It was a Saturday morning and I [Joe] was determined to give my old kitchen cabinets a facelift.
I had heard that gel stain was the way to go to get a professional looking finish without having to strip and sand the wood down to bare. So, I headed to the hardware store and picked up a can of the stuff.
I was feeling pretty good about myself as I slathered the gel stain onto the cabinets, making sure to get every nook and cranny.
But as the stain started to dry, I started to notice all the imperfections in the wood that I had never noticed before. Panels that were slightly uneven, dents and scratches that I had thought were barely noticeable, all seemed to be highlighted by the dark, rich color of the gel stain.
I started to panic. Had I just made all these imperfections even more noticeable? Was my kitchen going to look even more shabby and beaten up than before?
I was about to give up and just paint the whole thing white when I remembered something my friend had told me. ““Gel stain is great at hiding imperfections,” he had said. “Just go over it with a layer of polyurethane and it’ll all be good.”
Well, I’ll be darned if he wasn’t right. A couple of coats of polyurethane later and those imperfections were nowhere to be seen.
The cabinets looked smooth, professional, and like they belonged in a fancy kitchen showroom.
What Is Gel Stain?
Gel stain is a thick, pigment-rich stain that is applied to wood surfaces to give them a deeper, more even color.
It is usually applied in a thin layer and allowed to penetrate the wood for a few hours before being wiped off. Unlike traditional stains, which are applied with a brush or cloth and absorbed into the wood, gel stain sits on top of the wood and creates a more uniform, opaque finish.
How Does Gel Stain Hide Imperfections?
Gel stain works to hide imperfections in a couple of ways. Firstly, the thick, gooey consistency of the stain helps to fill in small dents, scratches, and unevenness in the wood.
As the stain dries, it forms a slightly textured surface that can help to camouflage these imperfections.
Secondly, the pigment in the gel stain helps to obscure the wood grain and any other imperfections that might be visible.
Because the gel stain sits on top of the wood rather than being absorbed into it, it creates a uniform, solid color that can make any imperfections less noticeable.
What Are the Best Ways to Use Gel Stain?
Gel stain is best used on surfaces that are in good condition but could use a little sprucing up. It works well on wood that has been previously finished, as it can be applied directly over the existing finish.
It is also a good choice for wood that has uneven or blotchy coloring, as it can help to even out the tone and create a more cohesive look.
However, gel stain is not a good choice for wood that is severely damaged or has deep scratches or gouges.
In these cases, it is best to repair the damage and sand the surface down before applying the gel stain.
Is Gel Stain Easy to Use?
Gel stain is generally easier to use than traditional stains, as it is less prone to drips and splatters and can be applied with a cloth or brush.
However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow the stain to penetrate the wood for the recommended amount of time before wiping it off.
It is also a good idea to do a test patch on a small, inconspicuous area before applying the gel stain to the entire surface.
This will help you to get a feel for how the stain is going to look and allow you to make any necessary adjustments.
FAQ
Can Gel Stain Be Used on Outdoor Furniture?
Gel stain can be used on outdoor furniture, but it is important to protect the finished surface with a clear sealer or polyurethane to prevent the stain from fading or peeling due to exposure to the elements.
Can Gel Stain Be Used on Unfinished Wood?
Gel stain can be used on unfinished wood, but it is important to properly prepare the surface first. Sand the wood down to a smooth finish and remove any dirt or debris.
It is also a good idea to apply a wood conditioner to the wood before staining, as this can help the stain to penetrate evenly and prevent blotchiness.
Can Gel Stain Be Used Over Paint?
Gel stain can be used over paint, but it is important to sand the surface down to a rough finish first. This will help the gel stain to adhere to the paint and give a more natural, wood-like finish.
The Bottom Line: Does Gel Stain Hide Imperfections?
In short, yes, gel stain can hide imperfections in wood. Its thick, gooey consistency helps to fill in small dents and scratches, and the pigment in the stain helps to obscure the wood grain and create a more even, uniform finish.
However, it is important to properly prepare the wood surface and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
So, if you’re like me and you’ve got a piece of wood that’s seen better days but you’re not ready to say goodbye to it yet, give gel stain a try.
You might be surprised at how well it can hide those imperfections and give your wood a new lease on life.