Hey there, it’s your boy Joe here and I’ve got a funny story to share with you about using a foam roller to apply gel stain. So, I was refinishing an old set of kitchen cabinets and I decided to use gel stain for the first time. I had heard that it was easy to use and gave a nice, even finish.

Well, I’ll tell you what, I thought I was being all clever and resourceful by using a foam roller to apply the gel stain. I figured it would save me from having to buy a fancy brush or something and would give me a smooth, even finish. Boy, was I wrong.

As I was rolling on the gel stain, I noticed that it was leaving behind all sorts of streaks and lines. I tried to smooth them out, but it was no use. The gel stain was just too thick and the foam roller couldn’t handle it.

My kitchen cabinets ended up looking like a kindergartener’s art project. Not exactly the professional-looking finish I was going for.

Lesson learned: don’t be like me and use a foam roller to apply gel stain. Trust me, it’s not worth the hassle.

Do You Apply Gel Stain with a Brush or Roller?

So, what is the proper way to apply gel stain? The short answer is: a brush. Gel stain is a thick, paste-like substance and is best applied with a brush to ensure an even, smooth finish.

There are several types of brushes that can be used for applying gel stain, including foam brushes, bristle brushes, and china bristle brushes.

Foam brushes are a good, budget-friendly option and are easy to use. Bristle brushes are a bit more expensive, but offer better control and a smoother finish. China bristle brushes are the most expensive option, but are also the best quality and produce the smoothest finish.

It’s important to choose a brush with good quality bristles to avoid shedding and achieve a professional-looking finish.

Be sure to use a clean brush and remove any excess gel stain before applying to avoid drips and an uneven finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a roller to apply gel stain?

Technically, you can use a roller to apply gel stain, but it is not recommended. Gel stain is a thick, paste-like substance and is best applied with a brush to ensure an even, smooth finish.

Using a roller can result in an uneven, splotchy finish and may require sanding and starting over.

Can I use a cloth to apply gel stain?

Using a cloth to apply gel stain is not a good idea. Cloths can leave bits of fabric stuck in the wood and can result in an uneven, splotchy finish. It’s best to use a brush for a smooth, professional-looking finish.

Can I use a spray gun to apply gel stain?

It is not recommended to use a spray gun to apply gel stain. Gel stain is a thick, paste-like substance and is not meant to be sprayed.

It is best applied with a brush to ensure an even, smooth finish.

Conclusion: Stick with a Brush

So, can you use a foam roller to apply gel stain? As I learned the hard way, the answer is no. It’s best to stick with a brush for a smooth, professional-looking finish.

There are several types of brushes to choose from, including foam brushes, bristle brushes, and china bristle brushes.

Just be sure to use a clean brush and remove any excess gel stain before applying to avoid drips and an uneven finish.

And trust me, you don’t want to end up with a kitchen full of streaky, splotchy cabinets like I did. Save yourself the headache and stick with a brush for applying gel stain.

Your wood (and your reputation as a DIY-er) will thank you.