Gel Stains

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation for Gel Stain

All raw wood projects require preparation sanding before applying stain, and all existing finishes require prep cleaning and sanding. If you skip this critical step, your finish may fail.

Preparation for Raw Wood Projects
See our video: How to Prep Sand Raw Wood

Prep sand with 120-grit sandpaper followed by 150-grit sandpaper. Do not over-sand with fine-grit sandpapers; this will close and seal the wood grain, preventing ideal color absorption.
Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, a tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
Let dry completely before applying General Finishes product.

Preparation for Projects with an Existing Finish
For high-use areas with heavy grime build-up and oil from hands, give your project a deeper cleaning.
See our video: How to Prepare Existing Finishes

Scuff clean with a Scotch Brite™ pad or maroon synthetic steel wool and a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water. Avoid cleaning with products containing phosphates (salt), which can linger in the substrate and produce a white haze. If your project requires a deeper cleaning, see Power Prep Cleaning Highly Used Existing Finishes below.
Dry 1-2 hours.
Sand lightly with a fine-grade (220-320-grit) foam sanding sponge or 400-grit sandpaper.
Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, a tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
Let dry completely before applying General Finishes product.

Power Prep Cleaning Highly Used Existing Finishes
See our video: How to Power Prep Existing High Use Finishes for Stain or Paint

Scrub clean with a detergent, such as Spic and Span or Dawn, using a Scotch Brite™ pad.
Rinse well with water.
Scrub clean with a Scotch Brite™ pad and a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water. Dry 1-2 hours.
Sand lightly with a fine-grade (220-320) foam sanding pad.
Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, a tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
Let dry completely before applying General Finishes product.

Alternative Cleaning Solutions for Existing Finishes (Not as aggressive or effective as denatured alcohol; requires rinsing.)

50:50 mix of bleach and water
50:50 mix of vinegar and water
Mineral spirits can be used when working with water-based products, but only if the surface is thoroughly rinsed and allowed to dry for 72 hours.

Step 2: How To Apply General Finishes Gel Stain

General Finishes Gel Stain Application Steps

Stir the stain to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can.
Work in a well-ventilated area. Open windows and doors, or use other means to maintain fresh air flow during application and drying.
If desired, thin stain with mineral spirits. Start by adding 5% by volume and increase up to 15% as needed.
There is usually no need for General Finishes Pre-Stain Conditioner Natural to improve color uniformity. Gel Stain is loaded with pigments that provide deep uniform coverage.
Test your complete finishing process before starting. The stain color is affected by variances in wood and deepened with the application of topcoat.
Surface Preparation is essential. See "Step 1: Preparation for Gel Stain."
Divide your project into manageable sections: top, side, drawer, door, table seam.

7. Hand-Application over Raw Wood:
See our video on How To Apply Gel Stain to a Raw Wood Surface.

Optional: Apply a slip coat of mineral spirits over the raw wood immediately before application to facilitate the flow of stain on the surface and reduce lap marks. (This is not a conditioner.)
Working quickly, apply a LIBERAL coat with smooth, even strokes using a natural bristle brush, foam brush, staining pad, pad applicator or foam roller.
Gel Stain dries quickly for all the reasons customers love it: it is loaded with colorants and solids. If not enough stain is used, the surface may dry too quickly, causing an uneven appearance.
On large surfaces, leave a wet edge between passes to prevent lap marks. We recommend getting a buddy to help apply the stain.
Stain one section at a time, leaving a wet edge between sections.
Wipe off the excess evenly with the grain using high-quality absorbent paper towels, shop towels or open-weave cloths, such as cotton terry towels for larger projects.
Check for missed spots and lap marks before moving to the next section.
Do NOT use cotton t-shirts to wipe away stain because they will "push" the stain around and not absorb it.
Immediately correct lap marks by rewetting the entire working area with stain and wiping off the excess.
Pull excess stain out of corners and details with a natural bristle brush.
Let the stain dry 12-24 hours in ideal conditions: 70°F/20°C, 50-70% humidity. Inadequate dry time is one of the top reasons for Gel Stain finish failure. If in doubt, wait longer. Increase dry time if:
- Humidity is over 80%
- 3+ coats are applied (not recommended)
- Thick coats are applied
- Layering General Finishes water- and oil-based products:
  - Water over oil: Let oil-based products dry 72+hr before applying water-based products
  - Oil over water: Let water-based products dry 24+hr before applying oil-based products
- If Gel Stain is tacky after 5 days, dry time requirements have not been met and it may never dry. The only alternative is to strip off the finish and start over.

8. Optional: apply a second coat to deepen the color. Apply no more than 2 coats.

9. Finish with 3 coats of General Finishes topcoat, letting each coat dry 72 hours.

7. Dry Brushing Over an Existing Finish

Finishes dry in two directions: upwards the air side and absorption in raw wood. When finishes are applied over an existing finish, dry times must be increased.
See our video tutorials:
- How To Update Kitchen Cabinets Using a Dry Brush Technique
- How to Update Existing Wood Finishes With Gel Stain
Prep cleaning and sanding is essential. See "Step 1: Preparation for Gel Stain."
Test your complete finishing process before starting. The stain color is affected by variances in wood and deepened with the application of topcoat.
Apply stain with a natural bristle brush or foam brush. Feather out uneven areas and pull excess stain from corners using a bristle brush. Discharge accumulated stain from the brush onto a paper towel soaked with mineral spirits as you work.
Let the stain dry 72+ hours in ideal conditions: 70°F/20°C, 50-70% humidity. You can tell if an oil-based finish is dry if it is no longer tacky, and cool to the touch. If in doubt, wait longer. Increase dry time if:
- Humidity is over 80%
- 3+ coats are applied
- Thick coats are applied
- Applying over products from other brands
- Layering General Finishes water- and oil-based products:
  - Water over oil: Let oil-based products dry 72+hr before applying water-based products
  - Oil over water: Let water-based products dry 24+hr before applying oil-based products
- If Gel Stain is tacky after 5 days, dry time requirements have not been met and it may never dry. The only alternative is to strip the finish off and start over.

8. Optional: apply a second coat to deepen the color. Apply no more than 2 coats.

9. Finish with 3 coats of General Finishes topcoat. See "Step 3: Topcoat Over Oil-Based Stain."

7. Painting on Stain Without Wiping Away (raw wood or existing finish):

When painting on Gel Stain without wiping away, let the stain dry 72+ hours between coats in ideal conditions: 70°F/20°C; 50-70% humidity.
Layering General Finishes water- and oil-based products:
- Water over oil: Let oil-based products dry 72+hr before applying water-based products
- Oil over water: Let water-based products dry 24+hr before applying oil-based products
Tip: If you are using General Finishes Java Gel Stain, General Finishes recommends using General Finishes Dark Chocolate Milk Paint instead of painting on Gel Stain. This Milk Paint color matches a solid application of Java Gel Stain, is much faster to apply, and offers easy water clean up.

Step 3: Topcoat Over Oil Based Stain

Always seal General Finishes oil-based stains with 3 coats topcoat to lock in the color. You can use either oil-based or water-based topcoat. When layering water-based and oil-based products, increase the dry time:

Water over oil: Let oil-based products dry 72+hrs
Oil over water: Let water-based products dry 24+hrs

DO NOT use General Finishes Enduro-Var Topcoat with oil-based products.

General Finishes Arm-R-Seal

Thinner consistency.
Oil-based.
Ambers.
Available in Satin, Semi-Gloss and Gloss sheens.
Because of its thinner consistency, Arm-R-Seal is easier to apply over large and detailed surfaces, such as kitchen cabinets.
General Finishes most durable retail topcoat and suitable for high-use areas.

General Finishes Gel Topcoat

Thick consistency.
Oil-based.
Ambers.
Available in Satin sheen. This satin is shinier than Arm-R-Seal satin.
Durable and suitable for high-use areas.

General Finishes High Performance or General Finishes Flat Out Flat Water Based Topcoat

Looks "white" in the can.
Drys clear.
Water cleanup.
Brush or spray.
High Performance is very durable and suitable for high-use areas.
Flat Out Flat is designed to look and feel like a wax finish; it is recommended for low-use projects.

Creative Finishing Techniques Using Gel Stain

Mixing Gel Colors

Gel stains can be intermixed to create custom colors.
Gel Stain can be mixed with no more than 10% Liquid Oil Stain is added by volume. The liquid stain will thin the stain, which may help it spread more easily but it will not have as much coverage.
Gel Stain can be layered over other General Finishes water and oil-based stains. Allow for adequate dry time when layering water and oil products. See video tutorial: Can Oil and Water Based Finishes Be Applied on the Same Project

Cleanup of Oil Based Products

Cleanup
Clean up application materials and hands with mineral spirits or waterless hand cleaner, like Goop or Gojo.

Disposal
Take great care when disposing of product-soaked applicators. Application materials, such as brushes and towels, containing oil-based products may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. Immediately place all application materials soaked with this product in a sealed, water-filled metal container. Dispose of in accordance with local fire regulations.

Spills
Clean up spills with mineral spirits immediately while wet. If oil-based finishes dry, they are difficult to clean off any surface, clothes or carpet. Carpet may discolor if cleaned with mineral spirits.

Prevention
Protect your workspace with a tarp, your hands with gloves, and your clothes with an apron.

Storage of Oil Based Stains

Life of Product
General Finishes products do not last forever, even when unopened. They are best used within 1 year. The life of the product may be extended several years with proper care and storage. Oil finishes tend to last longer than water finishes.

Storage Tips
See our video: Tips on Storing Leftover Finishes
Oil-based products start to harden and cure when exposed to oxygen. The following best practices will increase the life of your product:

Pry open sealed lids with a paint can opener by hooking under the lid's rolled edge. The use of a screwdriver can disfigure the rim and lid, impairing a complete seal.
Keep lid closed while working. Decant what you will use into a bowl, paper cup, or plate, and close can lid as you work. Every minute the can is open, the product is curing.
Clean the chime of the can thoroughly with a paper towel before closing to create a complete seal. Product in the chime can be minimized by using a pouring lid, such as Fitsall. Avoid wiping used brushes on the lid.
Pound the lid in place using a rubber mallet to avoid distorting the chime or lid. Dents in the lid from direct contact with a hammer can impair a complete seal. Alternatively, place a flat piece of wood over can lid and firmly pound shut.
Store in moderate temperatures. Avoid temperatures below 50°F/10°C or above 80°F/26°C. Keep from freezing. Frozen and heat-damaged product cannot be revitalized. Temperature-controlled spaces, such as a basement, are ideal for storage. Do not store product in an attic, garage, in direct sunlight, or next to an open flame source such as a water heater or furnace.
Store can upside down to create a liquid seal, minimizing oxygen exposure from within the can. Decant remaining product from the can before stirring.
Add Bloxygen To Sealed Product. Bloxygen is an argon gas system that prevents oxygen and moisture from hardening leftover product. Because Bloxygen gas is heavier than air, it sinks to the surface of the leftover finish, creating a barrier between product and air trapped in the container.
Decant leftovers to a smaller container when the finish is almost used up to reduce the volume of oxygen in the container.

STORING MIXTURES

Mixtures involving colors & sheens within the same product line CAN be stored
E.g., Java Gel Stain + Brown Mahogany Gel Stain
Mixtures involving different oil-based products should NOT be stored for later use.
E.g.: Gel Stain + Mineral Spirits (for thinning)
Gel Stain + Liquid Oil-Based Stain
Gel Stain + Gel Topcoat

Alternative Storage Containers

Glass Bottles that seal completely.
Do not store oil-based products in plastic bottles.

Gel Stain hardens faster than other products. It may soften slightly if a small amount of mineral spirits is added.

Warnings and Warranties

Gel Stain Warnings and Warranties

Limited Warranty
General Finishes products must be tested to your complete satisfaction before using. General Finishes will not be responsible for color satisfaction, misapplication, nor compatibility with other manufacturers' products. General Finishes will be responsible only for the cost of our products, and not for costs such as labor, damage or project replacement.

Contamination and Compatibility
Our finishes are engineered as a system and are compatible with each other. General Finishes cannot guarantee an ideal refinish when applying our products on top of or combined with another company's products or over surfaces that have been in contact with waxes, polishes or sprays containing contaminants such as silicone. Test for adherence and aesthetics before beginning.

FIRST AID: Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur due to the following. EYE CONTACT: Remove any contact lenses. Flush eyes with water for 20+ minutes while lifting upper & lower eyelids. SKIN CONTACT: Flush skin with water. Remove contaminated clothing & shoes & clean before reuse. INHALATION: Move to fresh air. Loosen tight clothing. If not breathing, if breathing is irregular, or if respiratory arrest occurs, trained personnel should provide artificial respiration or oxygen. INGESTION: Call physician immediately. Wash out mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Prop 65 WARNING:
Warnings vary by color. See product label and SDS sheets for more information.

American Oak, Prairie Wheat:
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Ethylbenzene, Crystalline silica, respirable powder, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Toluene, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Antique Walnut, Brown Mahogany, Candlelite, Colonial Maple, Nutmeg:
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Ethylbenzene, Crystalline silica, respirable powder, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer.
Ash Gray, Carbon Gray:
WARNING: This product can expose you to Benzene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. This product can expose you to chemicals including Titanium dioxide, Carbon black, respirable powder, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Toluene, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Black:
WARNING: This product can expose you to Benzene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Carbon black, respirable powder, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Toluene, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Georgian Cherry:
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Ethylbenzene, Crystalline silica, respirable powder, Carbon black, respirable powder, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer.
Gray:
WARNING: This product can expose you to Benzene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Titanium dioxide, Carbon black, respirable powder, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Toluene, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Java:
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Ethylbenzene, Cumene, Crystalline silica, respirable powder, Naphthalene, Carbon black, respirable powder, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Toluene, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
New Pine:
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Ethylbenzene, Carbon black, respirable powder, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Toluene, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
White:
WARNING: This product can expose you to Benzene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. This product can expose you to chemicals including Ethylbenzene, Titanium dioxide, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Toluene, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING:
Warnings vary by color. See product label and SDS sheets for more information.

American Oak, Brown Mahogany, Candlelite, Colonial Maple, New Pine, Nutmeg, Prairie Wheat:
WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. CAUSES EYE IRRITATION
Keep out of reach of children. Keep away from heat and flame. Use only with adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Wash thoroughly after handling.
White:
WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. CAUSES EYE IRRITATION
Keep out of the reach of children. Keep away from heat and flame. Use only with adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed and sealed until ready for use. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Antique Walnut:
WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. HARMFUL IF INHALED. CAUSES EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION.
Keep out of reach of children. Keep away from heat and flame. Use only with adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Wash thoroughly after handling. Soaked application materials are combustible.
Black, Gray:
WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. HARMFUL IF INHALED. CAUSES EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION.
Keep out of reach of children. Keep away from heat and flame. Use only with adequate ventilation. Do not breathe vapor or mist. Do not get on skin or clothing. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Ash Gray, Carbon Gray:
WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. HARMFUL IF INHALED. CAUSES EYE IRRITATION. CAUSES SKIN IRRITATION.
Keep out of the reach of children. Keep away from heat and flame. Use only with adequate ventilation. Do not breathe vapor or mist. Do not get on skin or clothing. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed and sealed until ready for use. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Georgian Cherry:
WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. HARMFUL IF INHALED. CAUSES EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION. MAY CAUSE SEVERE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION.
Keep out of reach of children. Keep away from heat and flame. Use only with adequate ventilation. Do not breathe vapor or mist. Do not get on skin or clothing. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Java:
WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. HARMFUL IF INHALED. CAUSES RESPIRATORY TRACT, EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION.
Keep out of reach of children. Keep away from heat and flame. Use only with adequate ventilation. Do not breathe vapor or mist. Do not get on skin or clothing. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Wash thoroughly after handling.

Colors

Gel Stains | Oil Based | Shown on Maple AND Oak

Specifications

Basic Features
Product Colors	American Oak, Antique Walnut, Ash Gray, Black, Brown Mahogany, Candlelite, Carbon Gray, Colonial Maple, Georgian Cherry, Gray, Java, New Pine, Nutmeg, Prairie Wheat, White
Base Type	Oil
Interior or Exterior	Interior only
Type	Oil Based Stain
Application
Coats	1+ coats
Application Method	Brush, Roll, Wipe On with Clean Rag
Brushable	Yes
Usable over existing finishes	Yes - see product page application instructions.
Sprayable	No
Topcoat Required	Yes
Dry Time
Dry Time - Touch	Raw Wood (8+ hr), Existing Finish wipe-off (12-24+ hr), Paint on (12-72+ hr)
Dry Time - Recoat	Raw Wood (12-24 hr), Existing Finish wipe-off (72+ hr), Paint on (72+ hr)
Dry Time - Recoat - Applied Over Water Based Product	72
Contents
Can Sizes	Half-Pints, Pints, Quarts, Gallons
Coverage	35-50 sq.ft./half pint, 75-100 sq.ft./pint, 150-200 sq.ft./quart, 600-800 sq.ft./gallon
Technical Data
Viscosity	Very Thick
Viscosity (cPs)	1000-2000
Weight Solids	42%
VOC	US VOC American Oak: <544.223 g/L Antique Walnut: <539.284 g/L Ash Gray: <558.470 g/L Black: <559.9 g/L Brown Mahogany: <548.682 g/L Candlelite: <524.559 g/L Carbon Gray: <537.473 g/L Colonial Maple: <550.295 g/L Georgian Cherry: <522.341 g/L Gray: <545.786 g/L Java: <524.588 g/L New Pine: <548.423 g/L Nutmeg: <550.314 g/L Prairie Wheat: <545.745 g/L White: <553.957 g/L

Apply To Gel Stain & Topcoat to Raw wood

How To Update Cabinets with Gel Stain Dry Brush Technique

Update Your Cabinets with Gel Stain

Have Questions?

Visit Our Product FAQs

Design Center

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Lamp Black and Nutmeg Buffet

Just wanted to share this buffet with you. Lamp Black, Nutmeg Gel Stain, High Performance in flat on the black & Satin Gel Top Coat on the top and sides. I can't thank you enough for the case of paint heading my way for runner up on Artistic Merit Award. Can't wait to play with my new colors! - Marcia Barrale DeSpain ~~ Three Painted Drawers

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Java Gel Stain Dinette Set

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Antique Walnut Gel Stained Card Catalog

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Chair Makeover with Java and Antique Walnut Gel Stain

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Gorgeous transformation from Christine Schmidt Spitz! Christine says, "I found my new passion! I purchased this piece and stripped, sanded, and repaired. I used GF Java Gel Stain first and then wiped on Georgian Cherry for added warmth. I followed the instructions for stain on raw wood. The trim was painted with GF Lamp Black Milk paint and HP topcoat to finish. I'm beyond pleased with the end product."

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This custom cornhole set was handcrafted by Burly Bags and stained with GF Black & Prairie Wheat Gel Stains.

Sewing Table in Java Gel Stain and Tuscan Red Milk Paint

Trinda McDuffee kept the original integrity of this Martha Washington Sewing Table using GF's Java Gel Stain and Tuscan Red Milk Paint sealed with High Performance Top Coat! You can find your favorite GF products at Woodcraft, Rockler Woodworking stores or Wood Essence in Canada. You can also use your zip code to find a retailer near you at http://bit.ly/1pEtZMu.

Rustic Plant Stand

Angela of Number Fifty-Three gave this plant stand a fabulous facelift. I was in love with the perfectly aged white metal base. It has just the right amount of chipping, rust and patina that you can really only get with time and age. The top really was lacking, however.I decided to update with a piece of scrap wood that we had left over from making our kitchen shelves. I stained the entire piece with General Finishes Gel Stain in Antique Walnut (my favorite shade) and finished with a coat of...

Modern Dresser in Lamp Black & Antique Walnut

Studio Paint Designs shares this delightful dresser restyling using Milk Paint and Gel Stain! They explain, "This two-toned mid-century modern dresser is pretty darn awesome. I started by painting the whole cabinet except the drawer fronts with Lamp Black Milk Paint. The wooden handles also got a few coats, while the drawer fronts were coated in Antique Walnut Gel Stain." To learn more about their process, go to their blog at ...

Pretty Persian Blue Set

Tara of Modern Vintage restyled this chair and side table with Persian Blue Milk Paint accented with a black glaze, and the drawer was finished with Black Gel Stain. What a gorgeous set!

Rustic Whitewash Coffee Table

ReFind Design by Coco Clare shared this sweet table finished with Java & Antique Walnut Gel Stains, Whitewash Wood Stain, and HP Topcoat! For a similar look on the base, we suggest our Halcyon Blue Milk Paint and Winter White Glaze Effects! Coco Clare says, "This rustic coffee table has been finished in General Finishes Antique Walnut and Java Gel Stain then whited washed and sealed with High Performance Top Coat for maximum durability. The bottom is hand painted in Provence and waxed...

Brown Mahogany and Lamp Black Dresser

"So lucky to get to refinish pieces like this! Makeover in General Finishes Lamp Black and Brown Mahogany stain, it looks so handsome now!!" - Shannon of Refurbished by Sweet Threepeats

Multicolored Beachy Cottage Buffet

Courtesy of the talented Joyful Expressions, "I just dropped off this super cute beachy cottage dresser at M Again reMakes! It'd make a great buffet or entertainment center as well! Stained with General Finishes Java Gel Stain and painted with Patina Green, Holiday Red, Buttermilk Yellow, and Coastal Blue Milk Paints." Thanks so much for sharing this fun piece!

Patina Green & Java Makeover

Be prepared to see everything in this color for a while!! I'm a little addicted. Tara of Modern Vintage upcycled this sweet little side table and chair with Patina Green Milk Paint and Java Gel Stain!

Seagull Gray Vanity Dresser

Saw Nail and Paint upcycled this charming vanity dresser just in time for Christmas! "Happy Holidays General Finishes! This vintage cutie got all decked out head to toe in General Finishes products - Seagull Gray Milk Paint, Java Gel Stain and High Performance Top Coat in Satin."

Stunning Linen Buffet Restyle

We're loving this stunning buffet restyle by Chrissie at Chrissie's Collection! "This buffet was painted in General Finishes Linen. Linen is a beautiful, warm cream. The details were glazed with a mix of Van Dyke Brown and Black. The top was stained using one coat of General Finishes Java Gel Stain." See more on the blog at http://bit.ly/12qAjOK! Thanks so much for sharing, Chrissie! Beautiful work, as always.

Gel Stain Sample Boards

General Finishes Gel Stains - top to bottom, left to right Antique Walnut, Brown Mahogany, Java Gray, Black, Candlelite The right side of each board is one coat wiped back, the left side is multiple coats for a more opaque look.

Brown Mahogany Gel Stained Vintage Secretary

"We beautifully restored this vintage secretary using General Finishes Brown Mahogany Gel Stain and High Performance Top Coat. The results were stunning." - Gild & Grain Learn more about how to apply GF Gel Stain in this tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMJWz3mnEo&t=5s

Gel Stained Console Table

"I absolutely love this gorgeous Mersman table that I recently refinished. But...I have no idea what to call this table...sofa table (too short?), foyer table (maybe?), Davenport table (I don't know what that is but it sounds fancy. LOL), console table (Winner winner chicken dinner?). Whatever YOU choose to call it will work for me. ;) The old stain was completely removed from the top, which was then stained with General Finishes Antique Walnut stain. The base was freshened up with Brown...

High Contrast Desk With Antique Walnut & Queenstown Gray

"I am really in love with the colors and contrast of this desk and had to share! The desk is made by Drexel and designed by John Van Koert- a furniture designer who was very influential in bringing Danish design to America in the 1960's. I applied a coat of General Finishes's Antique Walnut Gel Stain to the top and used Queenstown Gray Milk Paint on the body." - Liz Christensen of Possum Hollow Designs

Sweet Cabinet in Somerset Gold Milk Paint

This sweet cabinet was refinished by Off The Beaten Path using General Finishes Somerset Gold Milk Paint topped with Van Dyke Brown Glaze Effects and High Performance Top Coat. Java Gel Stain was used for the top!Â

Custom Built Java Stained Farmhouse Table

Another custom built farm table and bench. I used Java Gel sSain on the tops and chairs. This was my first time using the gel stain on raw wood and the end result was so beautiful and rich!!! - Gentry of ThriftyDesigns

Drop Leaf Table with Lamp Black and Antique Walnut

Gorgeous drop leaf table refinished by Number Fifty-Three with General Finishes Lamp Black Milk Paint on the legs and Antique Walnut Gel Stain on the top. It's for sale! So hurry over to Number Fifty-Three's facebook page before she's gone!

Outdoor Swing in Java and Permission

Check out this lovely projects to one of Consign & Design's customers! This outdoor swing was painted in Persimmon Milk Paint and Java Gel Stain! What a wonderful anniversay gift! Find your favorite GF products at Rockler, Klingspor, Amazon, orWood Essence and Lee Valley in Canada. You can also purchase GF products from any of the 31 Illinois JC Licht locations. NOTE: Woodcraft stores carry all of GF’s retail and professional line EXCEPT Chalk Style Paint. You can also use your...

Black Gel Stained Tiger Oak Antique Table

Stunning tiger oak quarter sawn antique dining table finished with General Finishes Black Gel Stain. "This 100 year old table and I have been on quite the journey. A new client was in love with her recently purchased antique tiger oak table’s structure and bones, but not so much the orangish brown finish. She was hoping for a unique murky black finish with lots of pop from the figured wood. Together, my client and I learned that this oak table has a brown soul. Believe it or not, the...

Patina Green & Pitch Black Glazing Desk

What a delightful desk makeover this is by Bellflower Grove! This piece was refinished with GF Patina Green Milk Paint, Pitch Black Glaze Effects, and Java Gel Stain for the stained top.

Stunning Custom "Oatmeal" Chest Restyle

Stephanie at Rehab to Fab shared this absolutely stunning chest restyle! "This oak cedar chest is exquisite, elegant, and just over all gorgeous! It was a honey oak before & if you haven't heard...honey oak is so not cool anymore! So to bring this piece up to date I sanded the top, used wood conditioner (always do!) and did 2 coats of General Finishes Gel Stain in Java. Sealed with GF's Arm-R-Seal. The body is a mix of General Finishes Milk Paint colors: Linen, Millstone and a splash of...

Custom Gel Stained Coffee Table

This oval coffee table has just the perfect amount of elegance! The top is stained with General Finishes Gel Stain in a custom mix of Brown Mahogany and Black for a beautiful deep richness. - ReFind Design by Coco Clare

Seagull Gray and Antique Walnut Side Table

"Who doesn’t love a good Cinderella story?This cabinet with its red paint and bird design, no longer fit in my clients new modern home. Painted in its General Finishes stain blocker to prevent any bleed through of the deep red colors. Seagull Gray and Gel Stain in Antique Walnut completed the look. Sealed with my favorite High Performance Topcoat. New hardware completes the look. She is fresh and fits into my clients beautiful modern home now." - Lily Pond

Antique Brown Mahogany Washstand Restoration

Larry of Pops Restorations restored this antique walnut washstand to its former glory using Brown Mahogany Gel Stain and High Performance Topcoat in Satin! After some much needed rehab, this vintage beauty was ready to be finished. Larry says, "The color selected was Brown Mahogany by General Finishes. On this old walnut, it gave it a very rich look." Read about the full transformation here! http://bit.ly/1uG8OrO

French Country Kitchen

The bones of this kitchen are amazing, we just needed to add paint and glaze to make it brighter, and custom to the clients decor. The outer cabinets had Antique white and Van Dyke Brown glaze and the hutch and island had several layers of glaze. And when I say layers, it was 7 and that doesn’t include priming and sealing. Yikes, we sure did need an arm massage at the end of this one!

Lovely Linen and Java Table

Sarah Connerly shared this stunning table upcycle! She says, "I refinished this clawfoot table with Linen Milk Paint, Pitch Black Glaze, and Java Gel! It looks like a whole new table! Love your products!"

MCM Java Gel Credenza

This Basset Credenza was given new life with Snow White & Java Gel Stain, sealed with High Performance Satin. 2nd Place Winner - MCM Makeover - 2017 GF Design Challenge http://contest.generalfinishes.com/entries/mcm-0

Videos

How to Apply Gel Stain and Gel Topcoat to Raw Wood

How to Gel Stain Kitchen Cabinets

FAQs

Oil Based Gel Stain FAQs

Do Gel Stains Require a Topcoat?

All stains need a top coat. Think of stain as the color and top coat as the sealer and protectant.

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 thick thick urethane which can carry a LOT of color to any surface, but that color must be sealed in with top coat. An added bonus of top coat is that it also protects the wood from drying out.

Think of stain as the color and top coat as the sealer and protectant.