't troubleshoot results if you use another manufacturer's products with ours. 

 

Can Gel Stain be applied over laminate counter tops?  The answer is NO.  Not much adheres to laminate very well. Folks have successfully put Gel Stain on more surfaces than we ever dreamed of including fiber glass but if you want to proceed, TEST your procedure on a hidden area first and let cure for 14 days. Then further test the finish by duplicating normal wear and tear: washing, scrubbing, scratching, etc to see if the finish bonds to the surface. It might not adhere. The finish was developed for raw wood, and our concern is that some day in the future it would fail on you. We cannot vouch for application to other surfaces.

 

Can Gel Stain be applied over a high gloss paint finish on kitchen cabinets? Possibly but not recommended - the high gloss is an issue. Folks have successfully put Gel Stain on more surfaces than we ever dreamed of including fiber glass but if you want to proceed, TEST your procedure on the inside of a door first, let the door cure for 14 days. Then further test the finish by duplicating normal wear and tear: washing, scrubbing, scratching, etc to see if the finish bonds to the surface. It might not adhere. If you want to proceed with your testing, the cabinets need to be de-glossed and then sanded with 150-180 grit sandpaper before attempting to apply gel stain. You can buy a De-Glosser solvent at any paint store. We think Chalk Paint would be a better choice this paint is more flexible and tends to adhere well to many surfaces, but test that the same way also.