General Finishes Gel Stain Java Half Pint

General Finishes Gel Stain in Java, Half Pint, gives interior wood projects a heavy-bodied, wipe-on color finish. This half-pint can covers about 35-50 sq ft per can, 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.

Highlights

• 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.

Specifications

How much do I need?

At about 35-50 sq ft per half pint per coat, this size suits small furniture, doors or touch-up work.

How to apply

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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. Immediately place soaked applicators in a sealed, water-filled metal container and dispose of them under local fire rules. Keep away from heat and flame. Use adequate ventilation.

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.

Shop related

See every color in General Finishes Gel Stain, compare lines in Wood Stains and Gel Stains, pick a clear coat from topcoats and clear finishes, or plan the job with the furniture refinishing project cart or the cabinet project cart.

Step-by-step: How to Use Gel Stain on Cabinets and Furniture Without Stripping.

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