How to use General Finishes Gel Stain over Paint.
General Finishes Gel Stain is amazing! They’re easy to use but many people have the misconception that in order to use a stain, the existing surface has to be stripped first. With these stains, you can do either! Strip the existing finish or apply right over it, that’s completely up to you. For this tutorial however, Megan from Let’s Paint Furniture, shows you how to apply over an existing PAINTED SURFACE! The possibilities are endless with General Finishes stains buy them here in our online shop or come in and see us in the shop (Open Thur-Sun 11-4pm).
For this tutorial, Megan uses these products from General Finishes:
Keep in mind, these products are oil-based, although General Finishes makes these products in a water-based version as well.
Let’s Get Started
First Megan prepped the surface by giving it a light sanding. This is usually not necessary, but due to the condition of the surface, this step will help with the adhesion of the stain.
Second working in the direction of the wood grain, Megan applied the stain using a foam brush. She ended up layering four light coats of stain. You can also apply and then wipe back with a cloth if you are trying to reveal the wood grain. Tip: The product gets sticky so move quickly with each coat. Due to the fact it is oil based it will take 24+ hours to dry.
How many coats will I need? The amount of coats will be completely dependent upon your own preference and the surface you are working with. Often this is based on what “look” you are going for on your furniture. If you are working over wood you may want a more transparent look and then less coats however; if you are covering paint you will want a heavier finish requiring more coats of the gel stain.
To protect her handiwork, Megan used General Finishes Gel Stain Topcoat in Satin. Again, this is an oil-based product and follow appropriate drying times.
Final Project Reveal … And here it is, completed! Using gel stains are straight-forward; you just need a project to use it on. Megan did a great job highlighting how versatile gel stains are, and of course on her furniture makeover!
Feeling inspired to try out some gel stains? Stop by the shop in Falls Church! Due to COVID-19, we are currently operating on limited hours Thursday-Sunday 11-4PM. If you can’t make it in person, we are also shipping orders! Head over to our shop site to check out our products!
Don’t want to do the work yourself? We also offer custom painting!
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Come see us at the shop in Falls Church City
410 S Maple Ave #114
Falls Church, VA, 22046
703.663.8428 / shop@stylishpatina.com
Open Thur-Sun 11-4pm
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