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General Finishes Gel Stain in Java, Quart, gives interior wood projects a heavy-bodied, wipe-on color finish. This quart can covers about 150-200 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.
Raw wood or an existing finish: Use it on raw wood (sand no finer than 150 grit on hardwoods such as oak and maple, 180 grit on softwoods such as pine) or over an existing finish after cleaning with a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water and a light scuff sand with a 220-320 grit foam pad. Always test adhesion first (General Finishes Gel Stain TDS, March 2020).
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.
| Color / size | Java / Quart |
|---|---|
| Base / use | Oil-based pigmented gel stain / interior |
| Coverage | About 150-200 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 450 g/L (Java, per General Finishes color SDS and product page) |
| Manufacturer part # | 195-937 |
At about 150-200 sq ft per quart per coat, one quart covers a typical kitchen of cabinet frames or several pieces of furniture in one coat; plan a second coat if you want a deeper color. For a single small project, the Java pint or Java half pint may be enough.
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. This product carries a California Proposition 65 warning; see the SDS.
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.
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.
Documents are published by General Finishes. Always follow the label and SDS.
Free standard shipping on orders $75+ to the lower 48 states and DC. Some large or heavy items are excluded at checkout.
30-day returns on unused, unopened items. Returns accepted within 30 days. We send you a prepaid return label. Contact us within 30 days of delivery to start a return. Opened paint, aerosols, flammables, special orders and sale items can't be returned. Read the full refund policy.
Use this product page for the exact item, then check the Weekend Project Carts for prep, applicators, patch, cleanup, and finishing supplies. If you are still choosing a method, start with the Project Guides before adding everything to cart.
