- Wait about 1 hour for the stain to dry. Leave the wood out in an open area with good air circulation so it dries out at a faster rate.
- Apply Varathane to any surfaces you were unable to reach originally. Sometimes you aren’t able to finish a piece as a consistent whole.
- Recoat the wood with additional layers of Varathane to darken the finish. One coating of Varathane is often enough to give wood a new, bright finish.
- Finish the wood with a clear top coat to protect it from damage. After the new stain has finished drying, seal it in. ...
- Let the clear coat dry for at least 24 hours. It’s more waiting, but you’re almost done. ...
How to stain wood with Varathane?
Part 4 Part 4 of 4: Finishing and Sealing the Stain Download Article
- Wait about 1 hour for the stain to dry. Leave the wood out in an open area with good air circulation so it dries out at a faster rate.
- Apply Varathane to any surfaces you were unable to reach originally. Sometimes you aren’t able to finish a piece as a consistent whole.
- Recoat the wood with additional layers of Varathane to darken the finish. ...
How to apply Varathane stain?
APPLICATION Use adequate ventilation at all times. Stir thoroughly Apply when temperatures are between 50-90°F (10-38°C) and the relative humidity less than 85%. Apply Varathane Premium Gel Stain liberally to the surface using a brush or lint-free cloth. First apply stain going against the grain to fill in pores. Then work with the
How to apply Varathane ultimate wood stain?
applied over some stains. Use full strength. Do not thin. Stir thoroughly before and during use. To prevent bubbles in the finish, DO NOT SHAKE. Apply using a good quality natural bristle brush or applicator. Allow the finish to dry 8 hours before re-coating. Re-coat only when previous coats have dried clear and feel hard. The coating should no longer
How do you apply Varathane classic penetrating wood stain?
Things You’ll Need
- Varathane wood stain
- Clear coat wood sealer
- Foam brush or synthetic paint brush
- Lint-free cloths
- Tack cloth or vacuum
- 120-grit sandpaper
- 150-grit sandpaper
- 180-grit sandpaper
- Dust mask
- Rubber gloves
How long does it take varathane gel stain to dry?
Allow Varathane Premium Gel Stains to dry a minimum of 8 hours before applying an oil-based finish and 24 hours before applying a water-based finish.
Do you wipe off gel stain?
How to Use Gel Stain: Apply Stain. Wipe the stain evenly across the surface. The first coat should be thick. Put it on and don't wipe it away as you would when working with traditional stain.Oct 18, 2019
Should I stir gel stain?
It's really important to stir gel stain very thoroughly before applying, since the pigments tend to settle towards the bottom of the can, and the thicker consistency can make it harder to re-distribute them. You can also turn your can upside down for 15-20 minutes before opening, then give it a good stir.Apr 22, 2015
How long do you leave gel stain on before wiping off?
Let the stain dry for 5-10 minutes before wiping off for a medium color shade. Let the stain dry for 20-30 minutes before wiping off for a dark color shade.Dec 9, 2020
Do you sand between coats of gel stain?
Like the oil stains above, you don't need to sand between coats of gel stain. The only sanding your wood needs with this product is during the preparation stage. Gel stains are usually thick and have a paint-like consistency, and tend to sit more on the surface than it penetrate the wood pores.Apr 9, 2022
Can you apply gel stain with a rag?
Generally speaking, you can use a cloth rag to wipe away wet gel stain and fine-tune the finish as you go, but it might be touch and go in tough-to-reach spots like deep cracks and extreme corners.Nov 18, 2019
Do you sand gel stain before top coat?
For previously finished wood, yes, you need to sand before applying gel stain. Generally, you need to sand enough to scuff up the existing finish and make the surface even.May 11, 2020
Why is my gel stain still tacky?
If you applied the stain correctly, and it still remained tacky, it could be due to rainy weather or high humidity. Give it a few more days to see if it improves. Another possibility is that the stain was old or came from a bad batch.
What kind of brush do you use for gel stain?
First, be sure to stir the gel stain well. You can apply it with a natural bristle brush, foam brush or cotton rag (this last one being my favorite way). With this type of stain, you don't want to apply too thickly.Feb 19, 2019
Is it better to stain with a brush or rag?
Using a lint free rag is the best way to apply wood stain because it is great for controlling the amount of stain that is applied and for removing any excess stain. Also, the rag leaves a beautiful, even, and brush stroke free finish. It also can easily be thrown out once finished.Jul 22, 2019
What is the difference between wood stain and gel stain?
The difference between gel stain and regular stain is gel stain is a thick pudding-like substance that you apply over the top of the wood, while regular stains are more watery-like and will penetrate into the wood. However, when both stains are applied, within a few minutes, you wipe away the excess stain.May 14, 2021
How long does it take gel stain to dry?
24 hoursProduct DetailsApplication Tool:brush, cloth or foam applicatorRecoat:8-10 hoursDry Time:24 hoursCleanup:mineral spiritsCoverage:200 sq. ft. per quart3 more rows
About Premium Gel Stain
Apply stain the easy way with Rust-Oleum® Varathane® Premium Gel Stain. This rich, thick formula provides twice the coverage of traditional oil-based stains—and prevents drips—while beautifully enhancing the wood grain and patina. Perfect for vertical surfaces.
For Best Results
For long-term protection and durability, top with a Varathane® Polyurethane.
What is the difference between gel stain and traditional stain?
The primary difference between gel and a traditional stain is that gel stain sits on top of the wood while a traditional stain sinks in; as a result, it lets some of the wood’s unique markings and texture shine through while delivering a crisp, consistent finish not dissimilar to paint. Gel stain is particularly forgiving with splotch-prone woods ...
How long does it take for gel stain to dry?
Much like other stains, it typically needs anywhere from 8 to 24 hours to dry between coats—of which you might need several, depending on the level of opacity you want to achieve. Always refer to the instructions given by your stain’s manufacturer, and be sure to take humidity and temperature levels into account since extreme heat, cold, or moisture can lengthen the time it takes any stain (or paint, for that matter) to dry.
Can you use a cloth rag to clean gel stain?
Generally speaking, you can use a cloth rag to wipe away wet gel stain and fine-tune the finish as you go, but it might be touch and go in tough-to-reach spots like deep cracks and extreme corners. Photo: istockphoto.com. Putting It to the Test.
Is gel stain good for vertical projects?
Another perk, still, is gel stain’s ease of use in vertical projects. Pre-installed cabinets will suffer fewer drips, drops, and messes when you’re working with the peanut-buttery consistency of gel stain, as opposed to the thin liquid you’d be dealing with otherwise. Photo: istockphoto.com.
Do you need to sand wood to stain?
It doesn’t require you to sand the wood all the way down to its raw state for best adhesion the way you would with a typical stain. In fact, just a little light sanding will do the trick, and then you’re ready to begin the application process with a lint-free cloth.
How to clean a wood surface with gel stain?
Use a mild soap solution and microfiber cloth to w ipe down a raw wood surface. If you’re applying gel stain over an existing finish, mix equal parts water and denatured alcohol to create a cleaning solution. Dip a microfiber cloth into it and wipe the surface down. Wipe off excess liquid with a paper towel.
How to apply gel stain to wood?
Start off by cleaning and sanding the surface. Apply the gel stain with a foam brush or pad, then wipe the excess away after 30 seconds.
How long does it take for gel stain to dry?
Once the first section is evenly covered with stain, give it about 30 seconds so the stain can get a good “grip” on the surface of the wood. Do not wait longer than 30 seconds. Gel stain dries very quickly and will become tacky if left on the surface any longer than that.
How to get gel stain out of concrete?
Protect the floor with a tarp and put on gloves. Gel stain can ruin concrete, carpet, and pretty much any other surface it touches. Before you get started, lay down a tarp or a large piece of cardboard. Situate your item right in the middle. Your hands can also get stained, so pull on some protective gloves before you open the gel stain.
What is the best way to seal gel stain?
The top coat seals the gel stain and protects the finish of your piece. Choose a top coat that matches the base of your stain – if you used an oil-based gel stain, use an oil-based top coat. If you used water-based stain, go for a water-based top coat. It will be clearly labeled oil or water-based on the packaging.
How to get dark stain lighter?
To go from a dark surface to a lighter stain, you’ll need to apply a chemical wood stripper first. You can buy stripper at any home improvement store. Brush a thick coat of stripper onto the surface, then let it sit for 30 minutes to dissolve the finish.
How to get a stain out of a t-shirt?
2. Apply a thin coat of top coat. For oil-based products, wipe on the top coat with a lint-free shop towel or old t-shirt. Use a foam brush to apply water-based top coats. Start on one side and work systematically to the other side. All you need is a thin coat to seal in the stain.
How long should I wait between coats of gel stain?
Ideally, according to most manufacturer's guidelines, you should wait 24 hours between each coat. Expect to have to apply 2-3 coats until the finish is even or opaque. Wipe the stain evenly across the surface.
What is gel stain?
Gel stain is a go-to choice for DIYers because it delivers very uniform cover. The thick, pudding-like product sits atop the surface and won’t drip. Gel stain works on most surfaces from wooden to metal, and even painted surfaces can be gel stained.
How long does it take for gel stain to dry?
Lightly sand the surface with 180 grit sandpaper, then apply very thin coats of the gel stain, allowing at least 2 hours of dry time between coats. See the section above on applying gel stain on finished wood for more detailed instructions.
How long does it take for Zinsser to recoat wood?
In fact, Zinsser’s Shellac Sealcoat is a great finish in general (I love it so, so much,) because it dries super-fast and can be recoated in 2 hours, unlike oil-based products.
What is the best stain for softwood?
Gel stain is best for staining softwoods, and the majority of my budget-friendly projects use cheap pine or “whitewood.”. It’s also great for vertical surfaces, since gel stain is thicker and won’t run down the surface like regular wood stain would.
How to apply gel stain to unfinished wood?
Applying gel stain to unfinished wood is actually pretty similar to applying traditional wood stain. Using a rag or a foam brush, apply the stain. Start by going against the grain of the wood, in order to push the stain into the pores. Then go back over the stain, brushing with the grain.
How long does it take to remove gel stain from wood?
Once the gel stain has sat for 5-ish minutes, wipe the excess off with a rag. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the grain, so that any marks blend in with grain of the wood.
How to get a stain off a coat of coats?
Instead, grab some mineral spirits and apply it to the stain with a rag. That should help dissolve the stain so that it can be wiped off the piece and reapplied in thinner coats.
What is gel stain?
Gel stain is an oil-based varnish (like polyurethane) with a colorant added. It is significantly thicker than traditional wood stain, and is designed to sit on top of the wood instead of soaking in. This reduces blotching, a problem common with traditional stain.
