Need help from gel stain pros...
13 years ago
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- 13 years ago
- 13 years ago
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Gel Stain Help - big project!
Comments (14)I just did a vanity using celticmoon's directions and keep meaning to post a picture for everyone! I didn't do the espresso first coat (just two coats of java) to please my husband. He wanted the wood grain to show; I just wanted it to be less dated looking. The java by itself has the slightest reddish undertone, if that is going to bother you, or you want a way darker look, do the espresso coat too. I would seriously consider finding a way to get the General Finishes products vs. Miniwax. I've used both and General Finishes is about a million times better. Very much worth the effort. Their wipe on poly is amazing. I applied the gel stain with a sponge brush and bought a sack of rags at HD to wipe it off. With the spindles you should probably use the sock over gloves idea to apply it just because it would be easier. You will need gloves. The process doesn't take long at all, (except for the drying between steps), but it IS messy. Wear painting clothes! The whole vanity took me about a week worth of lunch breaks- 40 minutes here, a half hour there, and that's with me putting everything away and changing my clothes each day. And while mclarke is right, you will have to sand before you gel stain, you don't have to sand very well and nothing like the full on stripping you'd have to do to refinish. A sponge sander would be a good choice for spindles. I waited about 5 minutes before wiping it off, but I know others don't wait that long at all. I did thicker coats since that was what was in celticmoon's directions- thicker just means you have to wipe up more excess, but you're less likely to need more then just the two coats. You just don't want to wait too long is all as it does start to dry a little. Good luck!...See MoreI need some quick opinions please on this gel stain
Comments (13)With my other bathroom, I used this same gel stain and the plywood end next to the toilet was the spot I started with, and how I found this technique. I put the gel stain on with a dry brush, and coated it evenly. Then I dipped the brush in a cup of thinner and went over the whole thing, wiping off the excess onto a rag every so often. That thinned it without wiping it off. When it was the thickness I wanted - the right amount of grain showing through - I went over it one more time with just the very end of the brush and that feathered out most of the brush marks. But I sanded the plywood end on this bathroom down too much I think, and the gel just wasn't as workable. I didn't sand anything except that one end, so the rest should be easier. I also used a rag, a nylon one I think, to do the drawers and doors and didn't have any problem with it going on too thick or wiping off too much. I tried a cotton rag and it did take off too much....See MoreHelp me find the Java Gel Stain thread!!
Comments (3)OK, here's the link to Projectsneverend's instructions, too. Both of these kitchens turned out great. We are hoping to do the same thing with our new kitchen (we're buying a house with honey oak cabinets). Here is a link that might be useful: Projectsneverend's instructions...See MoreGelPro Mats and Hardwood
Comments (3)I have the 72" GelPro mat over hardwood in my kitchen and I love it. Much, much better than the fabric mats that get dirty and have to be thrown out. I either vacuum or wipe it down. I highly recommend. HTH...See MoreRelated Professionals
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