How to apply general finishes gel stain.
Java gel stain on floors.
Maybe i m behind the 8 ball in just learning this but i m completely stoked.
After a little more research i discovered that gel stain can be used to stain floors and it can be done with minimal sanding.
Apply the gel stain liberally with either a cotton cloth natural bristle brush or a poly foam brush.
Many ask if the gels can be used on laminate or plastic non wood surfaces.
If you missed that post you can see all about our new floor here affordable rustic laminate flooring.
It took me 5 days to complete my project.
Gel stain from general finishes is home of the popular java gel stain featured across the nation s social media for upcycling furniture and cabinets.
Of course no stain is perfect.
I used this method on our bookcase and ikea chair.
Be sure to test a small area of your project to make sure it is the finish you want and that the application method you ve chosen is working well for you wipe off the gel stain going with the grain using a clean dry cotton cloth or high.
Gel wood stains are heavy bodied and do not penetrate as deeply into the wood as liquid oil based wipe on stains do providing the deepest richest colors of any oil based stain available.
As you know we recently updated the flooring in our entire first floor living area.
It does stick to some and not to others.
If it comes off easily then it s not sticking so don t use it.
To test apply gel stain let dry for 48 hours and then try to scratch it off.
Or you can use java gel stain like paint and just paint it on.
I used java gel by general finishes for the top of the buffet as well as the table top.
I waited 24 hrs then sanded 220 grit very lightly to remove any raised grain or dried dust particles wiped it down with a slightly damp rag before re coating.
Although it s easier to prep and apply.
One area in which gel stain is tied neck and neck with its traditional counterparts its drying time.
There are a few different ways to gel staining cabinets or any wood piece.
So simple so quick and not much prep to speak of.
It matches the general finishes java gel stain and will cover in two coats.
I like to use the gel stain over the existing stain because you do not have to strip the original finishes.
3 coats java 2 coats polyurethane sand as above for the polyurethane.
Yes i did waste much precious time completely sanding my bathroom floor down but my next big flooring project is my kitchen.
If you would like to learn more about how to use the gel stain over the existing stain read my post here.