Hey there! My name is Joe and I recently decided to take on a DIY project to refinish my kitchen cabinets.

I had heard that gel stain was a great option because it didn’t require sanding and it gave a beautiful, smooth finish. So, I went for it and applied the gel stain to my cabinets.

Well, let me tell you, things did not go as smoothly as I had hoped. As I was applying the gel stain, my klutzy self managed to drop my brush and it landed on one of the cabinet doors.

I cringed as I picked up the brush and saw that there were scratches on the freshly stained door. “Nooo!” I thought to myself. “Did I just ruin all my hard work?” I couldn’t believe it. Had I just wasted all that time and money on a product that was going to scratch so easily?

I couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment as I finished up the staining process. But, as I stepped back to admire my handiwork, I noticed that the scratches weren’t as noticeable as I had initially thought.

They were still there, but they didn’t stand out as much as I thought they would. I started to wonder if my worries about the gel stain scratching easily were unfounded. So, I decided to do some research and find out for myself.

Is Gel Stain Prone to Scratching?

As it turns out, gel stain is no more prone to scratching than any other type of wood stain. In fact, it can actually be less prone to scratching because it creates a thicker, more durable finish.

However, no matter what type of stain you use, wood is a porous material and it can be prone to scratching and scuffing.

The key to preventing scratches on your stained wood surfaces is to take good care of them. This means avoiding placing heavy objects on the surface, using coasters under drinks, and avoiding dragging objects across the surface.

If you follow these basic precautions, your gel stained wood should stay looking beautiful for years to come.

How to Fix Scratches in Gel Stain

If you do happen to get a scratch in your gel stained wood, don’t panic. There are a few simple steps you can take to fix it.

First, try rubbing out the scratch with a soft, dry cloth. This may be enough to buff out the scratch and make it less noticeable.

If that doesn’t work, you can try using a wood touch-up marker to color in the scratch. These markers come in a variety of wood shades and can be found at your local hardware store. Simply find a marker that matches the color of your gel stained wood and fill in the scratch.

If the scratch is deep or the touch-up marker doesn’t give you the desired result, you can try using a small amount of gel stain to fill in the scratch.

Use a small brush or a cotton swab to apply the gel stain and then wipe off any excess with a clean, dry cloth.

FAQ

Can You Use a Polyurethane Finish Over Gel Stain?

Yes, you can use a polyurethane finish over gel stain. In fact, many people choose to use a polyurethane finish to protect their gel stained surfaces and add extra durability.

Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow the gel stain to fully dry before applying the polyurethane finish.

Can Gel Stain Be Used on Outdoor Wood?

Gel stain can be used on outdoor wood, but it is important to keep in mind that it may not have the same level of weather resistance as other types of wood stains.

If you are planning to use gel stain on outdoor wood, it is a good idea to add a clear coat of polyurethane or other outdoor sealant over the top to help protect it from the elements.

How Long Does Gel Stain Take to Dry?

The drying time for gel stain can vary depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment.

In general, you should allow the gel stain to dry for at least 24 hours before applying a second coat or a clear finish. If you are applying the gel stain in a humid or cool environment, it may take longer to dry completely.

The Bottom Line: Gel Stain Ain’t So Scratchy

So, does gel stain scratch easily? In short, no. While it is possible for any type of wood stain to scratch or scuff, gel stain is no more prone to scratching than any other type of wood stain.

By taking good care of your gel stained surfaces and following a few simple steps to fix any scratches that may occur, you can keep your gel stained wood looking beautiful for years to come.