General Finishes Gel Stain, Carbon Gray, Half Pint
General Finishes Gel Stain in Carbon Gray, Half Pint, gives interior wood projects a heavy-bodied, wipe-on color finish. This half-pint can covers about 35–50 sq ft, depending on the wood and application. Test the complete stain-and-topcoat combination on your project first: wood species and existing finishes affect the final color.
Features
- Thick consistency helps even out color on blotchy woods such as pine.
- Wipe-on application works with a brush, pad or absorbent cloth.
- Can refresh an existing finish after cleaning, sanding and an adhesion test.
- A second thin coat can deepen the color when the first coat is fully dry.
Best for
Interior wood furniture, cabinets, doors and trim. Use the color swatches as a starting point, then test on the actual wood. This stain is for indoor projects; it is not an exterior coating.
Specs
| Color / size | Carbon Gray / Half Pint |
|---|---|
| Base / use | Oil-based pigmented gel stain / interior |
| Coverage | About 35–50 sq ft per can |
| Touch dry, raw wood | 8 hours or longer |
| Recoat | Allow 24 hours or longer on raw wood; 72 hours or longer over existing finishes |
| Full cure | 30 days under recommended conditions |
| Coats | 1–2 stain coats, then 3 coats of a compatible General Finishes topcoat |
| Apply with | Natural-bristle or foam brush, pad or absorbent cloth; do not spray |
| Thinning / cleanup | Mineral spirits; if thinning is needed, start at 5% and do not exceed 15% by volume |
| VOC | Under 550 g/L, matching color SDS |
| Manufacturer part # | CHP |
How to apply
- Prepare raw wood with 120 then 150 grit. For existing finishes, clean with a 50:50 denatured alcohol/water mix, dry, then scuff with 220–320 grit. Remove dust, let dry and test adhesion.
- Ventilate and stir thoroughly. Work one manageable section at a time. Apply enough stain to keep the surface wet, then wipe excess evenly with the grain. Pull puddles from corners and details.
- Let dry fully before recoating. The times above assume about 70°F and 50% humidity; cool, humid conditions or an existing finish can take longer. Wait if the surface is tacky.
- Seal the dry stain with three coats of a compatible topcoat, following that product's instructions. Allow at least 72 hours, and complete drying, before applying a water-based topcoat over this oil stain.
Good to know
Do not leave a thick, paint-like coat. Black and Carbon Gray must be wiped back, never painted on without removing excess. Read the Carbon Gray safety data sheet and container label. DANGER: the SDS warns of serious health hazards, including cancer. Use the specified protection and adequate ventilation; keep away from heat and flame. Immediately place soaked applicators in a sealed, water-filled metal container and dispose of them under local fire rules.
Questions
Will this color look the same on every wood? No. Species, preparation and the old finish affect color; topcoat deepens it. Test the entire finish first.
Can I use it on an already finished cabinet? Yes, after cleaning, scuff sanding and a successful adhesion test. Allow longer drying than on raw wood.
Does it need a topcoat? Yes. Seal it with three coats of a compatible General Finishes topcoat after the stain is fully dry.