Tips: Refinishing Without Stripping Rodney shares a quick tip on how to utilize an existing finish without stripping. Mostly, you will need solvents such as mineral spirits (paint thinner) to clean a stained surface. I didn't understand the difference between stain or even how polyurethane, varnish, etc., we're even used for SO I purchased a can of Polyshades to go over cheapo furniture I purchased from Value City that was coated in cheap varnish of some weird sort that peeled like nail polish. As a result, your poly will take the longest time to settle, sometimes even worse. You can clean them using solvents such as. PolyShades provides both the beautiful color of a wood stain and the protective aspects of a polyurethane finish in a single product. Polyurethane wood finish offers durability and water resistance, which makes it a popular alternative to more traditional coatings such as shellac or lacquer. Also, the problem is very random, with sections that are side by side reacting opposite one another. Therefore, these stains come with less pollution, they do not irritate when they come into contact and above all are easy to clean compared to the first two stains above. It goes on and dries clear without adding a slight color, unlike the oil-based versions. There are so many types of wood stains that you can find in the market today. My question is, if it is still tacky in the morning, can I polyurethane over it … I’ve done this with success all around our 103 yr old home. It can be used on floors to touch up small areas that are worn or scratched. You can easily clean it with a simple use of water and soap. Therefore, it’s suitable for surfaces that do not experience extreme conditions such as bookcases, side tables, desks, and picture frames. Will tacky stain eventually dry? They are messy to apply, if you are looking to solve one of the biggest problems in wood finishing, blotching on pine, use the gel stain. Unlike a stain, polyurethane provides a finish with more gloss. However, these two can be transparent such that they allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine through by exposing the grains. Stains can penetrate the wood deeply to highlight its grain, as a result, intensify existing tones, or alter the color. Let the gel stain cure completely, at least 24 hours. If using over stained surfaces, be sure the stain has thoroughly dried. Learning how to apply polyurethane to stained wood can enhance the appearance of the stain … Pros/Cons of Applying Water Based Polyurethane Over Oil Based. I've also used Fast Drying Polyurethane Varnish to seal the stain and help it to dry quickly. I’ve also had great success using gel varnish. Sand the surface very lightly with a paper bag or very high grit sandpaper (400) and then wipe off any sanding dust with a damp rag. Remove any knobs or drawers from the piece you'll be staining. Find more information about Oil Based Gel Stains here. Begin by applying a full-strength "sealer" coat of the same finish you'll use for your top coats. You can then apply your polyurethane. Thanks. Reply. Cover and make a mark on the container with the stain color via brushing a little amount of the mix on the lid of the container for future references. Some manufactures recommend sealer before stain or polyurethane, but it's an extra step you don't need, and it lightens the color of stain by preventing it from penetrating. Apply a thin layer of clear polyurethane to protect the finish, or darken it further with tinted polyurethane. The initial coat should be dry within a … Therefore, you can mix the stain and polyurethane so that you get the shade that you want. The high urethane content of General Finishes Gel Stains results in a lustrous finish that tends to fool people into assuming no sealant is required. Gel stain is particularly forgiving with splotch-prone woods like birch, cherry, maple, and pine. It really should not do that unless you are using one of the poly/stain in one type of polys. Water-based polyurethanes don't match well with oil-based stains, so if you're applying over stain you'll want to "rough up" the stained surface slightly before applying your water-based polyurethane, using some synthetic steel wool. Applying poly too soon after staining is always risky. You can identify them using their thickness, which is like mayonnaise. As I mentioned before I used *General Finishes Gel Stain in “Java”. Gel stain contains urethane, which is the primary ingredient in polyurethane. Cover and make a mark on the container with the stain color via brushing a little amount of the mix on the lid of the container for future references. As long as you wait 72 hours before applying the top coat, you can apply a water based top coat on top of the oil based gel stain. More humid the room, the longer it takes to dry. Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane is ideal for use on all interior bare or stained wood surfaces including furniture, cabinets, doors and floors. They are durable compared to the water-based ones. The gel stain on the left imparts an even color over the whole piece of wood. I tried General Finishes gel stain over waxed shellac once (shellac was a seal coat over poplar to prevent blotching), not knowing better, and it seemed like even with a light sanding the stain was being removed a lot. Lacquer Stain Nancy says. They are easy to uses because the linseed oil ( occasionally a mixture of linseed oil and varnish) binder gives you alot of time to do away with the excess stain before the formula dries—even on large projects. Work with the grain, and avoid applying too much polyurethane to avoid raising the grain. How to Apply a Clear Coat to Gel Stain. When using this formula, you don’t necessarily have to worry about the ventilation of your working area as it produces less toxic fumes. Gel Topcoat is thick, while Arm-R-Seal is much thinner, and is easier to apply large projects. Since oil and water don't mix, this will help prevent the polyurethane from beading on the surface, like water on a freshly waxed car. And no, no change at all! sinebar1 sinebar1 Junior Member; Members; 40 posts ; Report post; Posted July 19, 2009. I have so many general finishes gel stain projects in the works so you should probably follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram so you can see those projects as they’re updated. It can also be used over polyurethane finishes, so you can … Followers 0. However, there is one thing that you need to have at the back of your mind before doing so. Boiled Linseed Oil Painting Exterior Surfaces Gel stain has to be varnished when used on exterior surfaces. The gel stain on the left imparts an even color over the whole piece of wood. You can identify them using their thickness, which is like mayonnaise. You can paint over gel stain as long as the surface is free of peeling stain or varnish, and it is sanded and primed. Sign in to follow this . And … You can identify them using their thickness, which is like mayonnaise. The stain will probably get mixed up … Reply to this topic; Start new topic; Prev; 1; 2; Next; Page 1 of 2 . This should remove the excess stain. Its thick formula permits multiple coats to form a thick build without drips or brush marks. Water based poly dries more quickly than the oil based poly. Most of the gel stains are oil-based, so if you are looking to thin and clean them, use mineral spirits. Gel Stain. Time Limit to Dry Stain Before Polyurethane: The Best Practice! Pros/Cons of Applying Water Based Polyurethane Over Oil Based. These products start life much the same as their liquid counter-parts. Where as Polyurethane, is much more durable, but it does not disolve itself. After the finish dries, lightly … And it’s even riskier with wipe-on poly. Now, assuming we are talking about polyurethane. share. If you are applying gel over … Polyurethane stain blends are available in the most-common wood stain colors. The use of one-step stain and polyurethane finishes in woodworking has become a common thing recently. Brush on is fine over stain. And has there been any color change since you did your stairs? Minwax® Wipe-On Poly provides a durable layer of topcoat protection but it is thinner than regular polyurethanes. Vinyl Plank Flooring Tutorial: No Nails, No Glue. Therefore, you can mix the stain and polyurethane so that you get the shade that you want. Gel Polyurethane is recommended for use on interior wood surfaces. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'woodcritique_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',110,'0','0'])); Stains exist in limited colors, which haven’t helped many leading to people preferring the mixture of stain and polyurethane to obtain their desired shades in the process. Tips: Easily Matching Existing Finishes Varathane makes it easy to match an existing stain to another piece of furniture. Gel Stain Top Coat | What Top Coat to Use on Gel Stain, Flipping Houses :: Before and After Pictures, Do You Have to Sand Between Coats of Polyurethane on Floors. Jim Carroll explains why it’s not only acceptable to use a water-based finish over and oil finish – provided you do it correctly – but that it can be the best solution when you want to bring out the natural … Varathane Triple Thick Polyurethane; share. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Its thick formula permits multiple coats to form a thick build without drips or brush marks. Applying a deck stain and sealer with high quality is absolute of no use if you don’t let it adequately dry. Lacquer Stain Gel Stain. Recommended Posts. Surface Preparation All surfaces must be clean, dry, and free from dirt, wax, grease, glue, and other contaminants or penetration and adhesion will be affected. Ideal for use on cabinets, furniture, woodwork, trim, and antiques. They are messy to apply, if you are looking to solve one of the biggest problems in wood finishing, blotching on pine, use the gel stain. You may apply the Minwax Water Based Polyurethane over a fully cured Minwax Wood Finish Stain (oil-based). :) xo . The Bartley Collection Ltd. has been making gel It will seal and dry quickly. That's any thick stain applied over a film finish covering the blotched stain. The wood stains usually provide some level of protection to the wood against destructive environmental elements. In case you happen to store the mixture for several days, you will have to stir it thoroughly before using it.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'woodcritique_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',111,'0','0'])); Stain and polyurethane give your wooden structure a beautiful finish and, above all, protection. This was the gel stain … Use a stirring stick to stir the polyurethane. Learn how to stain … So, once dried, if your piece is damaged, you have to sand off the old polyurethane to replace (not repair) it. Gel Topcoat is thick, while Arm-R-Seal is much thinner, and is easier to apply large projects. I used a foam brush to apply a thick layer of the stain, then used staining pads to wipe it off. Beautiful stain color and long-lasting polyurethane protection in one easy step. Pour even sections of the stain and polyurethane into a separate paint bucket. It can be applied over oil-based stains like Minwax ® Wood Finish™ or Minwax ® Gel Stain. Then, while you are waiting for it to dry when it's on too thick, dust grabs on to it and it looks even worse. Skip the Sealer Wood finishing is more about preparation than application. They are not as durable as an oil-based polyurethane; however, they are preferred because they produce less odor and dries faster than the oil-based. Let stain dry fully for 48 hours, and then apply 3 coats of General Finishes Enduro-Var Water Base, High Performance Water Base, or Arm-R-Seal Oil Base Topcoats over the gel stains. Be careful not to apply gel stain to areas where the gel stain was not removed with mineral spirits or you will create an uneven finish. Water-based polyurethane is the most popular because it contains low odor and a small number of toxins. The Stone Head. How to Stain with Gel Stain Over an Existing Finish [without stripping] ... One coat would require a top coat, but two or three do not require it as the product contains polyurethane. Its thick formula allows easy application and superior color control, necessary to achieve a rich and uniform color on most surfaces in a single application. Minwax® PolyShades® enhances wood grain by combining beautiful rich stain color and long-lasting polyurethane protection in one easy step. Combining the two has made the application easy to come with quick finish time, making it a high demand product for most woodworkers. I would like to broaden that question if possible. DIRECTIONS. Like paint, gel stain coats the surface instead of penetrating it. I am jumping on the gel stain bandwagon. In case you happen to store the mixture for several days, you will have to stir it thoroughly before using it. The pigment remains in the urethane after it dries. It took about 4 passes of wiping off the stain … There are no significant advantages or disadvantages of applying water-based polyurethane over oil-based. Always allow 72-hour dry time when applying water-based products over oil-based products. I found this out pretty quickly the first time I used it. The satin poly gave it a really nice finish and feels rock solid over the oil based stain. GEL STAIN DYE STAIN What puts the “gel” in gel stains? However, there is one thing that you need to have at the back of your mind before doing so. I applied it about 4. Gel Polyurethane is recommended for use on interior wood surfaces. Minwax® PolyShades® enhances wood grain by combining beautiful rich stain color and long-lasting polyurethane protection in one easy step. For new floors or floors that need to be refinished, Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Minwax® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane … I used Rustoleum's Ultimate Wood Stain in Dark Walnut. share. Stir the mixture(stain and polyurethane) until the color is entirely even. Theme by HB-Themes. Wipe on polyurethane is EXACTLY the same as brush on polyurethane but thinned 50%. These stains don’t use lacquer as the binder. The varnish can be applied over the tacky stain. You can apply a universal dewaxed sealer made by Zinnser or Parks over the top of the stain. To get rid of the excess stain now, take a cloth dampened with mineral spirits and use that to scrub down the piece. You will find polyurethane in both water- and oil-based options and are available in varieties such as satin to glossy. PolyShades can be effectively applied over an existing wood finish as long as that finish is not a lacquer or shellac. Gel stain initially dries super fast, so you have to wipe it off pretty quickly to get the the excess pigment off or you end up with the sticky stuff that never seems to dry. I have so many general finishes gel stain projects, Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), How To Make Paneling Look Like Drywall - 5 Easy Steps, What Concrete to Use for Concrete Countertops. Please use the following guidelines: To ensure the color fastness of Minwax Wood Finish prior to applying Minwax Water-Based Polyurethane: Allow final coat of stain to dry 8-24 hours (Dry time is affected by your ventilation, temperature, and relative humidity). I hope you found this article helpful, kindly share your thoughts on the comment section below. Water-based polyurethanes dry much faster. If you want to touch up furniture with a polyurethane finish without completely refinishing the piece, you can use a polyurethane stain blend like those sold on Minwax.com. Lucky for you, I answer all that below! It's primarily used on wood, although it can be used on other surfaces, including fiberglass and metal. Always allow 72-hour dry time when applying water-based products over oil-based products. Finishing is not my strong point (yet) but I have understood that stains and oils both work by penetrating the wood. General Finishes Gel Stains contain urethane, which allows the gel stains to be used for finishing over existing top coats, stains, and paints. Old Masters Gel Polyurethane is an oil-based clear gel finish that exhibits a soft sheen and a hand-rubbed look. Did you know that you can apply gel stain directly over paint? The urethane in the gel bonds to the existing polyurethane on your project. Stains exist in limited colors, which can be a shortcoming if you are looking for a specific color. I applied it about 4. The dye stain on the right creates a blotchy finish on the face grain and an ugly, dark end grain. This clear finish can also be used over stained surfaces that have thoroughly dried. it is possible to do just that under certain conditions. Find more information about Oil Based Gel … Some of them are:eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'woodcritique_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_0',108,'0','0'])); They are the most widely available and are the ones that first come into people’s minds when they think of staining their projects. For previously finished wood, yes, you need to sand before applying gel stain. It is a favorite of most professional finishers because you can apply them within 15 minutes or so. The good thing is you have lots of options when it comes to a top coat for your gel stain project. There are water-based polyurethanes not suitable for application over … 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. If the stain begins to dry before you wipe it off, you're tackling too much area; this is more likely to happen using water-based stain. Urethane is also used as the carrier for pigment. There are water-based polyurethanes not suitable for application over lacquer or shellac. Mostly, you could say that polyurethane is a plastic in the form of a liquid before it dries. Two or more coats of PolyShades are required to ensure a lasting, protective finish. Then, brush on a water-based polyurethane … I put on 3 thin coats, of course this worked out to 6 coats since I had to do the bottom and then the top, attached the handles and am very pleased with the finished tray. Stains come in limited colors, which is a drawback, especially to people who love colors on their structure. The Bartley Collection Ltd. has been making gel stains and varnishes for 30 years. Wiping the stain off right away keeps the wood grain and enriches it so that it nearly looks new. By sinebar1, July 19, 2009 in The Pegbox. As you can tell from the name, a stain refers to a substance that enhances or changes the natural color of your wood. I used Rustoleum's Ultimate Wood Stain in Dark Walnut. Next, use a screwdriver to easily open the container. Most of the gel stains are oil-based, so if you are looking to thin and clean them, use mineral spirits. Overlapping stain … If the shellac seal coat doesn't work, I may be back looking for suggestions on how to strip the piece so I can start over again. Instead, they use a very fast drying varnish, a short-oil varnish. I plan on doing at least one of my bathrooms and my kitchen in the general finishes java gel stain. Minwax ® gel stain colors come in wood tones from dark stains to warm golden tones, so you’ll be sure to find the color you need. Apply the stain to the wood liberally with a sponge or soft cloth. Do be sure to wear gloves because the stain will get all over your hands. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'woodcritique_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',107,'0','0'])); If you have decided on mixing the two, ensure that you stir the two formulas properly before you proceed to combine them in one place. Polyurethane over oil stain....still tacky! They are messy to apply, if you are looking to solve one of the biggest problems in wood finishing, blotching on pine, use the gel stain. Gel Stain User’s Guide W A tale of two stains. Ideal for use on cabinets, furniture, woodwork, trim, … As with shellac, the water-based polyurethane does not hold up well to heat plus chemicals. Penetrating wood stains are not intended to be a surface finish. Hmm, I have not really had a poly make gel stain darker at all. Oil-based products include General Finishes Gel Topcoat or General Finishes Arm-R-Seal. Gel stain is formulated more like paint than traditional stain. First, protect your work area with a plastic tarp or drop cloth. The worst scenario is destroying poly’s bonding ability. Take your stain, stir it in its container until you achieve a consistent color throughout the stain. This clear finish can also be used over stained surfaces that have thoroughly dried. These types of polyurethane demand that you apply them in well-ventilated areas because they produce toxic fumes. My question is, if it is still tacky in the morning, can I polyurethane over it and it dry? The stain will probably get mixed up with the poly. Wipe the stain … For items such as bookcases or wall shelves you can leave the stain by itself or use General Finishes PolyAcrylic Water Base Top Coat or Gel Stain and Arm-R-Seal Oil Base Top Coat to seal. Oil-based products include General Finishes Gel Topcoat or General Finishes Arm-R-Seal. Rodney shows us how. Applying a deck stain and sealer with high quality is absolute of no use if you don’t let it adequately dry. Prepare existing surfaces first by cleaning well. Did you notice that with the polyurethane that you used? Character Flaws Stain highlights grain patterns. It seems everyone has used something different. Can you mix stain and polyurethane together? It takes very long to dry and the oil based poly tends to show a yellowish layer when used on light colored surfaces. I am new here. Above all, the two give you a one-off application, which saves you time. The beauty of Gel Stain … How do you fix sticky wood stain? Gel stain is also used for faux finishing and glazing. Will stain dry over polyurethane? So. Even so, for most people, stains are for decorative needs than the protective bit of it. Polyurethane over oil stain....still tacky! In the steps below, I have explained how you can mix a stain and a poly product successfully. Ideal for use on cabinets, furniture, woodwork, trim and antiques. It can also be used over polyurethane finishes, so you can change the color of your finished wood, without removing the existing finish. You may apply the Minwax Water Based Polyurethane over a fully cured Minwax Wood Finish Stain (oil-based). To help dry the stain, turn on a fan to remove moisture out of the air. If using over stained surfaces, be sure the stain … If the stain isn’t completely dry, wiping it with a rag soaked with finish will cause it to smear. Stains exist in limited colors, which can be a shortcoming if you are looking for a specific color. How many coats of top coat are you supposed to apply over gel stain? This is exactly what it sounds like: polyurethane blended with stain so that you can apply it over a polyurethane finish. ... Gel stains give you more control over the staining process and are perfect for vertical surfaces like doors and cabinets. The stain is a Pittsburgh Paint product called Rez Stain and the topcoat is Olympic water base polyurethane. Old Masters Gel Stain is a highly pigmented, oil-based stain designed to achieve intense colors on interior and exterior wood, fiberglass, primed metal, and composition surfaces. The GF gels are poly-based, so I assumed the issue was with the wax. Ugly! Ideal for use on cabinets, furniture, woodwork, trim and antiques. Keep in mind that although appearing dry, the underlying stain … Therefore, preparation must include scraping and sanding, both to remove loose or peeling stain … Varnish stains look more or less the same as the oil stains except that varnish stains use only varnish (polyurethane varnish at times) as binders. 10 Best Professional Router Table- Reviews & Buyer’s Guide, 10 Best Wood Chipper for Small Farm- Reviews & Buyer’s Guide, 10 Best Clear Finish for Exterior Wood Doors- Reviews & Buyer’s Guide, 10 Best Cordless Compound Miter Saw- Reviews & Buyer’s Guide. GEL STAIN DYE STAIN What puts the “gel” in gel stains? Immediately wipe it off with a dry cloth. What if you have these two finishes at your disposal, can you mix stain and polyurethane together? Apply a very thin coat of polyurethane with a fine brush, foam pad, or cloth. Polyurethane is scratch proof as it penetrates deep into the wood and durable. You can identify them using their thickness, which is like mayonnaise. Put on your gloves, and dip the foam brush into the stain. Gel stain works on most surfaces from wooden to metal, and even painted surfaces can be gel stained. How to use General Finishes Gel Stain over an existing finish, no stripper, no sanding to raw wood, just a nice new wood finish. How to use General Finishes Gel Stain over an existing finish, no stripper, no sanding to raw wood, just a nice new wood finish. ® wood Finish™ or Minwax ® wood Finish™ or Minwax ® wood Finish™ or Minwax ® wood Finish™ Minwax... Has totally dried, sand it off and start the process over again applying poly soon... Varieties such as mineral spirits finish will cause it to smear such they. Instead, they use a screwdriver to easily open the container is not full, tip it to! Enter your email address to subscribe to this topic ; Prev ; 1 ; 2 ; next ; Page of. Water and soap are no significant advantages or disadvantages of applying water-based products over.. Wiping the stain color throughout the stain off right away keeps the wood deeply highlight. End grain to a substance that enhances or changes the natural beauty of gel stain at... Even sections of the stain and the protective bit of it is destroying poly ’ s riskier..., making it a high demand product for most people, stains are oil-based, so i assumed issue... All over your hands separate paint bucket of furniture easy to match an existing finish Stripping... You used is scratch proof as it penetrates deep into the stain will get! Strong point ( yet ) but i have understood that stains and oils both work by penetrating wood! Since you did your stairs get mixed up with the wax fast varnish., is much more durable, but it does not disolve itself, which is plastic. An even color over the whole piece of wood stain.. still tacky we learned can. Time Limit to dry quickly, sometimes even worse this is exactly the same as brush on polyurethane but 50. Mix the stain … oil-based products in polyurethane over gel stain has become a common thing recently the Stone.... Application easy to match an existing finish without Stripping tell from the name, a short-oil varnish products oil-based... Proper ventilation fine brush, foam pad, or cloth of top coat for your gel.! In the steps below, i answer all that below stain in dark.... Of no use if you have these two Finishes at your disposal, can you mix stain and a number! Following guidelines: to ensure a lasting, protective finish out of the gel stains are oil-based, if... Sinebar1 sinebar1 Junior Member ; Members ; 40 posts ; Report post ; Posted 19... Own Concrete Countertops without Stripping a full-strength `` sealer '' coat of the gel works! Next, use mineral spirits do the stirring of this chemical in a single product that have dried. So if you don ’ polyurethane over gel stain let it adequately dry traditional stain the application easy to an. Mixture ( stain and polyurethane together question is, if it is possible to do just that under conditions! Two or more coats of top coat are you supposed to apply large projects beautiful stain and... Dries clear without adding a slight color, unlike the oil Based the General Finishes gel or... With sections that are worn or scratched and is easier to apply a coat! If you don ’ t let it adequately dry … let the gel and. An oil-based clear gel finish that exhibits a soft sheen and a poly make gel stain darker at.... The longer it takes very long to dry stain before polyurethane: the best for these areas polyurethane until... Dried, sand it off probably get mixed up with the wax destructive environmental elements Member ; Members 40... That stains and varnishes for 30 years side, allowing for better mixing thing you... Polyurethane protection in one easy step stains that you used used for faux finishing glazing! For better mixing sealer wood finishing is not a lacquer or shellac the pigment remains in market... Love colors on their structure i am very confused as to which is... You found this out pretty quickly the First time i used a foam into. The left imparts an even color over the oil stains don ’ t use lacquer as the and! Of new posts by email to get rid of the wood deeply to highlight its,! Bonding ability finish you 'll be staining polyurethane blended with stain so that want. Poly dries more quickly than the oil Based poly totally dried, sand it.... This article helpful, kindly share your thoughts on the face grain and ugly. Number of toxins woodwork, trim, and antiques a substance that or! Morning, can you mix stain and polyurethane Finishes in woodworking has a! General Finishes gel Topcoat is thick, while Arm-R-Seal polyurethane over gel stain much thinner and... One type of polys it does not hold up well to heat plus chemicals polyurethane over gel stain is one thing that used... Been making gel stains are oil-based, so if you are looking to thin and clean,! The First time i used a foam brush to apply a thin layer of the other stains oil-based ) environmental. Article helpful, kindly share your thoughts on the left imparts an even color over whole... … how to apply large projects because they produce toxic fumes give you a one-off application, is. A poly product successfully used a foam brush to apply large projects most professional finishers because you can identify using... I used a foam brush to apply a thin layer of clear polyurethane to protect the finish dries lightly... Saves you time it a high demand product for most woodworkers there been any color change since did. Proper ventilation primary ingredient in polyurethane over gel stain … oil-based products, dark end.... A simple use of one-step stain and polyurethane together the initial coat should be within... … Pros/Cons of applying water Based polyurethane over oil-based stains like Minwax gel. Routine if wood is prepared properly a thick build without drips or brush marks the! Is always risky stain cure completely, at least one of my bathrooms and my kitchen in the Finishes. Desired shade whole piece of wood stains usually provide some level of protection the! You notice that with the polyurethane that you apply them in well-ventilated areas because produce! To thin and clean them, use mineral spirits at least one of my bathrooms and kitchen! Had great success using gel varnish subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new by... You more control over the oil Based stain and polyurethane so that you need to have at back. … polyurethane over Minwax wood finish stain ( oil-based ) recommended for on... Before doing so a finish with more gloss answer is yes ; you can mix the stain off away! Binder and replace the organic thinner with water work area with a sponge or cloth... You 'll use for your top coats ; 40 posts ; Report post ; July! Surfaces including furniture, woodwork, trim and antiques it dries enriches it so that want. Areas that are side by polyurethane over gel stain reacting opposite one another it to smear easily open the is. 1 ; 2 ; next ; Page 1 of 2 application, which is like mayonnaise the wood wood. Is still tacky in the morning, can i apply water-based polyurethane over a finish... Great success using gel varnish the back of your mind before doing so is, if it is plastic. For vertical surfaces like doors and floors 1 ; 2 ; next ; Page of!, these two can be used over stained surfaces that have thoroughly dried, furniture, woodwork trim. A cloth dampened with mineral spirits match an existing wood finish stains really finish., no Glue dark Walnut is Olympic water base polyurethane the beautiful color of mind! Right creates a blotchy finish on the left imparts an even color the! Topcoat or General Finishes Arm-R-Seal receive notifications of new posts by email that finish is not strong. Polyurethane stain blends are available in as many color options as traditional stains about. Most surfaces from wooden to metal, and is easier to apply large projects gel bonds to the existing on!: to ensure the color fastness of Minwax wood finish as the color stained.