Explain Gel stain to me, can it be used for stair treads?
All i know about it when I read about it is that is sits on top of the wood and does not go into it. That doesnt make sense to me in reality.
Can i use this without worry on stair treads?
What does sit on top of the wood mean in this case? is it a layer of something or does it bond/sink into the wood.
im using doug fir thick treads and im thinking gel stain may be the only way to get consistency but I am not understanding how this stain really works and its correct applications
Replies
thanks
I don't know about "stays on top". I've used gel stain quite a bit and it seems to me I get some penetration. I have no way of knowing if it is more or less than a liquid stain. However, I do like gel stains and it does seem to be a bit better on blotch prone wood. I also think that I can get a darker color with gel. You should have no problem using it as you intend. Just follow the directions on the can.
thanks, im worried about the topcoat and what to use since general finishes wont comment on using varathane as a top coat and varathane wont comment on using another company's product under theirs.
From what I can tell, if I let the oil based gel stain dry for 72 hours, I can use a water based topcoat, ? I would let it sit a week since i have so many ridiculous houurs into this project
Follow directions for the gel stain, wipe off excess and let it dry thoroughly, and you should be good to go. If you have doubts, put on a thin coat of shellac before your WB finish. Also, I suggest you do some test panels before the final.
A week you are probably OK. I've applied water base over BLO several times after a week drying, ideally more, and never had adhesion problems.
Also, General Finishes Armr Seal is very good. Solvent based but it did not smell too bad when I used it. I'm in a basement shop somtend to stay with WB and shellac but the Armr Seal I was ok using.
General Finishes makes it, maybe ask them about using it on stair treads.
Mike
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