Home of the popular Java Gel stain that has been featured across the nation's social media for upcycling furniture and cabinets. Gel Stains are heavy-bodied and do not penetrate as deeply into the wood as liquid oil-based stains do, providing the deepest, richest colors of any oil based stain available. Gel Stains are finely ground pigments oil in urethane. They wipe on and produce beautiful hand rubbed finishes. Gels are a thicker consistency than liquid oil base stains, so no drips, runs or spills.
A topcoat is required
Recommended topcoats include arm-r-seal (GF.ASQT) and gel stain topcoat (GF.SQ)
Gel stains can be mixed together with other gel stains to make more stain options
Can be used on raw wood only for best results
Ideal drying conditions are 70F and 70% humidity
Dry-time to touch is 8 hours
Dry-time to re-coat with stain is 24 hours
Dry-time to re-coat with stain when using the wipe-off method is 24-48 hours
Dry-time to apply an oil-based topcoat is 24-48 hours
Dry-time to apply water-based topcoats is at least 72 hours
Dry-time before light use is 7-10 days
Each dry-time may be longer if used over existing finishes
Cure time is 30 days
Viscosity is very thick
Gel stain will not amber
Gel stain can be applied by apply on/wipe off method, painting the stain on or dry brushing
Gel stain cannot be sprayed
Not recommended mixing this product with products from other brands
Online price includes PaintCare fee in the following states: CA, CO, CT, DC, ME, MN, OR, RI, VT, WA
Q:Can this product be used on a stained fiberglass front door.
by|Aug 3, 2022
1 Answer
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A:Â Gel stains, as all wood stains, were formulated to go over raw wood which has an "open" surface and can absorb some of the stain. It is more difficult to obtain proper drying characteristics over a dense manufactured surface such as laminate. Fiberglass would pose the same problem, therefore, it is not advised to use on fiberglass.
by|Aug 9, 2022
Q:How bad are the fumes? Is the odor strong ?
by|Jan 31, 2021
0 Answer
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Q:Can you use this over a built-in hallway cabinet that was painted white previously? The cabinet ...
by|Jan 10, 2021
2 Answers
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A:Â In my opinion, (I'm not a professional, but an intermediate DIYer) I would say, yes. I would definitely try it. In this case, if it were me, I would take the time to scuff the entire surface and I would use a foam brush to apply. If the white has a smooth finish, it may wipe off if you try to rub it in. In that case, don't get discouraged, I would let it dry completely (as directed) and keep adding coats until you like it. Don't worry, a little gel stain goes a really long way. If you are unsure, try a scrap piece, inside a door or even a kick board.
by|Nov 15, 2021
1 found this answer helpful
A: Yes, absolutely! The coverage of this item is amazing. Of course it’ll take more than one coat, but the finished project is always rich & worth it!
by|Nov 15, 2021
1 found this answer helpful
Q:Since this is oil based, how bad is the smell?
by|Nov 24, 2020
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Showing 1-4 of 25
Customer Reviews
4.9 out of 5
(215)
4.9
out of 215 reviews
93% recommend this product
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Showing 1-10 of 215 reviews
Sep 17, 2021
Love this stain!
I used this stain to update a medium oak colored recessed window. I found the best technique was not a sock (like some blogs suggest) but a brush. Clean up is difficult because the stain is oil based, and I recommend using a respirator because the chemical scent is strong - but it is worth it because it goes on quickly and covers well. The stain was packaged very well to prevent dents and leaks.
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Recommended
Jan 29, 2021
Love the ease of using the General Finishes gel stain...
Love the ease of using the General Finishes gel stain in the Java color. Completely transformed our master bathroom cabinets and front bathroom cabinets!! They look awesome- like new.
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Verified Purchase
Oct 7, 2020
This is a great gel stain and it goes a LONG way. I used the Wooster Foam King paintbrushes with...
This is a great gel stain and it goes a LONG way. I used the Wooster Foam King paintbrushes with it for a really smooth finish. This gel stain is so forgiving, and I didn't want a painted look so this is why I went the stain route. I was able to stain ten chairs, a kitchen table, a few other items with this one can. Some items were several coats, other items only one coat. I had spray painted a dining hutch and side board black years ago, so those items really only needed one coat but the chairs and table needed about three coats each. When my husband saw the can he said you're not going to have enough and he was thinking that about just the kitchen table and chairs. He is very impressed. I absolutely love the finish.
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Recommended
Aug 1, 2020
I absolutely love this gel stain. I decided to refinish my dining table after seeing a video on Y...
I absolutely love this gel stain. I decided to refinish my dining table after seeing a video on YouTube. It was a total project but the stain did its job. Loved the color and turn out. I loved it so much I did my coffee table and my end tables as well.
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Recommended
1 found this review helpful
Jul 29, 2020
YES YOU CAN USE IT ON FLOORS!
I wanted my floors done in Java. I called the company and they said yes you can do floors, it’s not just for furniture. I have about 2000 sq. Ft., it didn’t even take two gallons. Finished it off with a satin finish. They are beautiful
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Recommended
1 found this review helpful
Jun 16, 2020
Very easy to work with..Love the change it has made..
Very easy to work with..Love the change it has made..
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Verified Purchase
Recommended
May 30, 2020
Turn out awesome
Turn out awesome
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Verified Purchase
Recommended
Apr 8, 2020
product was very simple to use. Plenty of videos online and from General Finishes. I covered 25 y...
product was very simple to use. Plenty of videos online and from General Finishes. I covered 25 yr old oak cabinets with 2 coats of gel stain, not wiping off stain after applying . 2nd coat covered completely, used a good quality brush for both applications and followed instructions on can. make sure to have adequate ventilation !!!!! as described.very happy with results , finished with 3 coats of general finishes water based satin.
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Recommended
Oct 1, 2019
I used this product to remodel stair ballisters and hand rails along with a piece of furniture. T...
I used this product to remodel stair ballisters and hand rails along with a piece of furniture. The coverage is amazing and the results are fantastic. This gel stain does require several coats of clear top coat to protect the finish on any project, so figure that in at the same time when special ordering the stain from Home Depot. I did confirm by calling General Finished customer service that though this stain is 'Oil Based'..that a 'Water Based' clear top coat can be used (Less chemical smell and easier clean up) , so I ordered Traditional Finishes 'Performance' W/B Top Coat. Start with 'wiping' on a light first coat layer Gel Stain (I used Blue Shop Towels) ..let dry (24hrs is best for all drying times)..apply a second coat using a foam brush (Have several on hand as they don't last long)..let the stain dry..touch up any missed areas with a very light amount by again wiping on..let dry and then two to three light coats of Top Coat...It is a bit time consuming but the results of your efforts will be a very proffesional look to your finished project!
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Recommended
5 found this review helpful
Jul 31, 2019
Easy to use. Made an older vanity look fresh and new.
Easy to use. Made an older vanity look fresh and new.