Hey there! My name is Joe and I’m here to talk to you about something that has caused me no end of frustration in the past – sanding between coats of gel stain.

As a DIY enthusiast, I love nothing more than taking on a new project and making it my own. But man, let me tell you – there have been times when I’ve wished I could just throw in the towel and call it a day.

And one of those times was when I was working on a piece of furniture and wasn’t sure if I should sand between coats of gel stain.

It was a hot summer day, and I was sweating bullets as I slathered on the first coat of gel stain. I was so excited to see the final product that I couldn’t wait to get started on the second coat.

But as I reached for the sandpaper, I hesitated. Was I really supposed to sand between coats of gel stain? I had heard mixed opinions on the subject and I didn’t want to mess up all of my hard work.

So, I did what any reasonable person would do – I called my handy dandy friend Google for advice.

Well, let me tell you – Google did not disappoint. I found all sorts of conflicting information on the topic. Some sources said that sanding between coats was a must, while others said it was a complete waste of time.

I was thoroughly confused and frustrated by this point, and I was starting to regret ever starting this project in the first place.

I mean, how was I supposed to know what to do? I was just a humble DIYer, not a professional woodworker!

After much contemplation (and a few choice swear words), I finally decided to go with my gut and skip the sanding step.

I figured that if it turned out to be a mistake, I could always sand it down and start over.

So, I applied the second coat of gel stain and crossed my fingers. And you know what? It turned out just fine! The finish was smooth and even, and I was able to achieve the look I was going for. Phew, crisis averted!

But despite my success, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had cheated the system. I mean, was it really that easy? Could I have skipped the sanding step and still gotten great results?

I knew I had to find out for sure, so I did some more digging and here’s what I found.

Do You Need to Sand Between Coats of Gel Stain?

The short answer is: it depends.

The type of wood you’re working with, the type of gel stain you’re using, and the desired finish can all play a role in whether or not you should sand between coats.

Type of Wood

If you’re working with a wood that has a rough or uneven surface, sanding between coats can help smooth out any imperfections and create a more even finish.

However, if you’re working with a wood that has a smooth surface to begin with, sanding between coats may not be necessary. In fact, it could even remove too much of the previous coat and create an uneven finish.

Type of Gel Stain

Some types of gel stain are more prone to drips and drizzles than others, which can create an uneven finish if not corrected.

To fix this, sanding between coats can help smooth out any drips or drizzles and create a more even finish.

However, if you’re using a gel stain that goes on smoothly and evenly, sanding between coats may not be necessary. Again, it’s important to consider the type of gel stain you’re using and whether or not it is prone to creating an uneven finish.

Desired Finish

Finally, the desired finish can also play a role in whether or not you should sand between coats of gel stain. If you’re going for a smooth, polished look, sanding between coats can definitely help you achieve it.

However, if you’re going for a rustic, distressed look, sanding between coats may not be necessary (or even desired). It’s important to consider the final look you’re trying to achieve and whether or not sanding between coats will help you get there.

FAQ

How do I know if I need to sand between coats of gel stain?

The best way to determine if you need to sand between coats of gel stain is to consider the type of wood you’re working with, the type of gel stain you’re using, and the desired finish.

If the wood has a rough or uneven surface, if the gel stain is prone to drips and drizzles, or if you’re going for a smooth, polished finish, sanding between coats may be necessary.

If the wood has a smooth surface, if the gel stain goes on smoothly and evenly, or if you’re going for a rustic, distressed look, sanding between coats may not be necessary.

What grit sandpaper should I use for sanding between coats of gel stain?

If you do decide to sand between coats of gel stain, it’s important to use the right grit sandpaper. A grit that is too rough could remove too much of the previous coat and create an uneven finish, while a grit that is too fine may not be effective at smoothing out imperfections.

A medium grit sandpaper, such as 220-grit, is usually a good choice for sanding between coats of gel stain. It’s important to remember to sand lightly and evenly, applying minimal pressure to avoid removing too much of the previous coat.

Can I use a sanding sponge instead of sandpaper for sanding between coats of gel stain?

Yes, you can use a sanding sponge instead of sandpaper for sanding between coats of gel stain.

Sanding sponges are a good alternative to sandpaper because they can conform to curved or irregular surfaces, making them easier to use on intricate or detailed pieces.

Like sandpaper, it’s important to choose the right grit for the job – a medium grit, such as 220-grit, is usually a good choice for sanding between coats of gel stain. It’s also important to remember to sand lightly and evenly, applying minimal pressure to avoid removing too much of the previous coat.

The Bottom Line: To Sand or Not to Sand?

So, should you sand between coats of gel stain? The answer is: it depends. Consider the type of wood you’re working with, the type of gel stain you’re using, and the desired finish.

If the wood has a rough or uneven surface, if the gel stain is prone to drips and drizzles, or if you’re going for a smooth, polished finish, sanding between coats may be necessary.

If the wood has a smooth surface, if the gel stain goes on smoothly and evenly, or if you’re going for a rustic, distressed look, sanding between coats may not be necessary.

Just remember to use the right grit sandpaper (or sanding sponge) and sand lightly and evenly to avoid removing too much of the previous coat.

As for me, I’ve learned my lesson and will make sure to do my research before jumping into a new project.

But hey, at least I have a funny story to tell now, right? I hope this article has helped clear up any confusion you may have had about sanding between coats of gel stain. Happy DIYing!