How to Apply Gel Stain January 07 2014

Gels are very easy to apply and give you good control over color and depth. ALWAYS TEST a small area or sample board before starting your project. Use a clean rag (T-shirt type material, old terry-cloth towel, cheese cloth, etc.). Gel stains can be applied much like a paste wax or shoe polish. To avoid lap marks, try applying gel to smaller sections, keeping a “wet edge”  between each section. Apply a liberal amount of gel and rub into the wood surface, removing any excess as you go. Take extra care to get excess gel out of nooks and crannies, inside corners, etc., to avoid dark spots. TIP: Use an old stiff bristle brush in corners, molding, trim, etc. Aqua Coat water-based Gel Stain can be re-applied for a deeper color or shading, or even used as a glaze. We recommend using 1 or 2 coats of gel stain. Water-based gel stains can be thinned slightly with water if desired. Dry times can be slowed down by stirring in a small amount of Aqua Coat Retarder. Multiple coats of clear gel over the gel stain will give a full grain-fill effect. Remove any smudges and rag marks using clean rags as necessary. Aqua Coat Gel Stains contain top coat material and can be used as a 1-step finish, but for furniture, tabletops, cabinets, etc., additional coats of top coat are recommended for added protection. Aqua Coat has superior quality clear coats and tabletop coats for wood finishing.