Specifications
| Type | Oil Based Stain |
|---|---|
| Base | Oil |
| Interior / exterior | Interior only |
| Color | American Oak, Antique Walnut, Ash Gray, Black, Brown Mahogany, Candlelite, Carbon Gray, Colonial Maple, Georgian Cherry, Gray, Java, New Pine, Nutmeg, Prairie Wheat, White |
| Apply with | Brush, Roll, Wipe On with Clean Rag |
| Coats | 1+ coats |
| Dry to touch | Raw Wood (8+ hours), Existing Finish wipe-off (12-24+ hours), Paint on (12-72+ hours) |
| Recoat after | Raw Wood (12-24+ hours), Existing Finish wipe-off (72+ hours), Paint on (72+ hours) |
| Coverage | 35-50 sq ft/half pint, 75-100 sq ft/pint, 150-200 sq ft/quart, 600-800 sq ft/gallon |
| Over an existing finish | Yes - see product page application instructions. |
| VOC | American Oak: <500 g/L Antique Walnut: <500 g/L Ash Gray: <550 g/L Black: <500 g/L Brown Mahogany: <500 g/L Candlelite: <500 g/L Carbon Gray: <550 g/L Colonial Maple: <550 g/L Georgian Cherry: <500 g/L Gray: <500 g/L Java: <450 g/L New Pine: <550 g/L Nutmeg: <550 g/L Prairie Wheat: <550 g/L White: <550 g/L |
Questions & answers
Does Gel Stain need a topcoat?
Yes. Its rich sheen makes it look finished, but the stain is only the color. A topcoat seals and protects it.
Which topcoat should I use over it?
Any General Finishes topcoat works: High Performance or Flat Out Flat (water-based), or Gel Topcoat or Arm-R-Seal (oil-based). Arm-R-Seal is thinner and easier on large projects. Wait 72 hours before putting a water-based topcoat over Gel Stain.
How long between coats?
On raw wood: dry to the touch in 8+ hours, recoat after 12-24+ hours. Over an existing finish, wait 72+ hours between coats. Each coat makes the color darker.
Can I thin it or lighten it?
To thin, mix in General Finishes oil-based liquid stain, starting at 10% and going up to 50%; the color gets lighter and more see-through. To make a glaze, add up to 10% mineral spirits. Once it has dried you cannot lighten it; while it is still wet, scrubbing with mineral spirits can lift some color.
How do I keep it from hardening in the can?
Pour out only what you need and close the can right away, and clean the rim and lid so it seals tight. Gel Stain thickens faster than liquid stain once air gets in.
Can I use it outdoors?
No, not where it will be exposed to water. For outdoor work use an exterior-rated product such as Exterior 450 Stain and Topcoat.
Specifications from General Finishes.