On the downside gel stain is not available in as many color options as traditional stains.
Gel stain oak cabinets before and after.
Check out these amazing before and after pictures for how to refinish cabinets darker.
To see some gel stain before and after projects on pinterest click here.
The quart that i bought to finish the project was 27 50 with shipping.
The gel stain is thick like pudding not a liquid.
Looking for a thrifty way to update kitchen cabinets.
After reading many posts in this forum as well as others i convinced my wife that this will be a cost efficient solution to our kitchen upgrade budget restrictions.
As with all stains test it on a piece of scrap wood or in an inconspicuous area before you start.
My first 1 2 pint of gel stain was 14 48 with shipping.
Unlike traditional oil and water based stains gel stain is very easy to apply by wiping it on with a brush versus having to rub it in like most stains.
In the darker rooms like the bathrooms in our house this worked out fine.
With the oak cabinets the grain was very evident post staining.
If you re still not 100 sure what to do let s look at some examples oak cabinets with arched door style and hidden hinges.
All information i have found stated that previous finishing is preventing the stain from drying.
The quart of poly cost 28 50 with shipping the rough cost to refinish the cabinets with gel stain was.
These varieties tend to absorb thin traditional stains unevenly looking messy and unfinished no.
We tested a few different colors amount of coats and.
Gel stain is particularly forgiving with splotch prone woods like birch cherry maple and pine.
While gel stain does go on thick and sit on the surface of the wood i found that you can still see and feel the natural wood grain beneath unlike paint.
However my bright kitchen will not see gel stain.
I did all of my kitchen cabinets with the java gel stain followed directions and after 4 days they are still sticky.
Hands down general finishes gel stain is the best brand for diy projects.
Maybe it was my oak cabinets but i have never had so much trouble getting something to look even.
As of right now i am fearful that i have destroyed my kitchen cabinets.
Gel stain will not require you to sand the product to a raw wood finish.
Woodworkers love the lustrous finish that shows up when rubbing out the 2nd and 3rd coats.
However there is no way i would attempt using gel stain on my kitchen cabinets as others have.
This oak kitchen had an arched door profile but no exposed hinges which made me super happy.