General Finishes Gel Stain, Nutmeg, Quart

General Finishes Gel Stain in Nutmeg, Quart, gives interior wood projects a heavy-bodied, wipe-on color finish. Gel Stain does not penetrate as deeply as a liquid oil stain, so the color sits closer to the surface and looks deep and rich. This quart can covers about 150-200 sq ft, depending on the wood and application. Test the complete stain-and-topcoat combination on your project first: wood species, application method and existing finishes all affect the final color, and the topcoat deepens it.

Shipping is $5.99 under $35, free on orders of $35 or more (lower 48 + DC). Shipping policy

Returns: Flammable liquids such as this oil-based gel stain can't be returned (refund policy). If it arrives damaged, defective or wrong, email Store@projectweekenddiy.com with photos and we will make it right.

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).

Highlights

• Thick consistency helps even out color on blotchy woods such as pine; General Finishes says Pre-Stain Conditioner is usually not needed.
• High urethane content lets it go over existing finishes and non-wood surfaces like fiberglass after proper prep and an adhesion test.
• Wipe, brush, roll (short nap or foam) or use a pad applicator. Not for spraying.
• A second coat can deepen the color once the first coat is fully dry; General Finishes says to apply no more than 2 coats.
• PFAS-free formula, per General Finishes.

Best for

Interior cabinets, trim, doors and furniture. Use the color swatch as a starting point, then test on the actual wood. This stain is for indoor projects; General Finishes says not to use it on outdoor pieces with direct exposure to water.

Specifications

How to apply

1. Raw wood: sand with 120 grit, then 150 grit, and do not over-sand with finer grits, which closes the grain. Existing finishes: scuff clean with a maroon pad and a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water, dry 1-2 hours, then sand lightly with a 220-320 grit sponge. Remove dust and test adhesion.
2. Work in a well-ventilated area and stir thoroughly to bring settled solids back up. Divide the project into sections (top, side, drawer, door).
3. Apply a liberal coat to one section with a natural bristle brush, foam brush, pad or microfiber roller, then wipe the excess evenly with the grain using absorbent paper towels, shop towels or terry cloth. Do not use cotton t-shirts; they push the stain around instead of absorbing it. Pull excess out of corners with a natural bristle brush.
4. Let it dry fully. If the surface is tacky or more than a faint trace of stain comes off on a white cloth, wait longer. Seal with 3 coats of a General Finishes topcoat; wait at least 72 hours before a water-based topcoat over this oil stain. See the Gel Stain technical data sheet.

Good to know

Any General Finishes topcoat works over Gel Stain: Arm-R-Seal (thinner, easier on large or detailed pieces like cabinets) and Gel Topcoat (thick) are oil-based and amber; High Performance is water-based and dries clear. Do not leave a thick, paint-like coat; always remove the excess. The Nutmeg safety data sheet uses the signal word Danger and lists skin irritation, eye irritation and a possible allergic skin reaction, and says the product may cause cancer and genetic defects and causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, so use adequate ventilation and the protection it lists, and keep it away from heat and flame. California Prop 65: the Nutmeg SDS lists benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, cumene, naphthalene, ethanol, carbon black and quartz. Stain-soaked rags can catch fire on their own: place them in a sealed, water-filled metal container and dispose of them under local fire rules.

Questions

How long does Nutmeg Gel Stain take to dry? On raw wood at about 70 F and 50% humidity, allow 8 or more hours to touch and 24 or more hours before recoating. Over an existing finish, allow 72 or more hours before recoating.

When does Nutmeg reach full cure? About 30 days.

Can I use Nutmeg Gel Stain outdoors? No. General Finishes Gel Stain is interior only and is not for decks or exterior siding.

Will Nutmeg look the same on every wood? No. Species, sanding and any old finish change the color, and the topcoat deepens it. Test the whole finish on scrap or a hidden spot first.

Can I return it? Flammable liquids like this oil-based gel stain can't be returned under our refund policy, so check the color and size before you order. If it arrives damaged, defective or wrong, email Store@projectweekenddiy.com with photos and we will make it right.

How fast does it ship? Tracking is emailed when your order ships.

Shop related

Other sizes in this color: Nutmeg Half Pint, Nutmeg Pint. Other Gel Stain colors: Java, Antique Walnut, Black. Topcoat it with Arm-R-Seal Satin Quart, GF Gel Topcoat Satin Quart or High Performance Topcoat, Satin Quart. See every color in General Finishes Gel Stain, compare lines in Wood Stains and Gel Stains, or plan the job with the cabinet project cart or the furniture refinishing project cart. Manufacturer details: General Finishes Gel Stain page.

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

Free standard shipping on orders $35+ to the lower 48 states and DC.

30-day returns on unused, unopened items. 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.