No, Hobby Lobby does not carry gel stain. Hobby Lobby carries a wide range of stains, sealers, and finishing products, but the majority of these are liquid or paste stains. They do offer water-based and oil-based liquid stains in a variety of colors and types, including gel-based finishes.
Gel stains are typically used to give a finish a glossy, high-gloss finish and tend to be thicker and more viscous than regular liquid or paste stains. If you are looking for a finish that is glossy and thicker than what you can find at Hobby Lobby, you may want to consider checking out a paint or hardware store in your area that specializes in these types of coatings.
Which is better gel or liquid stain?
The answer to this question comes down to personal preference and the specific project you are working on. Gel stain is thicker and has a semi-solid consistency, making it a good choice for vertical projects like doors and furniture with intricate details.
Liquid stain is easier to apply on a large surface, offers more even coverage and can be wiped off more easily. Depending on the type of wood, one or the other might bring out the woodgrain more realistically.
Gel stains may also require more elbow grease when it comes to clean-up. Ultimately, neither type of stain is necessarily better than the other; it’s mostly a matter of preference, depending on the specific project.
How many coats of gel stain do you need?
Generally speaking, you will need at least two to three coats of gel stain in order to accomplish a professional-looking finish. Depending on what type of wood you are working with, or the desired color results, you may even need four to five coats.
Additionally, if you want a darker, more solid color, you may want to apply a clear coat of polyurethane after staining. Ultimately, the number of coats you need should be determined by the desired look, as well as the condition of the wood you’re staining.
Do you need to sand before applying gel stain?
It is not necessary to sand before applying gel stain, but it does provide a better result. Sanding before applying gel stain helps to remove any imperfections such as dust or grease from the surface, as well as creating a smoother surface for the gel stain to adhere to.
Sanding also helps to create a more uniform color when using gel stain, as a rougher surface can cause an uneven color. When sanding, use a fine-grit sandpaper and always sand in the direction of the wood grain.
If you do not sand the surface before applying gel stain, the finish may be patchy and uneven.
Do you have to seal after gel stain?
Yes, you should seal after gel stain. Gel stain is designed to penetrate the wood, so it won’t have the same protection as other finishes. In order to protect your wood surface from scratches, UV rays, wear and tear, and moisture, you should seal after applying the gel stain.
Sealing will also help to prevent the gel stain from fading or wearing off over time. Including varnishes, shellacs, lacquers, and polyurethane. Before applying a sealant, be sure to allow your gel stain to fully dry and cure according to the product instructions.
Applying a sealant too soon can cause the stain to smear and look uneven.
Can you roll on gel stain?
Yes, you can roll on gel stain. Gel stain is a thicker, more viscous formulation of stain and is best applied with a brush or a rag. However, if you’d like to use a roller, you can do so with a few modifications to the tradition staining process.
First, you’ll need to start with a staining surface that has been properly prepared and pre-conditioned. It’s recommended that you use a high-quality roller cover with a 3/8″ nap on it. Apply a generous amount of gel stain onto the roller cover, and then evenly roll the gel stain onto the surface.
Work your way across the surface in only one direction and avoid back-brushing the stain. Re-coat with additional coats of stain as necessary.
Let the stain dry for a few hours before applying a sealer coat or topcoat. Once the sealer or topcoat is dry, you can buff the surface to your desired sheen.
How much should you sand before gel staining?
Before gel staining, you should sand your surface to ensure an even application of the stain. Begin by sanding the wood with a medium-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections, such as splinters or lapses in the wood grain.
Ensure that all dust and wood bits are removed and that the wood surface is completely smooth. Once you have achieved this smooth surface, use a fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the wood. This will help open up the grain, allowing the gel stain to better penetrate the wood.
If you’re dealing with a particularly soft wood, consider using a very fine grit sandpaper or steel wool. Once finished sanding, be sure to wipe the wood down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue left behind.
What is the way to apply gel stain?
Applying gel stain is an easy and effective way to update the look of your furniture. The following steps will help you achieve a professional and beautiful result:
1. Prep your furniture: Ensure that the surface you’re staining is clean and dry. You may need to use a degreaser or light sanding to clean off any dirt and grime.
2. Apply the gel stain: Dip a foam brush in the gel stain, and then apply it to the pieces in a thin, even layer. Work in small sections and then use a lint-free cloth to wipe away any excess.
3. Allow to dry: Leave the stain to dry completely, and then proceed to the next step.
4. Seal the stain: To ensure an even and long-lasting finish, use a sealant such as polyurethane or lacquer to finish the piece. Apply the sealant in thin layers, waiting a few minutes between each coat.
Once the piece is sealed, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before use.
What do you clean wood with before gel stain?
Before applying gel stain to wood, the surface should be prepped properly. Start by using a vac, brush, or cloth to remove all surface dust and debris. If the wood contains paint or old finish, it should be completely removed or sanded down to a dull, smooth finish.
Depending on the condition of the wood, it may need to be lightly sanded or completely sanded to achieve a smooth surface. If the wood is new, remove any protective finish or shop brandings, like the Dewax Sealer commonly used in shops.
Once the surface of the wood is clean and smooth, use a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris. Let the wood dry completely before applying the gel stain.
What is gel stain and how does it work?
Gel stain is a type of wood stain that comes in a thick, paste-like form. Unlike traditional stains, which are liquid and must be wiped off of the wood, gel stain is applied evenly to the entire surface of the object, then left for a specific period of time to allow drying and curing.
When the gel has fully dried, the excess is simply wiped away. This type of stain is great for furniture, cabinets, and other wood items that need even coverage. Gel stain usually has an extended amount of drying time than liquid stains, so it should be applied in a well-ventilated area where dust and debris won’t get into the wet stain.
Due to its thickness, gel stain won’t easily penetrate into crevices or edges, making it a great choice if you need just one coat of color. Additionally, this type of stain can be easily mixed, so you can get a wide variety of shades.
This can be especially helpful if you want to match the stain to existing furniture, as you can mix and match until you get the desired outcome.
Can you leave gel stain on without wiping?
Yes, it is possible to leave gel stain on without wiping. Gel stain creates a more pronounced, highly-pigmented color than regular stain and provides an even, uniform finish that won’t streak or blotch.
However, it is important to note that unless the gel stain is wiped off, the excess product can become tacky and attract dirt and dust. Therefore, even though you can leave the gel stain on without wiping it off, it is best to wipe off the excess with a clean cloth to achieve a smooth finish.
How long should gel stain dry before wiping?
The amount of time required for gel stain to dry before wiping off any excess product depends on a few different factors. First, the desired color and look will affect the drying time. If you are aiming for a very light, translucent look you may need to wipe away the stain sooner rather than later.
Conversely, if you are looking for a deeper, richer look then you may need to allow the gel stain more time to fully dry before wiping. Generally, the length of time you need to leave the stain to dry before wiping will be anywhere between two to four hours, although this can vary depending on how much product you applied and the environmental conditions.
Additionally, it’s important to read any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer as they may provide guidance on how long to wait before wiping away any excess stain.
How long does gel stain last?
Gel stain can last quite a long time when properly stored and applied. On nonporous surfaces such as metal, it can last up to 10 years. On more porous surfaces such as wood, it can last up to 5 years, depending on how well it is maintained.
Properly stored and applied, gel stain can maintain its color and luster and not become dull or cracked. Regular cleaning and buffing can also help keep the surface looking as good as new for longer.
Additionally, if a top coat or sealer is applied after staining, the surface can look great for many years.
Does gel stain cover old stains?
Yes, gel stain does cover old stains. Gel stain is a thick coating that is ideal for covering up existing stains on wood surfaces. It is often used to give furniture and woodwork a new look, and can be used to completely overthrow the existing stain or finish on any wood surface.
To use gel stain, you must prepare the surface by cleaning and sanding it. Once the surface is clean and sanded, you can apply the gel stain to the wood. Depending on the existing stain that you’re trying to cover, you may need to apply a few coats of gel stain.
Applying multiple thin coats of gel stain will help to give more even coverage on the surface. After you have applied the stain, you can then finish the surface with a clear sealer.
How long to leave General Finishes Gel Stain on before wiping off?
The amount of time to leave General Finishes Gel Stain on before wiping off depends on the desired finish and the desired depth of color. As a general rule, lighter colors can be wiped off with a clean cloth in as little as 4-6 hours.
For medium colors, leaving it on 8-12 hours is best. For darker colors, the application should be left on for up to 24 hours before wiping off. You should also note that when using a gel stain it’s best to wipe off the excess before it dries.
If the stain is allowed to dry on the surface, it can be more difficult to achieve a smooth finish.
Do you have to wipe off General Finishes Gel Stain?
No, General Finishes Gel Stain does not need to be wiped off. It is a thick formulation that will remain in place for a long time when applied correctly. To apply General Finishes Gel Stain, use a foam brush, cloth, or a cloth rag to apply a thin coat of stain to the surface.
Allow the stain to sit for up to 15 minutes, and then use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess. If you find that there is still some stain left behind after wiping, allow it to dry and repeat the application process.
Once the stain is applied and allowed to dry thoroughly, there is no need to wipe it off.
Does gel stain need a top coat?
Yes, gel stain usually needs a top coat. A top coat is a clear coat that is applied over the color of the stain. This helps to protect the color of the stain, and it also adds a glossy finish to the piece.
Gel stain is a very thick type of stain, so it needs an extra layer of protection to keep it looking its best. The top coat will also help prevent any chipping or peeling that may happen over time. It is recommended to apply two coats of the top coat to seal the stain in completely.
Be sure to allow each coat to completely dry in between applications.
Does gel stain eventually dry?
Yes, gel stain does eventually dry. Depending on the environmental conditions, gel stain can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours or even longer to dry. Drying times can also be heavily dependent on the type and brand of gel stain used, as well as the type, porosity, and cleanliness of the surface being stained.
Generally, you can expect the stain to be dry to the touch, but not fully cured, within the first 24 hours. The full curing process may take up to 1-3 days, depending on the amount of stain used and the type of wood it is being applied to.
In any case, the surface should be fully cured after the 72-hour mark.
Should I sand between coats of gel stain?
Yes, it is recommended to sand between coats of gel stain in order to ensure a smooth, even finish. This is because the sanding process will help to remove any brush strokes and smooth out any imperfections in the wood.
It also helps to ensure that the coats of stain adhere properly and evenly. Sand between each coat with a fine-grit sandpaper, taking care not to get too aggressive. Final sanding should be done with a fine-grit sandpaper after the last layer of gel stain has been applied.
This will ensure that the finished surfaces are even and smooth. It is also important to wipe away any excess dust between coats of stain. This will help to ensure that the subsequent coats go on evenly and without any problems.