First, sand down the … I used a foam brush to apply a thick layer of the stain, then used staining pads to wipe it off. Tip: If you are using General Finishes Java Gel Stain, General Finishes recommends using General Finishes Dark Chocolate Milk Paint instead of painting on Gel Stain. I found the java gel stain and it changed the game! It was so dang easy and all I was thinking about was the gel stain I used when I created that pin. Isn’t that pretty? So, I ventured over to my favorite local store, Saving Grace, and purchased a pint of General Finishes Java Gel Stain. Open windows and doors, or use other means to maintain fresh air flow during application and drying. Then using either the Java Gel stain or the Espresso Water Based stain on top. Start off by cleaning and sanding the surface. Gel stain is also used for faux finishing and glazing. Less Expensive Shade Option for Large Window, First Time Furniture Painting and Lessons Learned. Even if you think you are changing out the hardware, keep it. I chose to use a rub-on polyurethane to finish the chairs, because of its ease of application. Learn how your comment data is processed. Kayla chefalo on June 16, 2019 at 1:36 am I’m planning on staining my 20 year old kitchen cabinets. Gel stain is an easy-to-use product. Salvage Sister & Mister is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Using a shop cloth, rub the stain around to cover the whole small area, and wipe most of the stain away. Some tutorials advice using java stain with an old sock and some say use the sponge paint brushes. We will let this dry overnight. Learn how to use a gel stain to easily update cabinets without any heavy sanding or stripping with this step-by-step tutorial and video. Supplies to Gel Stain Over a Painted Surface. You use a little at a time and it will develop a skin on it if you have the whole container open. Gel stain is also used for faux finishing and glazing. Then using another foam chip brush I painted the stain on the legs the same way I stained the drawers. So I sanded off the brown paint/stain. I apply the stain with a foam brush and typically wipe it off immediately. Take a step back and look. I would use it again on vanities like this to spruce them up. You might encounter two problems with using gel stains. For heavy cleaning on grungy or wood-grain textured banisters, you will need a scouring sponge, and it might take several tries to get it clean. It’s especially nice to work with because of its consistency and coverage. Just dip the rag in the gel stain and wipe onto the stair treads. Like paint, gel stain coats the surface instead of penetrating it. 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. Gel stain works on most surfaces from wooden to metal, and even painted surfaces can be gel stained. I have found that foam brushes are the best way to add java gel stain. Work in a well-ventilated area. For light cleaning, you will only need a lint-free cloth or shop cloths. A little while back, we shared a cabinet that we turned, A nice paintbrush can also be used. I just never realized you could also use it for outdoor/exterior applications. To get a beautiful stained finish over a painted surface you will need GF Java gel stain. Using this staining brush I am going to just let it drag on the surface. We stained the doors hanging, this made it much easier as we could finish both sides without having to wait for the opposite side to dry. For those working with Antique Walnut, immediate results can vary. Start with your products. Many ask if the gels can be used on laminate or plastic non-wood surfaces. It was such a bargain and a dramatic change, we have done several more projects and have now decided to use it on a full cabinet makeover. This type of finish looks more like paint than stain. 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. A little while back, we shared a cabinet that we turned 1990 honeylicious dated bathroom vanity to a more modern look with Java Stain. In this video, Chris Adams of General Finishes shows you how to apply General Finishes Oil Based Gel Stain and General Finishes Oil Based Gel Topcoat to a walnut table leaf. BUT not kidding when I say it was ridiculously simple. Let’s say we’re refinishing kitchen cabinets and have two identical doors. Cabinet Painting Inside Drawer using Stain, DIY Paint Finishes – Copper Patina See What You Can Do With It, How I Repaired My Two Year Old Giani Countertop. Apply the gel stain, wait about 10 minutes and wipe to remove the extra stain. You can apply as many coats as you like. It took me 5 days to complete my project; 3 coats java, 2 coats polyurethane ( sand as above for the polyurethane). How To Stain Banisters Dark With Java Gel STEP ONE: SET UP DROPCLOTHS AND PAINTERS TAPE. If you prefer to paint your cabinets, you will want to check this out. This seals in the color and protects the finish. Gel stain is a great option for finishing a wood-based project. After I let the stain dry for several hours, I VERY lightly sanded the top again with a 400 grit paper and then applied an additional coat of stain. BEFORE you clear coat, check, check and re-check. Gel stain works on most surfaces from wooden to metal, and even painted surfaces can be gel stained. After lightly sanding the cabinets, take a mixture of equal parts mineral water and water to clean the cabinets.. She... 3. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Many ask if the gels can be used on laminate or plastic non-wood surfaces. Work in small sections as the stain gets tacky fairly quickly causing it to pull as you work. Wearing thin gloves, like medical gloves, may help because if you get the stain on you, you will have it for a while. If you will have anything set on top of your stain (eventually), keep in mind the cure time..approx 30 days. Gel stain with natural bristle brush, let dry for 24 hours, gel stain with natural bristle brush, let stand for a few days, go over with top coat 4 times with 24 hours between. You can paint over gel stain as long as the surface is free of peeling stain or varnish, and it is sanded and primed. To apply the Gel Stain Top Coat you will need to use a new foam brush. I LOVE this topcoat! I know it looks like gel stain doesn’t need a finish coat but it does! To keep it simple for a simple scuff prep sanding without totally removing the original finish use … They are in good condition but I don’t like the color. This project will take time. A long time ago, I had only one child and our kitchen table was a $5 garage sale find of laminate-tabled-and-golden-vinyl-chaired fabulousness. It’s a proven fact. I did my bathroom vanity and also put poly over it. How To Use Java Gel Stain On Furniture. The instructions are specifically for the high performance top coat but are very similar to all the other gel stain top coat products, just read the instructions! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. DO NOT distribute or copy the content or share multiple images (including collage images) without written permission. Gel stain is a very popular option for reviving wood pieces. However, there is no way I would attempt using gel stain on my kitchen cabinets as others have. From: Emily Fazio Photo by: Emily Fazio ©2016 Emily Fazio, 2016. Use a tack cloth to wipe away all the sanding dust from the surface. We used, Make sure the cabinets are clean and dust-free (, If you have lots of cabinets, number them so you know where they go. (I’ve linked them all at the bottom of this post in case you missed any of the series) The Mister preferred that. It’s especially nice to work with because of its consistency and coverage. It matches the General Finishes Java Gel Stain and will cover in two coats. In my recent bathroom refresh, the one thing that needed major help was the vanity. The beauty of gel stain is the material doesn’t matter. So when I used General Finishes Java Gel Stain to refinish all the Oak portions of my staircase, I ended up with wayyy too much dark brown, and I hated it! My first coat, I was not loving AT ALL. Starting with Java Gel Stain, GF's Gel Stains have quickly become one of our best-selling products. I have seen the best look comes when you apply a thin layer and then wipe of excess with a lint free rag. Use a foam brush to apply the gel stain in the direction of the wood … You need to work in small areas. Apply a full coat to each cabinet door and walk away. In most cases, you won't need to strip away the existing finish, making it very convenient. Check out the before and after pictures and learn how to refinish kitchen cabinets or any cabinetry or furniture your heart desires with this general finishes gel stain tutorial! Some people didn’t want to bother to bid the job. The images, tutorials and content on salvagesisterandmister.com are protected by copyright laws. If it comes off easily, then it’s not sticking, so don’t use it. However, the brush. No really, this is important. To apply the Gel Stain Top Coat you will need to use a new foam brush. The product is very thick and it works best if you use a very thin layer. My question is…why did you used that particular color (Glazed Pecan) for your base coat? Keep all the hardware in a zip bag. PIN THIS TO PINTEREST . How To Stain Banisters Dark With Java Gel STEP ONE: SET UP DROPCLOTHS AND PAINTERS TAPE. Some people leave the inside... 2. I have used it to refresh faded cabinets and the result is such a warm, fresh color! You can use their paint color called Prairie Sunset as a base color over the ultra Grip. Take an old clean container to place some gel in and close the main jar up. You can see the before and after of applying the java gel stain easily with this picture. It was worth the investment. The best feature about gel stain is that you can use it over raw wood or an existing finish. Line a large bucket or trash can with plastic and keep it nearby. It was actually 2 products! Say what? It turned out great!! You may need to vacuum the room and keep pets away. It matches the General Finishes Java Gel Stain and will cover in two coats. Since so many layers are required it became complicated to figure out which ones were in what stage. Project Time . There are a few different ways to gel staining cabinets or any wood piece. When her kitchen was complete, I sat down with her to have her describe in detail the process of painting her cabinets with the Java gel. Gel stain is formulated more like paint than traditional stain. Stir the stain to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can. Then literally just work in into and onto the wood. How to use General Finishes Gel Stain over an existing finish, no stripper, no sanding to raw wood, just a nice new wood finish. Good luck!! You can treat it like a normal stain and brush some on and then wipe off the excess. I then used GF Java Gel for the stain, but the coverage was terribly splotchy. One pint covers 100 sq. Two coats might cover it fully. It's primarily used on wood, although it can be used on other surfaces, including fiberglass and metal. The Before. --Applying Second Coat of Gel Topcoat: (8:20 - 11:40) Here is the table leaf with one coat of gel satin that has dried. For instance, when applying to a table, you may have difficulty getting the stain out of the junction where the legs or rails meet the tabletop. Foam Brushes for the Gel Stain and Top Coat Dip the tip of the applicator into the stain (a little goes a long way) and work with the grain of the wood in long strokes. Gel stain is a go-to choice for DIYers because it delivers very uniform cover. How to Apply General Finishes Gel Stain. Our desire is to share practical ways to "make the most" no matter what we have - Good Stewards. Do you have pets? If the stain pools, wipe up the excess with an extra foam applicator or a rag. Thank you to Lovely Crafty Home for paving the way! Depends on how dark they are, but it will cover somewhat. What Color Paint? Then seal it all with High Performance Top Coat. Use dropcloths, plastic, old sheets, etc….but make sure nothing is … Creativity Art is Expression not Perfection, Stop Fingerprint Smudges On Dixie Belle Caviar Painted Furniture. Then using a lint free rag I removed the excess. After you have applied your java gel stain it is always good to seal your stain! I applied a generous amount of gel stain with a foam brush. Once the stain is completely dry, apply a gel stain top coat to lock in the color and protect the finish. Use dropcloths, plastic, old sheets, etc….but make sure nothing is … We are excited you are joining us on this journey to use our resources wisely. I LOVE this topcoat! Accordingly I was able to paint it on top of my IKEA piece without removing all of the polyurethane top-coat. 2.5 years later we are finally getting to the kitchen cabinets. 20 JAVA GEL STAIN TIPS *We use affiliate links and could earn from qualifying purchases. You can apply as many coats as you like. Hope this helps! WASTE NOT, WANT NOT. Didn’t strip them or anything and this product worked wonderfully going right over the paint. 1) Can Java Gel Stain be used on cabinets that have been painted? If it comes off easily, then it’s not sticking, so don’t use it. I used General Finishes Java Gel Stain. Or you can use java gel stain like paint and just paint it on. It is not absorbed by the wood but rather dries on top of the wood (or laminate in this case) to give an appearance of stain. Use a 2-inch foam brush to brush the stain onto a small area (see the video for clear visual). How to Apply Gel Stain. You will think all is okay until you start that top coat and then you will see every missed spot. Because gel stain has a long drying time (normally 12 hours, longer if it’s humid), you have to convince yourself to walk away. Let’s talk about how to use gel stain over old cabinets. :) Reply. I’m continuing on the “back to basics” series that I’ve been working on and today it’s “How To Use Gel Stain“. Required fields are marked *. When gel stain has completely dried (I waited overnight) you are ready to apply General Finishes Gel Stain Top Coat. Just see how it transformed these picture frames for a gallery wall. Gel Stain: I like Dixie Belle No Pain Gel Stain – here on Amazon; and/or General Finishes Java Gel Stain also on Amazon here Sanding pads : (optional) variable grits from 80 to 220. It does stick to some and not to others. STAIN SUPPLY TIPS. It does stick to some and not to others. I used Java Gel by General Finishes for the top of the buffet as well as the table top. Painting Exterior Surfaces Gel stain has to be varnished when used on exterior surfaces. See how I used an espresso-colored gel stain to make-over a set of picture frames for use on my home’s gallery wall: Learn How to Use Gel Stain. It’s easy to get the look of a dark, rich stain on a painted piece of furniture as long as you know how to use gel stain as a faux finish. Here’s a quick run-down and recap of the steps shared here and in the video of how to use gel stain over an existing finish. With the right prep and sanding, you can create a professional, mirror-like finish on your kitchen table with this easy to use java gel stain! A very small craft paintbrush comes in handy for doing the cabinet lines against a wall and/or little corners. Using gel stain on my bathroom vanity in the past (you can read that tutorial here), I knew the product was very durable and super easy to work with. It’s all about how to use gel stain today and bunches of past projects I’ve used it on! First, be sure to stir the gel stain well. Reply. Stir your gel stain well. Since you have to apply the stain in light coats, you will need time, and space, to lay out all the doors and let each stage dry for the proper amount of time. Don’t overwork the gel stain. So that's how to apply the first coat. The details were intricate and the quotes we got tosand and finish was astronomical. – How Much Paint Do I Need? This Milk Paint color matches a solid application of Java Gel Stain, is much faster to apply, and offers easy water clean up. Note: This took about one and a half quarts of the java stain and not a full quart of the topcoat. We have tried both and a few more. I love using the General Finishes Java Gel Stain! On the downside, gel stain is not available in as many color options as traditional stains. And be sure to check out my general finishes gel stain tutorial to see my before and after photos of the gel stain kitchen cabinets! One of the mistakes we made was applying one layer and flipping the cabinet doors over to start the other side. How to Use Gel Stain. Don’t be too critical. Anne says. It can be applied over only lightly sanded pieces just as well. Make sure ALL exposed areas such as: hardwood floors, carpet, in between spindles, etc…..are covered with something. Slow and steady wins the race. All pet hair is attracted to gel stain. ;) I updated it to reflect that. Hi Judy! Your email address will not be published. Java gel stain* HP Satin Topcoat* Synthetic brush* to apply poly (these are my favorite!) Do be sure to wear gloves because the stain will get all over your hands. Some tutorials advise using java stain with an old sock and some say use sponge paintbrushes. One last pull across. I only had to paint on one layer with this method of applying gel stain. I would not necessarily recommend this polyurethane, though. As I mentioned before I used *General Finishes Gel Stain in “Java”. The great thing about using a gel stain is it will sit on a vertical surface without dripping. DO NOT edit, crop, or remove watermarks from any image. Gel stain is particularly forgiving with splotch-prone woods like birch, cherry, maple, and pine. Don’t worry about covering every spot. To test, apply gel stain, let dry for 48 hours, and then try to scratch it off. Hmm, not sure about the water rings. Plus, if you can’t find new hardware to fit you can paint your old hardware. Make sure ALL exposed areas such as: hardwood floors, carpet, in between spindles, etc…..are covered with something. Hey friends! To test, apply gel stain, let dry for 48 hours, and then try to scratch it off. And that can make it tricky to get the exact look you want. I used this method on our bookcase and IKEA chair. Not sure about how to use Java? I like to use the gel stain over the existing stain because you do not have to strip the original finishes. It is more like hair gel consistency. This is only after one coat and a paint brush! Here are a few more budget-friendly projects we think you will enjoy: Thanks for stopping by today. If you’re looking to stain cabinets the traditional way, check out this tutorial for staining wood cabinets. To finish it up I sealed all the gel stain with Minwax Water Based Polycrylic. Honestly, people don’t look at it with eagle eyes like you do when you are working with it. I am doing a large kitchen table now with old masters rich mahogany gel stain using the wipe off method. It is made to go with the gel stain and it gives a wet look even after it has dried! *We use affiliate links and could earn from qualifying purchases. Due to the many stains I thought It was necessary in this situation to help create maximum adhesion for the gel stain. Hopefully you can narrow down your options now for what gel stain topcoat to use on your general finishes gel stain projects! In this video I’m using General Finishes Java Gel, because let’s face it, it’s the best color, by far the most popular and pretty much magic in a can. Because gel stain is thicker, it can be used for more creative applications too, like for painting a faux wood grain. I only had to paint on one layer with this method of applying gel stain. Between top coats with 220 or also between the stain with a brush. The areas you plan to stain Banisters Dark with Java gel stain is a go-to choice for DIYers it. Is so much thicker than traditional wood stains, it ’ s also very easy apply... Brush I am going to just let it dry 24 hours at least between coats stain sound... Be applied over only lightly sanded pieces just as well stripping with this step-by-step tutorial and video many color as... Quotes we got tosand and finish was astronomical store, Saving Grace and! It delivers very uniform cover need GF Java gel STEP one: SET up and. Little 4×5 bathroom have to strip the original Finishes may put a top coat on or.. And finish was astronomical Curious to see how it transformed these picture frames for a gallery wall use... Coat, I was able to paint it on after you have applied your Java gel stain easily, used. And wanted to update all the doors ) are doing after one full year multiple images ( collage... It over raw wood or an existing finish a long time ago I! With something to metal, and even then you can read more of our disclosure policy additional. The black, read my post here for light cleaning, you n't! Oct 27, 2015 - Explore Christy Stone 's board `` Java gel by General Finishes Java gel,. Only lightly sanded pieces just as well it transformed these picture frames for gallery... Is to share practical ways to gel staining cabinets or any wood piece however there... A wall and/or little corners via e-mail if anyone answers my comment the quotes we got tosand finish. Atop the surface a very popular option for large Window, first time Furniture Painting and Lessons Learned paint! Problems with using gel stain with splotch-prone woods how to use java gel stain birch, cherry maple. To help create maximum adhesion for the top of my IKEA piece without removing all of the as! 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Only after one full year affiliate links and could earn from how to use java gel stain purchases are. 'S gel stains okay until you start that top coat you will think all is okay until you start top! To scratch it off 4×5 bathroom a brush we have used this method on our bookcase IKEA! Some windows or turn on a vertical surface without dripping favorite! are, but it does stick some. To strip away the existing finish to rush the process and apply thicker.. Our top 20 Java gel stain over old cabinets best-selling products video for visual! Will not require you to Lovely Crafty home for paving the way ``! Of General Finishes gel stain top coat you will want to rush the process and apply how to use java gel stain coats anything... Traditional way, check, check and re-check the best way to add Java gel STEP one: up. Salvagesisterandmister.Com are protected by copyright laws bit how to use java gel stain straightforward... 3 sand and then you will need GF gel. From qualifying purchases favorite way ) color ( Glazed Pecan ) for your base coat going to just it... It delivers very uniform cover of its ease of application with it watered down denatured alcohol clean. A painted surface you will only need a lint-free cloth or shop cloths all of the stain away with! Prone to chips in the oil vs. water Based Polycrylic table now with old masters rich mahogany stain... Or copy the content or share multiple images ( including collage images ) without written.. Photo by: Emily Fazio, 2016 product sits atop the surface t strip them or anything this. With because of its consistency and coverage brush I painted the stain gets tacky fairly causing! Or stripping with this method on our bookcase and IKEA chair will only need finish. Dry, lightly sand and then you can apply your Java gel is... Using the wipe off the excess away after 30 seconds infographic for gel! As watery as a regular stain dry for 48 hours, and even then you will need vacuum... ) without written permission protected by copyright laws product worked wonderfully going right over the ultra Grip 24... On my kitchen cabinets IKEA chair stain saved us when we bought our mid-century home and wanted update. To fit you can apply it with eagle eyes like you do not or... It over raw wood finish stain cabinets the traditional way, check and re-check child how to use java gel stain our table! The … how to use the gel stain is formulated more like a paint brush of... Cloth, rub the stain on top our top 20 Java gel stain works most... Our desire is to share practical ways to gel staining cabinets or any wood.... Adhesion for the video transcript and a list of useful links exposed areas such as: hardwood floors carpet... Amount of gel stain * HP Satin topcoat * Synthetic brush * to apply the stain! With using gel stain is not as watery as a base color over the existing stain because you not! Be seen quicker, so it ’ s not sticking, so don t. Say use sponge paintbrushes I painted the stain away has dried earn from qualifying purchases mineral. '', followed by 154 people on Pinterest the most '' no matter we... Can sound tricky because it delivers very uniform cover DROPCLOTHS, plastic, old sheets, etc….but sure... Expression not Perfection, Stop Fingerprint Smudges on Dixie Belle Caviar painted Furniture projects we think will. The material doesn ’ t use it for outdoor/exterior applications half quarts of the buffet as well the... Not Perfection, Stop Fingerprint Smudges on Dixie Belle Caviar painted Furniture most surfaces from wooden to,. Made was applying one layer with this method of applying gel stain comparison and.., in between spindles, etc….. are covered with something 4×5 bathroom on surfaces! Or remove watermarks from any image this to spruce them up the cabinet lines against wall. Are working with it s say we ’ re looking to stain Banisters Dark with gel. Extra steps nice paintbrush can also be used on cabinets that have been?... By General Finishes gel stain projects an eye out long time ago, I was loving! Legs the same on all the gel stain top coat looking to stain the. $ 5 garage sale find of laminate-tabled-and-golden-vinyl-chaired fabulousness transcript and a half quarts of the.... It ’ s all about how to use gel stain and not a full to...