Old Masters Gel Stain, Pickling White, Half Pint
Old Masters Gel Stain in Pickling White, Half Pint, adds oil-based color to prepared interior wood and compatible nonporous surfaces. For practical wood coverage, plan about 19–31 sq ft from this half-pint can, depending on porosity, texture and application. Its thick alkyd formula works on vertical surfaces; test your complete stain-and-clear-finish process first.
Features
- A thick gel supports control on vertical surfaces.
- Works on difficult-to-stain wood such as pine and maple.
- Can update properly prepared existing finishes.
- Gel colors can be intermixed for a tested custom shade.
Best for
Interior wood furniture, trim, cabinetry and compatible fiberglass, primed metal or composition surfaces. Exterior entry or garage doors require a protective exterior clear finish. Manufacturer maple and oak samples are approximate references; your surface affects appearance.
Specs
| Color / size | Pickling White / Half Pint |
|---|---|
| Base / use | Oil-based alkyd gel stain / interior; limited exterior door use with protective finish |
| Practical wood coverage | About 19–31 sq ft per can, scaled from TDS 300–500 sq ft/gallon |
| Dry time / touch dry | General drying: approximately 6–8 hours; touch dry not separately specified |
| Recoat / full cure | Second coat after 8 hours or longer, when dry / no full-cure duration stated |
| Coats | Usually 1 stain coat; optional second coat; compatible protective clear finish |
| Apply with | Brush or soft rag on raw wood; firm synthetic brush or lint-free rag on fiberglass/composition |
| Thinning | Do not thin; use as packaged |
| Cleanup | Paint thinner or mineral spirits where permitted |
| VOC | 546 g/L Actual/EPA VOC, matching SDS revised 13-May-2026 |
| Manufacturer part # | 81016 |
How to apply
- Start with a clean, dry surface free of wax, grease, glue and dirt. Sand wood smooth, repair defects and remove dust with a tack rag or lint-free cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Scuff sand an existing finish and remove dust. Follow lead-dust precautions before disturbing old paint.
- Stir to a uniform consistency. On bare wood, apply liberally with a brush or soft rag, then remove excess along the grain. On fiberglass or composition, work one panel at a time with a firm synthetic brush or lint-free rag, feathering streaks while wet and wiping excess from the brush.
- Let dry about six to eight hours; apply an optional second coat after at least eight hours and only when dry. Ideal conditions are 70–75°F and 35–50% humidity. Temperature, humidity, airflow and excess stain can delay drying.
- Use a compatible clear finish, testing the full process first. The February 2025 TDS directs complete stain drying followed by an additional 24 hours before a water-based finish. Test lacquer compatibility. Exterior doors need an exterior clear finish.
Good to know
DANGER: Flammable liquid and vapor; may cause allergic skin reaction, genetic defects, cancer and fertility or unborn-child harm; prolonged or repeated exposure damages organs; swallowing followed by entry into airways may be fatal. Read the exact manufacturer-code safety sheet, wear its specified protection and keep ignition sources away. Work with adequate ventilation and avoid breathing vapors. Used rags, steel wool and sanding waste can ignite spontaneously: immediately place in a sealed, water-filled metal container and dispose under local fire rules. Do not thin. Mixing Natural Gel Stain can lighten other Gel colors; test proportions.
Questions
Can I stain an existing finish? Yes, after scuff sanding, cleaning and a successful finish test.
Can I thin it with water? No. The manufacturer says to use the gel as packaged.
Will a swatch match my project exactly? No. Wood species, preparation and application affect the final appearance.