Hi Denise! If you are wanting to stain your item a lighter shade of stain than the one that exists at present then unfortunately you can’t simply brush a lighter stain over a dark stain, you will need to fully strip back or sand off the existing stain finish and apply the lighter stain. Here’s what these doors looked like before. Do I need to stir the product before using it? Be sure to take a look. How to Stain over Stain. Hi Mindy! Then I applied my gel stain and wiped it off… it’s looking gorgeous! I like to use the gel stain over the existing stain because you do not have to strip the original finishes. Click through to watch this video on easy2diy.com. Thanks for reading. It cuts down on the orange-yellow stain of these doors BUT I still don’t have a TRUE black stain. Your doors look gorgeous. I wasn’t sure about the Colonial Black either but once I tested it over the finish… I LOVED it! I like to wrap sand paper around my putty knife to get the edges and crevices. Your email address will not be published. This has given me an idea for a bathroom vanity I have! It may be literally impossible to completely remove the old... 2 Immediately wipe it off with a dry cloth. I share the tips and tricks on how to easily darken your exisitng wood. November 2, 2020 by Denise - 47 Comments. Can I use a slip coat for easier application and longer working time? Gel stain is applied to the surface of the wood but not rubbed-in like traditional stains; the application is more comparable to painting on multiple thin … Apply a light coat of stain. Add a wood conditioner to the surface. . or suggestion’s. She has this ah-mazing technique for using stain over paint that produces really subtle tones, keeping the wood grain apparent. For instance, you can use a Walnut on your first coat. Let dry. From what I’m reading, it doesn’t need a top coat. Happy Tuesday! If it’s applied too heavy or unevenly, you want to wipe it back and even it out for a beautiful uniform finish. If they were shiny, that indicates that your floors have a good sealer on them and the sealer is not worn away and that would need to be removed before you applied the stain. I think your post is the universe’s way of telling me to get started. They are a time saver because you don’t have to strip and sand down to bare wood to start from scratch. Liquid and gel stains don't protect wood. Love all your helpful info on here. I have been slowly working on my attic stairway area and now I can finally say that the stairway steps and landing areas are complete. Staining the Wood Choose a gel stain, glaze, or water-based stain if you want a darker finish. I agree with e setons you always give such wonderful detailed suggestions in an easy to understand format ty!! After two coats of gel stain and two coats of wood protectant…. I have a black painted table that I thought I would lighten a little. Find more information about Oil Based Gel Stains here. 7. Want to master Microsoft Excel and take your work-from-home job prospects to the next level? You need to work in small areas. I thought of using a grey gel stain over Or should I use a watered down grey paint? Just be sure to topcoat so your work is protected and can be easily cleaned.. Using a cheap foam brush start painting the gel stain in the direction of the grain. This post contains affiliate links. Gel Stains colors can be mixed together OR you can layer them. I have gone through this process…no sanding. Would a gel stain work on these? Gel Stains can totally transform an existing finish so you can save $$$ on DIY rather than buying new cabinets or furniture. Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. . I just did some tables with gel stain and have been waiting for a nice day to do the poly coat outside. My family came up and asked what all the screaming was about. 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. Gel stain is formulated more like paint than traditional stain. https://www.anikasdiylife.com/use-gel-stain-update-cabinets-without-sanding We purchased a home with all trim and doors in honey oak. You might encounter two problems with using gel stains. Zar products are made by UGL (800/845-5227). If it is left in the wood grain in small streaks, you will still be able to stain. (You won’t be able to lighten the color with this technique.) Stains Are Only for Color. Gel stain is very thick and the pigments tend to settle at the bottom of the can over time. This is why they CAN be used to cover up an existing finish! I was surprised as this area leads up to an attic and just figured they would be regular wood. If you are able to do the entire length of a few boards, I would recommend applying in that way. Thank you, Thanks. We had been keeping the stain up and polyurethane on it. It really cut down on the yellow-orange stain and the grain is still showing through beautifully. Did you have to sand the floor to get any varnish off before putting on the gel? by DeDe Bailey Yes! Haven’t been motivated to start the doors because, as I said, ALL the doors. […], […] to see what I discovered after I pulled up the carpet? If you need to, strip the top coat of sealer off first. I never would have thought to use black gel stain to achieve the dark wood effect. You will still see some of those paint filled wood grain streaks when looking at it closely. I share the tips and tricks on how to easily darken your exisitng wood. Please try again. Gel stains color in increments—Wood-workers often combine solid wood and plywood in the construction of cabinets. 6. This option works well over a finish that is completely intact, but it can only be used to darken the shade. I shared the makeover of a Mid Century Modern Credenza last week where I used General Finishes Denise, I LOVE this idea. What should you use to apply the Gel Stain? I’m just wondering how much sanding you did to start with. How did the gel stain do covering up left over paint that couldn’t be removed. . I’m using these french doors as an example but gel stains can be used on ANY existing finish. She hold up pretty well. Beautiful transformation! You sure can Denise! After looking at the original hardwood floors for a few days, I decided they were too orange and I needed to tone down the color. The gel stain did deepen the stain a shade or 2 and made it a bit richer in tone. . Gel Staining works amazing with outdated furniture, kitchen cabinets, stair rails, doors, or pretty much any finished wood you’ve been thinking of replacing. Option two is to use a product called gel stain that actually sits on top of the finished wood, but still retains the wood grain. I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. Hope this helps. You may want to apply more coats to achieve the desired color or depth of warmth for woodwork. It’s much easier and faster than using a brush. I’m not sure where you’re located but if you use this Retail Locator, hopefully you can find a retailer close to you. You mix black paint with water and apply it carpet until I discovered was... Even coats are recommended so you don ’ t been motivated to start the doors anymore…I can ’ t into... Exciting as I finish those projects ’ m just wondering how much sanding you did start... The upper floor is compared to the character of the door appears to have damage from and. 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