Can Gel Stain Be Used on an Unsealed Door That Was Stained?

How Wood Stains Work

• Penetrating stains have been the most popular type of wood stains used on doors. These translucent coatings, which may be applied by brush or wiping cloth, add color when they are absorbed within the surface of the wood. The stain color may appear lighter in some portions of the door because of natural variations in wood density, a condition known as blotching. This problem is more visible with some species, such as maple and pine, than others, such as walnut and oak. Preparing the door's surface with a wood conditioner before applying the stain may prevent blotching.

How Gel Stains Work

• Gel stains are translucent coatings that form a film over the wood's surface. These stains are available in the same traditional colors as penetrating stains and some manufacturers offer an identical palette in each. Because gel stains do not penetrate deeply into the wood, the color will be evenly dispersed and usually free of blotching. That's why several door manufacturers now recommend gel stains for use on their unfinished doors. Gel stains are best applied using a lint-free wiping cloth.

Applying a Gel Stain Over a Penetrating Wood Stain

• A gel stain could be applied over a penetrating stain, and doing so offers some valuable benefits. You can easily darken an existing stain by coating the door with a gel stain. You may also be able to conceal a blotchy stain on a door that has first been treated with a penetrating stain by applying a gel stain of the same wood tone. You can not use a gel stain to lighten an existing finish, but you can match or darken the color of the existing stain. You can sample the final effect of the gel stain by applying the gel to a less visible area, such as the hinged edge of the door.

Sealing the Finish

• Once the gel stain has dried, it should be sealed with a clear finish or varnish, such as a polyurethane gel. Apply two thin coats of the varnish with a wiping cloth to form a hard protective shell. The polyurethane will protect the gel stain from moisture, scratching and abrasion. Once the varnish has cured, the door can be safely cleaned with spray-on household cleansers and wiped dry without any risk to the gel stain beneath.