Gel stains are one of the most forgiving stain products you can use, providing a uniform color on woods that tend to blotch when stained, such as maple.
Gel stains have a gelled or creamy consistency that makes them ideal for staining vertical surfaces such as cabinets. They apply in layers, making them ideal for cabinets containing more than one type of wood. Gel stain doesnt fully penetrate the wood because of its thick consistency, which gives you more control during application. It wont drip or run, so gel stain rarely produces lap marks or other finish problems. This easy application makes gel staining cabinets a task most homeowners can accomplish themselves.
Remove all hardware, including hinges and knobs, using the screwdriver. When removing your cabinet hinges, take off the bottom hinge first.
Lay the cabinets on a flat surface, such as a workbench, and clean the doors, cabinet bases and drawer fronts with soapy water.
Rinse the cabinets and their parts with clean water and leave it to dry.
Sand the surface of the cabinets, doors and drawer fronts with 100- to 120-grit sandpaper. Work in the direction of the wood grain. Sand the wood evenly, but with as low a grit of sandpaper as you can to ensure the pores remain open. This allows for better penetration of the gel stain.
Wipe the wood with a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.
Apply painters tape to the walls and outlet covers, and protect appliances and countertops with plastic sheeting.
Stir the gel stain until it is creamy to mix the pigments thoroughly. As you work, repeat stirring periodically to ensure a uniform color.
Apply gel stain onto doors in a thin, even coat with a clean cloth or rag. Work the stain into the grooved areas first and then out toward the edges of the cabinets.
Work in small sections. After you apply the stain to one section, wait about 3 minutes and then wipe off the excess stain in the direction of the grain with a clean cloth. You must wipe off the excess stain before it becomes tacky.
Continue applying the gel stain until you cover all doors, drawer fronts and cabinets. Leave the first coat of gel stain to dry overnight, or for the time recommended on the label. Although gel stains feel dry to the touch after a short period of time, they must cure completely before applying additional coats or finishes.
Wipe on a second coat if you desire a darker color, or if the finish is uneven. Do not sand the cabinets between coats of gel stain.
Apply a clear finish to protect the wood after the final coat of gel stain dries for a minimum of 24 hours.
Things You Will Need
- Screwdriver
- Soap
- Water
- Cloth
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask
- 100- to 120-grit sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Rags
- Painter's tape
Tip
- Deepen your stain color by applying several thin coats of gel stain, rather than one or two thick coats.
About the Author
Renee Miller began writing professionally in 2008, contributing to websites and the "Community Press" newspaper. She is co-founder of On Fiction Writing, a website for writers. Miller holds a diploma in social services from Clarke College in Belleville, Ontario.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
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