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.
Top coat gel stain.
Our gel stain and topcoat is a one step combination product which is a little bit of stain mixed into a durable topcoat.
It also has a uv stabilizer which helps protect the finish from breaking down in the sun.
Wet or tacky gel stain can be removed easily with a rag moistened with mineral spirits.
On the downside gel stain is not available in as many color options as traditional stains.
All stains need a top coat.
Multiple coats will create a more opaque finish but the sheen will remain matte.
As you stir the product it becomes less gel like and is easy to brush on.
Appropriate for mill work furniture cabinets garage doors windows decks and more.
The beauty of gel stain comes from the thick urethane which can carry a lot of color to any surface but that color must be sealed in with.
This is a water based top coat so you have to wait 3 days after doing the oil gel stain.
To complete the graining process wait until the first coat of minwax gel stain is completely dry 24 48 hours then apply a second coat of gel stain with a natural bristle brush in the direction of the grain pattern created.
Some of the colours can be a thick gel or a thin consistency.
Unlike traditional oil and water based stains gel stain is very easy to apply by wiping it on with a brush versus having to rub it in like most stains.
This was the gel stain top coat i chose to finish my kitchen and bathroom cabinets.