Gel Wood Stain vs. Liquid Wood Stain

Applying Gel Stain

• 1

  Prepare the surface by sanding with progressively finer sandpaper, starting with 80 grit. Gel sticks best to wood surfaces sanded no smoother than 150 grit. Wipe away the sanding residue with a clean tack cloth.

• 2

  Load a staining cloth with gel and wipe it onto the wood in a circular motion. You're after full coverage, not uniform thickness. Make sure the gel is smeared over the entire surface. Apply pressure and work the stain into the wood as you spread it. Cover one surface of the furniture, such as the entire top of a dresser, before stopping to wipe the excess stain off and allowing it to dry. Don't overlap wet and dry segments on the same surface.

• 3

  Allow the stain to remain on the surface for the length of time specified by the manufacturer for the particular wood you're staining.

• 4

  Wipe the stain off with a clean cloth. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain, adjusting pressure to even out the color. Rotate the cloth frequently and turn it over to maintain a clean surface in contact with the stain. Change wiping cloths when one becomes entirely saturated.

• 5

  Wipe thick gel out of the corners and crevices of the wood with cotton swabs. Surplus stain accumulating in these areas will darken excessively and take on a paint-like appearance.

• 6

  Apply additional coats as required to achieve the desired shade. Allow the stain to dry between coats. Buff the surface with a fine abrasive pad between coats and before applying the topcoat.

• 7

  Consult the manufacturer's label to determine the compatible topcoat to apply to the stain. Allow 24 hours for the first topcoat to dry, then lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper. Apply a second topcoat and allow to dry for 6 hours.

Applying Liquid Stain

• 8

  Prepare the surface by sanding with progressively finer sandpaper beginning with 80 grit, advancing to 120 grit and finishing with 220 grit. Wipe away the sanding residue with a clean tack cloth.

• 9

  Stir or shake the can of liquid stain thoroughly to blend pigments which may have separated from the solvent.

• 10

  Apply the stain with a bristle or foam staining brush or a staining rag, or alternate between the two to access all areas of the surface. Follow the direction of the grain while applying. Cover an entire surface of the furniture, such as the entire top of a dresser, before stopping to wipe the stain off and allowing it to dry. Don't overlap wet and dry segments on the same surface.

• 11

  Allow a few minutes for the stain to penetrate, and then wipe excess stain off the wood with a clean cloth.

• 12

  Apply an additional coat within two hours of the first coat, without sanding. Most manufacturers recommend only two coats of liquid oil-based stain.

• 13

  Consult the manufacturer's label to determine the compatible topcoat to apply to the stain. Allow 24 hours for the first topcoat to dry, then lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper. Apply a second topcoat and allow to dry for six hours.