Replies

1. 
   gulfstar | Oct 18, 2021 03:58pm | #1

   When using gel stain, any extra application will dissolve the previous partially and the color will change so it’s very difficult to do spot repair, I suggest re staining the entire piece and wiping to an even color.

2. 
   yozid | Oct 18, 2021 07:10pm | #2

   @Gulfstar Thanks so much for your response. I think I understand what your saying but what I don't understand is why the sanded down area won't take any stain. I don't mind the color being a little uneven, it's already uneven as I'm using birch wood. I originally sanded the wood with 220 grit. After which the wood took the stain pretty nicely. After I again sanded down the area (with 220 grit) which was a little messed up, the wood took no stain at all. Is it a possibility that the reason the wood isn't taking stain anymore is because when I sanded it down a second time with the same sandpaper, the sandpaper was pretty worn out and flat?

3. 
   gulfstar | Oct 18, 2021 08:14pm | #3

   I suspect that you wiped the spots shortly after applying the stain, in that case it would yield a paler color than the other surfaces. The color intensity is a factor of sanding grit and time allowed on the wood, if you want to get a lighter tone on an already gel stained surface you can stain it again and wipe it faster and it will actually give a lighter tone. 220 grit is quite fine for gel stain on some tight grain wood such as maple. What wood are you staining ?

4. 
   user-6901980 | Oct 18, 2021 09:48pm | #4

   Gel stains tend to have a bit of varnish in them. If you sanded, you may have sanded the color out but the wood is perhaps still sealed and as a result, less absorbent.