Relatively goof proof, gel stains contain urethane. It all a matter of personal opinion and choice of application. They are identifiable by their thickness, which is similar to mayonnaise. See the charts below for the advantages of different stain types. Stain Vs Glaze? Note: Zar wood stain, although not a gel stain, is thicker than thin-bodied stains and also works for wood graining. Turned out really gray so thinking about going over it with Espresso. I like the coverage of No Pain Gel Stain more, but I don’t want to use anything toxic inside the house. You don’t want to do this over a factory finish though. I was interested in it because water based products are safer to be around and easier to clean up. If you have any, sand those out. Can glob up in corners. I have 2 coats of Clearcoat. All stains need open pores for adequate absorption into your wood surface. We stayed with the grain in the star pattern with the Voo Doo……so my question is “do we need to apply the Espresso gel stain with the grain?” Minwax is a sediment suspended in oil. make a long story short I used sea spray, then sanded it down as smooth as I could because I didn’t want a chippy look. After you apply the pre-stain, it does a good job of showing you any scratch marks. A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. The pre-stain also gives you a more even look with the stain. Gel stain is more like a paint. What do you mean by "pre-stain": A 1st coat of stain? This can be done over raw wood or chalk paint. The No Pain Gel Stain has a similar odor to other gel stains but I don’t feel its as strong as the order that you get from regular penetrating stains like Minwax. You can also use your chalk paint and water it down (50/50 mix of water to paint ratio). Love your video’s! Would be good to go over it again with 120. They might come in handy if you're staining a large refer panel, as they won't run like a regular oil stain will. I just saw where you recommended painting first and the putting on no pain gel stain. Since a desk surface is more likely to be scratched than a vertical one, and this won't have a stone counter, is gel stain practical? General Finishes Java Gel Stain. I use my No Pain Gel Stain in my garage with no issues. Gel stain vs. paint – Which is best for cabinets? The gel stain is thick like pudding, not a liquid. Sand with the wood grain. Would I need to sand it to open up the grain? The No Pain Gel Stain has a similar odor to other gel stains but I don’t feel its as strong as the order that you get from regular penetrating stains like Minwax. I put on 2 coats of no pain gel stain in expresso but the mud areas look very “smudgy”. No matter what cabinet refinishing method you choose, take the time to do the prep work and you’ll thank yourself later. I’ve used Dixie Belle Chocolate under the Espresso and it looks beautiful . Unlike a regular oil stain that is thin and watery, the gel stain gives you time to work with it to get the exact finish you want before you let it dry. General Finishes also carries a line of water based wood stain. The good news is that today, there are so many great colors to choose from when it comes to re-staining cabinets versus even five years ago. Gel or liquid? You will see the color difference between you furniture piece’s natural color top and the mud, so I would suggest putting a coat of paint over the sealer that you applied and then the gel stain to give an even color tone across the entire top. A liquid oil stain penetrates the wood slightly, and imparts a color without forming a discernible surface film. Cost of Typical Stain vs. Gel Stain Cost varies by brand, but a regular stain might cost around $8 per quart while a quart of gel stain might be $16. Uniform coloring: Gel stain produces a relatively uniform coloring over wood surfaces. The gel was imaged with a stain-free enabled imager, then stained with Coomassie (CBB R-250 and Bio-Safe G-250) stain and imaged on a densitometer. VooDoo Gel Stain:   This is an amazing option for stain because it’s water based (yes, water based). Glazing is a highly controllable way of adding the antiquing or metallic look between layers of paint and the finish coat. by Amy O'Connor | May 31, 2020 | Blog Category, Uncategorized | 15 comments. Wood grain may be visible through the stain but does not stand out in an obvious way. How does gel stain compare to traditional wood stains? Gel stain is usually oil-based with a thick consistency and high viscosity. I will use the liquid stain (Minwax - Red mahogany 225). With any oil based products, it’s recommended to work in a well ventilated area or to wear a mask. Whereas with gel stain, the stain sits on top of the wood. You can select colors that accentuate the pores or colors that make the pores blend in. All products used in these videos are Dixie Belle Products and can be purchased here, and I do receive a thank you credit for each purchase so I want to thank you in advance for your support:  DIXIE BELLE Online Store: ******Full Video Showing Each Option with Demo:  Click Here*********. Regardless of whether you are weighing on penetrating stain VS wiping stain, both stains can be used on your wood surface. Is that correct? The gel stains give you some decent open time, and since they are the consistency of whipped cream, a little goes a long way. When posting in forums, letting us know your location will help others give better feedback/advice/solutions to your questions. The Voodoo Gel Stain can be sealed with any of the Dixie Belle clear coats, waxes, and  hemp oil. Since it is a thin liquid (and not a true gel) it absorbs into porous surfaces to give your surface a beautiful touch of color and be able to highlight the natural wood grains. I have a computer armoire that is a really dark brown that I was hoping to get them to look more like. Gel Stain vs. Oil Stain. I did a video on this and decided to write out all the important details for you all in a blog as well. Helping You to Do It Yourself! Thank you I agree with ddawg on pretty much everything. Follow the pre-stain with another quick sanding with 220 grit to knock down any raised grain. Gel stains on the other hand can be used to a-cheive a professional appearance but the cabinets should be prepped properly before applying products. To test, apply gel stain, let dry for 48 hours, and then try to scratch it off. JavaScript is disabled. Just think of the options:  Pink stained look over raw wood….. that would be amazing !! If you are going to try a Gel stain then I would practice on a sample area. Can I paint directly over the no pain gel stain or do I need to sand it really good or put on slick stick? Wiping will allow you to control the evenness and depth of color being applied, as the more you wipe away, the lighter the color level of the stain. I'll just add, whichever stain you buy, test it out on a small scrap of the same kind of wood as the cabinet. Even though the Gel Stain has some urethane in it, I recommend 2-3 coats of Top Coat for protection. Most stain binders are made of the same resins used to make finishes. Temptress (Teal), Bayou Moss (Earthy Green), White Magic, Tobacco Road (brown), Denim (blue), Up in Smoke (gray), Black Magic, Georgian Cherry, Picklin White, Weathered Gray, Colonal Black, Espresso, Walnut, Mixing Colors and Where to Find the Recipe, Fun Stuff to Do While at Home #GetCraftyWithIt. So many options to choose from, makes this product hard to beat. Hi. Apparently, the wood filler mentioned above must be mixed with the stain, right (2 parts filler / 1 part stain)? help. Stain Application Tips Stain the wood pores . Also, if you want to stain a dark walnut color then you would have to lay on a basecoat (oilbase ). Another reason I love General Finishes stains is they have a fantastic color selection of stains that are updated and shades that I am seeing in new homes today.via General Finishes One of the prettiest trends I have been seeing in new homes is the mix of painted cabinets and stained woo… I know it seems odd to promote a product that costs double the price, but with typical stain you need an electric sander, sandpaper in multiple grits, and numerous hours of time. Although color change is its primary function, stain can also intensify or diminish the grain of the wood, depending on the type of wood and the type of stain you use. Even if you are on the right track, you will still get run over if you just sit there. Can i still put on NO PAIN GEL STAIN ESPRESSO, Put a coat of Dixie Belle paint over the Slick Stick and then use the No Pain Gel Stain for best results. I hope this makes sense. The idea behind a gel stain is to spread it onto the wood in a thick layer for a few minutes and then wipe it off with a clean cloth. This option is a great when you need to deepening the look of a factory finish…..yes, it can be applied over a factory finish (usually requires 2 coats when covering a factory finish). It can be mixed with water or DNA. The pigment lodges in the large pores of the wood, creating contrast, unlike dye colors which tend to be more uniform. The gel stain was used on window casings where I didn't want the wood grain to pop and the wood was attached to the wall so I didn;t want a mess - gel stain was perfect. Terri H. With the No Pain Gel Stain in the color Espresso, your first coat will show some of the grain through it so you would want to stay with the grain. Thick consistency: The consistency varies. We did the white wash 3 Voo Doo stains to a table that has a veneer finish in a star pattern. There are things you need to consider when deciding which products you want to use. The No Pain Gel Stain in Espresso or Walnut both would give a richer color. Your email address will not be published. You can send pictures to my facebook page and I can better advice you is I can see exactly what you are working with. Is very DIY friendly. Minwax 260204444 Interior Wood Gel Stain, 1/2 pint, Aged Oak. The advantage of using the Voodoo gel stain is that it dries quicker, other than that I don’t see one being more beneficial than the other. I have an antique dressing table that has a lot of damage to the top and I had to used a lot of dixie mud to repair it. Instructions say to apply with a soft brush, let set for 5 to 15 min then remove the excess with a burlap type rag. It comes in 6 color options (that can be mixed or layered for custom finishes):   Georgian Cherry, Picklin White, Weathered Gray, Colonal Black, Espresso, Walnut. Hopefully this review of stain vs. paint vs. chalk paint vs. varnish vs. Rust-Oleum cabinet transformations vs. wood conditioner was a helpful starting point for anyone considering a cabinet makeover. If gel, use the brush. Thank you. It sits down in the pores, partially filling them before the top coats are applied. Absorbs evenly across porous and non-porous spots. With this option, you have the ease of application, with the ability to customize the color or tone you want, and can seal with any of the sealers (hemp oil, clear coats, waxes). Many ask if the gels can be used on laminate or plastic non-wood surfaces. A gel stain is thicker than regular staining products and most surfaces don’t absorb it. It matches the General Finishes Java Gel Stain and will cover in two coats. This is great if you have a nice piece of wood or don’t have any wood filler in holes. I don't use towels due to the lint that comes off them. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Applying the stains over … Voodoo Gel Stain comes in 7 colors :  from left to right : Temptress (Teal), Bayou Moss (Earthy Green), White Magic, Tobacco Road (brown), Denim (blue), Up in Smoke (gray), Black Magic. Amy, I have a dresser top that had particle board that had swelled…. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Minwax-1-qt-Pre-Stain-Wood-Conditioner-61500/100127213, http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/preparation/minwax-prestain-wood-conditioner, http://www.myoldmasters.com/products-woodprep-filler.htm, http://www.hardwareworld.com/Woodgrain-Filler-Natural-~-Quart-pEC0RR1.aspx, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. You may want to apply more coats to achieve the desired color or depth of warmth for woodwork. My understanding of gel stain is that it's like a paint and sits on the surface of the wood, whereas a regular wood stain penetrates the wood more. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Despite that thickness, gel stains dry quickly, which keeps your project moving. Thanks for this Amy. Another advantage of gel stain vs. oil stain is that traditional stain will penetrates the pores in the wood. Compared to paint, gel stain: Hides mistakes better. Which stain Voodoo or No Pain should I use? The penetraing stain was used on some exterior doors and highlighted the natural differences in the wood pieces. I don't see much advantage to using conditioner on oak. I have a couple of end tables in a reddish oak and wanted to stain them darker. If not, you will see some color difference where the mud is (just like you see grains through stain…but you’ll see the mud areas). I guess this is about the only thing Joecaption and I don't agree on. When using regular stain, sometimes the wood unevenly absorbs the color and you end up with some dark splotches. You can use the No Pain Gel Stain over a factory finish without sanding down your finish to raw wood. There are a few options available to get a stained finish to your furniture or home decor projects. If you are wanting to hide the star pattern, you can apply additional coats (wait for each coat to dry completely before apply the next coat) to get a solid color coverage hiding the star and that way you can just apply the gel stain in long strokes the length of the table. Gel stain is also a good filler when a partially filled finish is the objective. Zar products are made by UGL (800/845-5227). I've tried the gel stains and don't care for them. This gel stain works beautifully on wood. To give a little background on gel stain versus regular stain, when using regular wood stain, or thin-liquid stain, it actually penetrates into the wood. The No Pain Gel Stain can be applied over raw wood, chalk painted surfaces, previously stained wood, and factory finishes. The thickness means the stain doesn't splatter or run, which keeps your work area cleaner. I would tend to tone pine rather than stain it. Water Based Stain. Gel Stain Most gel stains are oil- or varnish-based, so they thin and clean up with mineral spirits. Minimal mess: Gel stain is often applied with a rag (although thinner gels may be applied with a brush) and doesn’t run or splatter. This allows it to be used over existing top coats with a slick veneer or old paint and previous stains with little prep work. The gel base of this stain is not absorbent or porous, so it’s not recommended to use sealers that require to be absorbed such as hemp oils or waxes. Required fields are marked *, Copyright © 2020 AJ's Vintage Designs I Built by Brand Mentors. It's more for soft woods, oak is hard and has more consistent grain. I’ve noticed a lot of people online using the voodoo stain over the top and wiping off. What you using? Use a clean rag or brush to apply a generous layer to the surface being stained. I personally like to use Dixie Belle’s Coffee Bean (darkest brown) mixed as a wash and applied over raw wood…gorgeous. This may feel a little bit like spreading thick ketchup and will appear very uneven, which is fin… NOW can I use No Pain Gel Stain over that? Adding a patina look to country projects. I get questions on a regular basis about how to use all the different stains (oil based, water based and stain “look-a-likes”. If liquid, use part of an old t-shirt. It also covers porous and nonporous surfaces equally, making it easier for novices to apply. On open grain wood, … Here is a video on how to use the Voodoo Gel Stains for a driftwood look: No Pain Gel Stain (Oil Based):  No Pain Gel Stain gives a more pigment coverage and is an actual “gel consistency” where as its water based counter part (the Voodoo Gel Stain is a liquid consistency and less pigmented). It gives a nice and unique … Pre-stain is a special wood conditioner product, such as: I thought it was not required on hard wood such as oak? Gel Stains set more on top of your surface, where as other types of thinner/watery consistency stains absorb into your surface (which shows the grains). The sediment settles into the open grain creating color. With its thicker consistency, it settles more “ontop” of your surface and does not required to be absorbed into the surface. Here is a video on how I used a color wash as an alternative to stain: Tops are I think the most difficult part. The big problem for me is getting the stain into the tight corners. You can message me on my facebook page and I can send you several videos showing you how its done. If it comes off easily, then it’s not sticking, so don’t use it. A normal stain is thin and runs freely. There are some things to keep in mind when using an oil based gel stain: 1) it takes longer to dry so its recommended you do not apply a clear coat for 3-5 days after your last application  2) For best results, its recommended to seal with a clear coat such as Dixie Belle’s water based clear coats. Then I saw I could add Dixie mud to the dips so I put that over the whole top. Actually I haven't like any gel product for stain or paint. Keep in mind: no matter what stain you choose, proper wood preparation is … Thank you! Your email address will not be published. 4.4 out of 5 stars 101. I use my No Pain Gel Stain in my garage with no issues. I have a question – I want to “antique” a piece I’ve painted with sawmill gravy. Arrowhead indicates β-galactosidase. When toning a analine dye is used. A good gel stain should only take one coat to get a desired uniform look. A gel stain has a very thick consistency and will stick on a vertical surface. You’re welcome Lynn <3 I agree, tops are sometimes the most difficult part. With any oil based products, it’s recommended to work in a well ventilated area or to wear a mask. Here is a video on how to use the No Pain Gel Stain over a factory finish: Color Wash as an alternative to stain:    Don’t have stain on hand or want to make your own custom color stained look? As shown, in the photo above, on this plastic-coated surface, gel stains (left) hold a grain pattern better than thin-bodied stains (right) which spread after application.. You can apply this over paint,  raw wood, layer it (apply different colors of Voodoo over each other to get a driftwood look or to make a custom color), use it as a glaze substitute or water it down to make it more of a color wash. Doesn’t run. Water tends to … Amy THEN I sealed with top coat because I saw you need to do that with the mud. Cabinets not wood? For cabinets with man-made material, such as fiberglass or steel, that have a wo… This makes them rather messy to apply, but gel stains solve the single biggest problem in wood finishing – blotching on pine. Voodoo is great for an “all over” antique look where you want larger areas to be done and the dark wax is better for antiquing corners and edges. The limit of detection for the stain-free gels is 8 to 28 ng, similar to that of silver stains (0.6 to 1.2 ng), while Coomassie R-250 stain can detect protein amounts of at least 35 to 50 ng. Hi, I am working indoors; does No Pain Gel Stain have an odor? I'm a fan of gel stain, I've been able to get a nice even finish with every time. Dixie Belle carries Voodoo Gel Stain (which is water based), No Pain Gel Stain (which is oil based) or you can mix a wash using the chalk mineral paint color of your choice mixed with water for a stained look as well. if i painted slick stick on top already. When you stain, the wood absorbs the stain, and that has a profound impact on how much color gets taken in and where it lodges, but with glaze, you have almost complete control over where the color goes and how much stays on. What’s advantage of doing that vs. a brown wax? It does stick to some and not to others. If you don't have a scrap, test it out on the back of the cabinet or inside of the front, or on the side, or wherever it won't show as the final product. They both give a beautiful antique look . Reply Not all stains are created equal, and how deep a stain penetrates doesn’t necessarily equate into better performance. Doesn ’ t want to stain a dark walnut color then you would have to lay on a surface! 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