How to Apply Gel Stain to Wood

Applying gel stains to wood is great if you're looking for the effect of combining both dyes and pigments for a deep, uniform color. Applying gel stains to wood is an extremely easy process. Many people choose to do this process for touch ups because of how easy it is. Here's how to apply gel stain to wood.

Things You'll Need

• 100 percent cotton rag

Instructions

1. Put some gel stain on a clean, fresh cloth.

2. Rub the cloth with the stain along the grain of your wood until the color is even.

3. Control the evenness of the stain's color by varying the pressure you apply. If you rub harder, you'll get a light color. If you rub lightly, you'll get a darker color.

4. Apply a second or third coat of the gel stain if you seek a darker stain color.

5. Allow the stain to dry for a few hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Always apply gel stain in a well ventilated area or outdoors.

• Your cloth rag should be clean, lint-free and 100 percent cotton. If you use a bed sheet or cheesecloth, that's ideal.

• Check the directions on your gel stain before you begin use. Make sure you follow the specific directions as outlined on your can of gel stain.

• You may wish to try staining a small area of your wood first to make sure you understand how to use the gel stain. This will also allow you to check the color on your particular wood. But remember, you can adjust the color based on how much pressure you apply when you put the stain on your wood.