how to apply varathane gel stain
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Ideal for vertical surfaces I always wait in anticipation for your emails – very detailed and well explained . wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. window.dojoRequire(["mojo/signup-forms/Loader"], function(L) { L.start({"baseUrl":"mc.us12.list-manage.com","uuid":"d40a70e381e7ccbcb08937ddb","lid":"9df365d62a","uniqueMethods":true}) }), Copyright © 2020 Salvaged Inspirations • All Rights Reserved. Required fields are marked *. It can be applied to any piece of wood furniture to give it a deep, long-lasting finish. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. % of people told us that this article helped them. First, be sure to stir the gel stain well. Most projects will look great after a single coating, or with 2 at most. So I guess our only option is to sand and paint the door. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Expect Varathane to begin drying after 5 minutes. This can be messy work. If you’re unsure what kind of finish you’re dealing with, apply a few drops of a solvent like denatured alcohol, which softens shellac. By using our site, you agree to our. You may not be able to finish a project in a single coat. Would a gel stain work on these? Thoughts for using on that? Apply stain the easy way with Rust-Oleum® Varathane® Premium Gel Stain. Gel Staining works amazing with outdated furniture, kitchen cabinets, stair rails, doors, or pretty much any finished wood you’ve been thinking of replacing. Thanks for the inspiration! You might want to try a little on the very bottom of the door to see how it takes and test the color you like but it will work nicely. You can also give it a good cleaning with a TSP or White Lightning. Sign up to get your dose of Inspiration and DIY Furniture Painting Tips! XOXO. Wipe off the excess after 5-10 minutes. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Ideal for vertical surfaces; Thicker consistency to prevent drips You could also apply the stainer with a synthetic-bristle paint brush or a clean, lint-free cloth. This rich, thick formula provides twice the coverage of traditional oil-based stains—and prevents drips—while beautifully enhancing the wood grain and patina. Would gel stain work in white or should I just keep with the Sherwin Williams white paint I have already purchased. 4. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Thin even layers give the best results. Seal the coloring in afterward for a long-lasting finish that emphasizes the natural beauty of wood furniture. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Denise, this post came at the best time! My pleasure and if you give it a go on your pine paneling, I’d LOVE to hear how it all works out for you. If you only need a small amount of glaze to fix the blotching problem, wipe off the excess stain as you would on bare wood, allow it to dry, and apply two topcoats (photo below). But a topcoat would be required as kitchen cabinets are high traffic items and you want to keep them easy to clean. PREVIOUSLY FINISHED SURFACES For best adhesion, surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of old finishes, dust, dirt, oils, or foreign matter. Then work with the grain to even out color. Two questions how well does it hold up in particular on cabinets and doors? Hi Kim! It sure can! Have all of your supplies on hand. Apply in the direction of the grain you intend to create. Jen Woodhouse from The House of Wood explains how to get this look in this tutorial. Keep in mind, because you’re applying a new stain to an existing color and finish, the color you choose will be altered because the original finish will show through somewhat. Mineral Spirits will help remove any mistakes on finished wood. If you detached it from its legs and laid it on top of a drop cloth, you wouldn’t be able to reach its underside without flipping it. Apply Varathane Premium Gel Stain liberally to the surface using a brush or lint-free cloth. I have spent the last 2 years getting rid of the 90’s orange (cabinets, trim, closet doors). Step 1 Remove any hardware from the door. Apply on bare wood only. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. To avoid breathing in anything dangerous, wear a dust mask when sanding or staining wood. Going from dark to light can be hit or miss. Denise, I LOVE this idea. Your idea is brilliant. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Apply-Varathane-Wood-Stain-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Apply-Varathane-Wood-Stain-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Apply-Varathane-Wood-Stain-Step-1.jpg\/aid11672480-v4-728px-Apply-Varathane-Wood-Stain-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"410","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. First apply stain going against the grain to fill in pores. Dry off the moisture with a second cloth. The idea behind a gel stain is to spread it onto the wood in a thick layer for a few minutes and then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Take any removable parts off the wood you’re staining. You will brush the gel stain on in the direction of the grain and then remove excess after 20 – 30 minutes. The most versatile ‘true’ white is Cotton and then Fluff. I’m working with these doors propped up against my studio wall. It takes 2 hours to dry and after recoating it is handled and dry enough to touch in 1 to 2 hours. Use it to get an idea of what the finish will look like before you spread the product all over a valuable wood item. You sure can Denise! I love the new look! Can you believe it’s already November?! . It could scratch the wood if you’re not careful. Beautiful transformation! If you have any trouble viewing it in your browser, feel free to click on my Youtube Channel here… and don’t forget to subscribe! wikiHow's. I usually use a variety of tools to apply and remove my gel stains. Other staining products take up to a day to dry. What should you use to apply the Gel Stain? I’ve heard good things about their wax though. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. . After it’s applied, wipe the stain back and smooth it out with the tool of your choice. Okay….getting ready to paint our natural maple finish cabinets white. For example, your finish could be varnish, lacquer, or something else. Perfect for vertical surfaces. Remember to let each application dry for an hour. I came across it in my research. If it isn’t well-mixed, it could cause the stain to appear uneven later. Do not sand the last coat before topcoat though. These surfaces will all need time to dry, too. Each one requires a specific product. . Let them dry for an hour or else the finish will get ruined when you flip the wood back over. The sediment is responsible for the stain’s coloring. Love all your helpful info on here. Let stand for 2-5 minutes and wipe If you apply the product with a paint brush and leave it there, it will soften the finish so you can scrape it off afterward. The wikiHow Video Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Wishing you a beautiful day filled with inspiration and Happy Staining! If you have the gel stain and paint on hand, maybe try them both under the table and see which you like better. A Home Depot purchase. It covers twice as much as a regular oil-based stain. Would it be durable? Your clients are lucky. You can protect most surfaces by covering them with painter’s tape if necessary. No drips. Hmm, not sure Sharon. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Apply stain liberally, so the wood is saturated and product is worked into the grain. For these doors, I was really pleased with just one coat! If you’re unsure, I suggest buying a few stains and testing them in an inconspicuous area of your project. If you can’t remove a part, leave it there and work around it. Additional photos or text may be available with my written permission. Dirt, grease, furniture wax, or polish will interfere with the adhesion of the gel stain so a thorough cleaning is required. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/44273-how-to-stain-wood-furniture/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-varnish/, https://www.woodmagazine.com/materials-guide/finishes/what-finish-is-that-anyway, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-paint-from-wood/, https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/how-to/a26873/wood-finishing-oil-stain/, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-stain-and-finish-wood-furniture, https://www.rustoleum.com/pages/homeowner/tips-and-techniques/wood-staining/Applying%20wood%20stain/, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-finish-wood-table, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFT9e_6Dzh8&feature=youtu.be&t=85, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFT9e_6Dzh8&feature=youtu.be&t=90, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFT9e_6Dzh8&feature=youtu.be&t=108, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2150-paints-and-finishes/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-waterproof-wood/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Always finish with the highest grit you have available. I’m guessing the paint wash will lighten it up a little more with fewer coats tho. Varathane Premium Gel Stain is your solution for staining vertical surfaces without the mess of drips, runs or other common application issues. There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This has given me an idea for a bathroom vanity I have! Learn how your comment data is processed. Varathane Gel Stains Going across the grain is a sure way to cause scratches that show up through the finish. Use a clean rag or brush to apply a generous layer to the surface being stained. Graining: While the Gel Stain is wet, use a graining tool to create a wood grain pattern. Retrieve your cleaned brush and layer another thin coat of Varathane onto the table. Because Gel Stains are an oil-based product, I recommend wiping down the surface with a 50/50 denatured alcohol and water. This rich, thick formula provides twice the coverage of traditional oil-based stains—and prevents drips—while beautifully enhancing the wood grain and patina. We had been keeping the stain up and polyurethane on it. Let dry. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Stir thoroughly. Just my 2cents, but I would go with the original plan with your SW White. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 7. Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. For best results, stir thoroughly and apply the stain across the grain until the wood is saturated on top. Thanks, Sue and so glad you found it helpful! Wipe off the excess after 5 minutes. Make any adjustments to the finish before then. For instance, you can use a Walnut on your first coat. STEP #5 Seal and protect the stain with a topcoat. BUT… it’s been like 5 hours and it still feels kinda sticky/damp to the touch… is this normal??? I agree with e setons you always give such wonderful detailed suggestions in an easy to understand format ty!! I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. I haven’t try Briwax. Hi Jen! Just make sure you’ve waited the recommended 72 hours and it’s 100% dry before applying. Can I use a slip coat for easier application and longer working time? We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. And yes, you can use it on raw wood like I did here. You can give it a VERY light sanding between coats with a finishing pad (320 grit or higher). Step 3 Scuff the surface of the steel door with steel wool. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Thanks ! wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Yes! What brands of Gel Stain are available? Go back over treated sections once or twice, especially if you notice excess stainer pooling anywhere. On bare wood apply the stain across the grain until the wood is saturated on top. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Rust-Oleum Varathane Gel Stain Buy from Amazon.com. I would test on the very top or bottom before I tackled the entire thing, but I think it would work just fine. If you’re planning on only sanding the wood once, use 150-grit sandpaper. And they are easy to apply. Compared to other stainers, it takes a fraction of the time to dry and looks good after a single application. Arrange the furniture so it’s accessible on all sides. Hope this helps. Wipe off excess with clean T-shirt material. If you’re working with a really large surface, you can even use a foam roller. . For example, pull out drawers and detach table legs. Gel Stains are highly pigmented like a paint/stain combo and they do not sink into the wood but rather sit on top of it. About Gel Stain Apply stain the easy way with Rust-Oleum® Varathane® Premium Gel Stain. The can recommends 6-8 hours, but in my experience that is not always enough time and applying a topcoat too early before the stain has cured can take off the color in certain places and ruin the finish. You can apply it with a natural bristle brush, foam brush or cotton rag (this last one being my favorite way). I’d love to hear how it all goes. I’ve used Varathane, Minwax, General Finishes, and Dixie Belle but there are probably others I’m not aware of or haven’t tried yet. However, the bottom portion of the door appears to have damage from rain and sun exposure. Spread out the excess before applying additional product. You want to slightly scuff the existing finish but you don’t want to scratch the finish because Gel Stain does not cover scratches or imperfections. Thanks. I have a darker stain with the warm undertones showing through which reminds me of a Dark Walnut. thanks for the idea and the tutorial! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you are applying it in layers, and not wiping away, you will want to apply it similarly to how you would apply a poly product. Hmmmm….I have a front door that is made of??? Apply the stainer sparingly, since each layer darkens the finish. (my least favorite way to use gel stains) With this type of stain, you don’t want to apply too thickly. I like doing this by hand because nothing crazy is needed and sanders can be too harsh. Wipe down the surface with a dry, lint-free cloth. Yes and yes. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 12. This article has been viewed 5,869 times. 11. This is why they CAN be used to cover up an existing finish! Apply a thin, even coat of Gel Stain to a section using a natural bristle brush or a soft, lint-free cloth. Allow stain to sit on the wood according to manufacturer’s directions. I’m SUPER happy with one coat. That way, you will be able to cover it without leaving any inconsistencies in the finish. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. It won’t cover water spots, scratches, or gouges but you can “hide or disguise: them by using a little heavier gel stain or doing faux finishes. Thanks, Robin and I’m SO glad you found this helpful. Use painter’s tape to hold the sheet in place. 5. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. They had an existing finish with an orange-yellow stain but not anymore…I can’t wait for you to see the NEW look! Step 2 Lay the door out on a canvas in a suitable work area. Your email address will not be published. . I love to share the products I use and enjoy! Does Gel Stain cover scratches or imperfections? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 5,869 times. I sand the surface as if I was wiping down my kitchen counter. You can apply a water-based topcoat over this oil-based stain but it MUST be 100% dry! The gel stain is thick like pudding, not a liquid. Then work with the grain to even out color. You take such good care of them and do beautiful work. This is exactly what I want to do to all of the doors in my house. It really cut down on the yellow-orange stain and the grain is still showing through beautifully. If you think that the coating looks even and is the color you want, you can leave it alone. I wasn’t sure about the Colonial Black either but once I tested it over the finish… I LOVED it! For the best result, apply 2 to 3 thin layers of clear coat. To deal with a cushioned chair, for instance, place a plastic sheet over the upholstery. Make sure they all receive the same amount of Varathane. These look amazing, Denise!! Let stand for 2-5 minutes and wipe off excess with a clean soft cloth, using light and even pressure. Sand to obtain a smooth surface. Remove excess stain in the direction of the wood grain. So be patient, and wait it out. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Be careful and scrub only along the wood’s grain to avoid scratches. Use a Colonial Black on the second coat. Apply stain the easy way with Rust-Oleum® Varathane® Premium Gel Stain. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This adds really nice depth to the stain. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the recommended wait. . wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. I too live in Canada and wonder if you could advise me the best place to buy Dixie Belle paints and which is your favourite and most versatile white from DB? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Method 2 - Brush Stain Brushing stain will apply a lot more stain than wiping. In my opinion, it’s not needed. Yes! From what I’m reading, it doesn’t need a top coat. I thought of using a grey gel stain over Or should I use a watered down grey paint? With a tabletop, for instance, let the top dry completely, then flip it over to finish the underside. HAVE YOU OR WOULD YOU TRY GEL STAINS ON AN EXISTING FINISH? Instead, they sit on top of a surface more like paint but gives the appearance of stain because it gives a ‘see-through’ color while allowing grain or the surface below to be displayed. For full disclosures and privacy policy click here. Perfect for vertical surfaces. Remove excess stain in the direction of the wood grain. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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