I recently used Java Gel Stain for both vanities and my kitchen cabinets. I am really happy with the results. I have painted my vanities in the past but am loving the richness of the stain. Looks even better in person compared to these videos or pictures. I also used the Brown Mahogany gel stain on some benches; love that rich brown color as well. Here are my thoughts or recommendations: 1. I used the paint on method. Don't worry about perfection on the first coat. Just get the stain on. The second coat covers amazingly easier than the first. 2. Don't overwork the stain. Get it on, smooth it out and leave it alone. 3. Even with a foam brush don't have a heavy hand. Learn to feather out the stain. I stared on the back side of the cabinet doors and perfected my technique. 4. Stain in well lit area. I did it with plenty of natural light and lighting but still found some spots I would have liked to touch up when I was hanging the doors. No one will really notice unless they carefully inspect each door. 5. Don't worry about blotchy stain. You may have some areas that appear shinier than others. The topcoat will even everything out. 6. Don't rush it. Let the stain completely dry between coats. I went with the High Performance Satin water based topcoat. Dried in a matter of hours. Good luck. Don't be intimidated. It's not a quick project but you can do it if you never have before.
MotoX Phone. Thank You too!! Very helpful tips. Will try to save this so I can remember when I start my project. I too am gonna use a foam brush and small paint brush with the gel stain. The topcoat I will use the High Performance in Gloss or even High Gloss, if they have it!! Dread it but looking forward too!!
I have gel stain for bathroom project. It’s oil based. I have water based topcoat. Did you use water or oil stain? If oil can I use water based topcoat?@@deidre-restlessmind4305
Looked on TH-cam for instructions on refinishing an aquarium stand and canopy. This video was the most useful and I'm gonna copy what you have done. Thank you so much!!!
Great video! I’m ordering the stuff now. Can you please list the sanding mouse and the sanding block along with what kind of brush you used too please! Thank you so much!
Hi, Does this stain have a strong or chemical smell? I've been wanting to do all my cabinets and staircase for 5 yrs now and just never got around to it. Now I have a newborn and am concerned if there's gonna be a strong smell.
By the way, can you post a closeup photo of your vanity doors. Does it show grains or has become solid? I heard that if stain is not wiped off then they come off during applying top coat. You didn't have that problem with not wiping excess stain off?
The color is solid, but the texture of the oak remains. If you don't wipe off the stain, drying becomes critical. For what I have done inside, 24 hours generally does the trick. For anything in the garage, it can take much longer depending on humidity. You can watch my video on "saving days" and see when I used spray shellac after the stain. I did not have to do that inside, which is great because of the smell.
I haven't made a video in quite awhile. I have been dealing with a relative's estate for 6+ months, and it's been so time consuming that my house projects have taken a backseat. I have a couple of more rooms to do, but I don't know if I'll have any new ideas or not. :) Thank you for watching and enjoying the videos!
I'm going to finish up trying your method. I just put one coat on the cabinet backs today following GF TH-cam video. Used their dry brush method but very streaky and oh, so time consuming.
Thank you for making this video! Wish I saw the tip about the gloss off before I started my cabinets- but now I know for next time! I also didn't like the sock method for the gel stain. I'll try the paint brush next time too. How long do you wait before the top coat? I heard you are supposed to wait several days...
I did that with regular minwax stain , the original finish was in good shape, wiped it, rolled it with a foam roller several times, and let it sit until dry, burnished with Paper from a grocery bag (slightly abrasive) wipe do another coat, seal.
Deidre, You are the first and ONLY one of the many vids I've watched trying to find answers about the application of the Gel stains. After watching so many, I'm now just confused. But, Thank you for your info! You are the only one so far that has said the same thing about applying the gel stain about not wiping it off! I couldn't understand WHY people were wiping it off when it looked so spectacular soon as you put it on!! I am in the process of refurbishing an Ashley Shay bed that a friend gave to me. It is in pretty poor shape. The color is of course a factory black coating. I'm sure paint, in a gloss. Nice, but I'm gonna sand a little and go over it with a gel stain and poly. I idid try out a black spray paint on one of the drawers, but I don't like the outcome. I will redo it too, as soon as I can find the GF gel stain. I was hoping to buy it locally, but am having trouble finding it. So, I might have to order it online. I sent my hubby shopping for my supplies last weekend and well, that was a mistake!! He brought back a half pint of Minwax Polyshades stain. I haven't even opened it. Gonna return it AND the hole filler because I needed wood putty or Bondo to rebuild the corners of the bedposts where it was chewed on by a teething puppy!! So, that's my story! Send me some words of encouragement, please! I'm gonna need it! OH, ALSO, A NEW SUBSCRIBER!
We did our cabinets a few days ago and it is still tacky? Not sure why it wont dry my house is 68 degrees with a/c so humidity should be low. Any ideas? Do I need to strip it and redo?
Did you sand the side of the cabinet which isnt wood? I think it's some sort of contact paper. Maybe your builder used a different product but mine is a contact paper type thing.
Great content. Thanks for sharing, Deidre. In your another video, you talked about using a shellac after gel stain. Do you have reasons why you not use it here?
Very good question. I was prepared to use the shellac. However, since I did these vanities inside my house (not the garage) during some very dry winter months, the coats of JGS dried easily within 24 hours. I was able to use the wipe-on poly without any disturbance to the stain coats.
If it's inside, like this was, 24 hours should do it. If you are in a garage, or a high humid area, it can be longer. Touch in an inconspicuous area. If it's tacky, or leaves a print, give it longer.
Rhen - I follow a FB group called General Finishes University. They have great posts and guidance on refinishing hand railings, and I've seen similar concerns as yours.
I am trying to refinish my 30 year old oak golden oak finished cabinets. I got white quartz countertops and want very dark finish. I still want the grains to be discernible. sort of like Ikea black furniture which are totally black but you can still see some patterns in them. I would prefer ebony finish. I tried minwax and varathane stains (both classic and premium) and just can't get them dark enough. Even after three coats. The frames come out dark enough but the middle thin wood panel does not get consistently dark. Patches of red/brown shows through. I don't want to paint it solid black. I want the grains to be visible. Only thing I haven't tried is gel stain. Do I have any hope with General Finishes black gel stain? By the way, I have done stripping, sanding (80, 150, 220), put wood conditioner before staining. Pretty much everything. Its just not working. Any tips?
I haven't tried the black gel stain, but what you are describing is practically the result of the java gel stain with 3 coats and no wiping off. The result is a consistent, dark, rich color, but you can still see the texture of the grain.
How do you avoid brush strokes? I painted my kitchen table and after it dried the third layer has a big brush strokes right in the middle. What can I do to fix it?
@@deidre-restlessmind4305 Are all the General Finishes Gel Stains oil based or do they have the black in waer based? I also prefer a water based topcoat. Drying time of each is irrelevant to me. I can take as long as necessary as I'm not in a big hurry to finish my project. That is why I've spent literally a month now researching products, applications, tips, etc. before I start. I would've began this week, if hubby had got the correct supplies on my list!! Bless him, he did try! But, until I have the exact products, I won't even try to jump in! I'd rather do it right the first time!! So, wish me luck y'all!!
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This is exactly what we're trying to do. Was hoping to see footage of the actual process but it's nice to see what the finish line looks like!
I recently used Java Gel Stain for both vanities and my kitchen cabinets. I am really happy with the results. I have painted my vanities in the past but am loving the richness of the stain. Looks even better in person compared to these videos or pictures. I also used the Brown Mahogany gel stain on some benches; love that rich brown color as well.
Here are my thoughts or recommendations:
1. I used the paint on method. Don't worry about perfection on the first coat. Just get the stain on. The second coat covers amazingly easier than the first.
2. Don't overwork the stain. Get it on, smooth it out and leave it alone.
3. Even with a foam brush don't have a heavy hand. Learn to feather out the stain. I stared on the back side of the cabinet doors and perfected my technique.
4. Stain in well lit area. I did it with plenty of natural light and lighting but still found some spots I would have liked to touch up when I was hanging the doors. No one will really notice unless they carefully inspect each door.
5. Don't worry about blotchy stain. You may have some areas that appear shinier than others. The topcoat will even everything out.
6. Don't rush it. Let the stain completely dry between coats. I went with the High Performance Satin water based topcoat. Dried in a matter of hours.
Good luck. Don't be intimidated. It's not a quick project but you can do it if you never have before.
Excellent tips. I agree on all points.
MotoX Phone. Thank You too!! Very helpful tips. Will try to save this so I can remember when I start my project. I too am gonna use a foam brush and small paint brush with the gel stain. The topcoat I will use the High Performance in Gloss or even High Gloss, if they have it!! Dread it but looking forward too!!
I have gel stain for bathroom project. It’s oil based. I have water based topcoat. Did you use water or oil stain? If oil can I use water based topcoat?@@deidre-restlessmind4305
Looked on TH-cam for instructions on refinishing an aquarium stand and canopy.
This video was the most useful and I'm gonna copy what you have done.
Thank you so much!!!
Deidre you are the sweetest woman ever! I just got the Java stain the other day and used it. I wish I would have found your video first!
:)
Wow it came out beautiful I painted mine black so thanks for the top coat tip
Did you treat the side panel that is coated with the plastic veneer over the mdf the same way as the wood cabinet surfaces?
Great video! I’m ordering the stuff now. Can you please list the sanding mouse and the sanding block along with what kind of brush you used too please! Thank you so much!
Love this! And your voice is so calming, it makes this project seem less stressful 😅😅
Thank you!
Hi,
Does this stain have a strong or chemical smell? I've been wanting to do all my cabinets and staircase for 5 yrs now and just never got around to it. Now I have a newborn and am concerned if there's gonna be a strong smell.
By the way, can you post a closeup photo of your vanity doors. Does it show grains or has become solid? I heard that if stain is not wiped off then they come off during applying top coat. You didn't have that problem with not wiping excess stain off?
The color is solid, but the texture of the oak remains. If you don't wipe off the stain, drying becomes critical. For what I have done inside, 24 hours generally does the trick. For anything in the garage, it can take much longer depending on humidity. You can watch my video on "saving days" and see when I used spray shellac after the stain. I did not have to do that inside, which is great because of the smell.
Are you still making videos? You have such great tips! We just bought a 21 year old home with builder grade everything! Love your ideas!
I haven't made a video in quite awhile. I have been dealing with a relative's estate for 6+ months, and it's been so time consuming that my house projects have taken a backseat. I have a couple of more rooms to do, but I don't know if I'll have any new ideas or not. :) Thank you for watching and enjoying the videos!
Yes ma'am! Your technique is the bomb.
So much better this way. Thank you🤩
Would really have liked to see your actual application of both the stain and the poly.
Oh sorry. Just literally paint-brush on the stain, and wipe on the poly with a cotton cloth.
Deidre - Restless Mind
Awesome! Thank you so much ☺️
Its a oil based stain you used then go over it with a water based sealer? They look amazing
Yep. I usually wait a couple of days before sealing, but it works!
I'm going to finish up trying your method.
I just put one coat on the cabinet backs today following GF TH-cam video.
Used their dry brush method but very streaky and oh, so time consuming.
:)
Thank you for making this video! Wish I saw the tip about the gloss off before I started my cabinets- but now I know for next time! I also didn't like the sock method for the gel stain. I'll try the paint brush next time too. How long do you wait before the top coat? I heard you are supposed to wait several days...
If it's inside, 24 hours between coats works well. If you are working in the garage or a high humid area, maybe longer.
Can you mention drying time between coats and also the need for ventilation while using this product?
I did that with regular minwax stain , the original finish was in good shape, wiped it, rolled it with a foam roller several times, and let it sit until dry, burnished with Paper from a grocery bag (slightly abrasive) wipe do another coat, seal.
I recommend using General Finishes water base topcoats. They are the best!
Thanks, just the tutorial I needed.
what grit sandpaper/block did you use between coats?
Use 220
So if i understand this correctly you did not wipe stain at all? You just put on Just like paint and no wiping? Love this idea...
That is correct!!
Deidre, You are the first and ONLY one of the many vids I've watched trying to find answers about the application of the Gel stains. After watching so many, I'm now just confused. But, Thank you for your info! You are the only one so far that has said the same thing about applying the gel stain about not wiping it off! I couldn't understand WHY people were wiping it off when it looked so spectacular soon as you put it on!! I am in the process of refurbishing an Ashley Shay bed that a friend gave to me. It is in pretty poor shape. The color is of course a factory black coating. I'm sure paint, in a gloss. Nice, but I'm gonna sand a little and go over it with a gel stain and poly. I idid try out a black spray paint on one of the drawers, but I don't like the outcome. I will redo it too, as soon as I can find the GF gel stain. I was hoping to buy it locally, but am having trouble finding it. So, I might have to order it online. I sent my hubby shopping for my supplies last weekend and well, that was a mistake!! He brought back a half pint of Minwax Polyshades stain. I haven't even opened it. Gonna return it AND the hole filler because I needed wood putty or Bondo to rebuild the corners of the bedposts where it was chewed on by a teething puppy!! So, that's my story! Send me some words of encouragement, please! I'm gonna need it! OH, ALSO, A NEW SUBSCRIBER!
@@janieskelton-christian7652 I hope your project turned out well!
They look great !
What color if stain did you use?
We did our cabinets a few days ago and it is still tacky? Not sure why it wont dry my house is 68 degrees with a/c so humidity should be low. Any ideas? Do I need to strip it and redo?
I wouldn't strip. Give it time, although inside, my coats usually dry in 24 hours.
Looks great, but I wish you would have shown us, you doing the work...
Did you sand the side of the cabinet which isnt wood? I think it's some sort of contact paper. Maybe your builder used a different product but mine is a contact paper type thing.
I did just very lightly sand it and still did the gloss off.
How hard would it be to change the color. Like you used Java color, but in the future you want to change to white, is it possible with Gel Stains?
Since the stain is top coated, and you would either prime over it, or chalk paint over it, I don't think there would be a problem.
Great content. Thanks for sharing, Deidre. In your another video, you talked about using a shellac after gel stain. Do you have reasons why you not use it here?
Very good question. I was prepared to use the shellac. However, since I did these vanities inside my house (not the garage) during some very dry winter months, the coats of JGS dried easily within 24 hours. I was able to use the wipe-on poly without any disturbance to the stain coats.
Can we use TSP after sanding to get the gloss off?
You said 3 coats. How long did you wait to add the 2nd and then the 3rd coat?
If it's inside, like this was, 24 hours should do it. If you are in a garage, or a high humid area, it can be longer. Touch in an inconspicuous area. If it's tacky, or leaves a print, give it longer.
Amazing Quality
Help! I did my banister railings and it is not drying and very tacky to the touch. Been five days since I did it.
Rhen - I follow a FB group called General Finishes University. They have great posts and guidance on refinishing hand railings, and I've seen similar concerns as yours.
is Java the color you used? or what is the color gel stain
Yes. The stain color is Java.
This is lovely! Great work!
Great video! Thanks for all the tips
:)
I used your recommendations and did the cabinet but how long does it take to dry without being so tacky. Thanks...
If it's tacky, wait. Otherwise, use the shellac method I mention in the video about saving DAYS!
If you’re treating it like paint, could you use a roller?
Hmmm..... I have been tempted, but to maintain a wood look, you'll want to have the brush marks that sometimes simulate wood grain.
Very nice 👌👌. New subscriber!!
Thank you!
WOW - really nice outcome!! you must live in NC and house built by Niblock Homes - looks just like ours!!!
Yes to NC, but not that builder. :)
Did you sand between poly coats?
Oh so slightly. Sometimes I just take a piece of brown grocery bag.
Love your videos. They are so helpful and you make what seemed terrifying look easy. ps-Love that shower curtain too, lol
Thank you!!
Yes.. and the knobs to bring out the turquoise in the shower curtain.. LOVE IT. Good Job!
@@theblogauthority :)
I am trying to refinish my 30 year old oak golden oak finished cabinets. I got white quartz countertops and want very dark finish. I still want the grains to be discernible. sort of like Ikea black furniture which are totally black but you can still see some patterns in them. I would prefer ebony finish. I tried minwax and varathane stains (both classic and premium) and just can't get them dark enough. Even after three coats. The frames come out dark enough but the middle thin wood panel does not get consistently dark. Patches of red/brown shows through. I don't want to paint it solid black. I want the grains to be visible. Only thing I haven't tried is gel stain. Do I have any hope with General Finishes black gel stain? By the way, I have done stripping, sanding (80, 150, 220), put wood conditioner before staining. Pretty much everything. Its just not working. Any tips?
I haven't tried the black gel stain, but what you are describing is practically the result of the java gel stain with 3 coats and no wiping off. The result is a consistent, dark, rich color, but you can still see the texture of the grain.
DId you also wait 24 hours inbetween coats of poly?
I used a water based poly that didn't need 24 hours between coats.
Thank you I will try
May I ask on the Java gel stain what color is that
It’s like a very dark brown
@@BeNice3525 thank you
Java is the name of the color of the brand General Finishes.
What did you do with the papered end?
Joy Bibbee Nothing different. Treated just like the rest of the vanity.
How do you avoid brush strokes? I painted my kitchen table and after it dried the third layer has a big brush strokes right in the middle. What can I do to fix it?
jackiestan08 id say you’re either not waiting until it’s fully dry to put on your next coat. Or you need another coat
Yes. You cannot overwork the stain. Move quickly maintaining a wet edge.
You never showed you using the products on cabinet doors.
Sooo I ordered this, but it came in oil base, your can doesn't say that. Does it come in water base??
Yes, the Java Gel Stain is oil based.
@@deidre-restlessmind4305 Are all the General Finishes Gel Stains oil based or do they have the black in waer based? I also prefer a water based topcoat. Drying time of each is irrelevant to me. I can take as long as necessary as I'm not in a big hurry to finish my project. That is why I've spent literally a month now researching products, applications, tips, etc. before I start. I would've began this week, if hubby had got the correct supplies on my list!! Bless him, he did try! But, until I have the exact products, I won't even try to jump in! I'd rather do it right the first time!! So, wish me luck y'all!!
@@janieskelton-christian7652 general finishes has a really extensive line of both water and oil based products
Wish you would have actually shown you doing the work.
Shame you don’t actually show you doing the work 😢
Needs another coat