Old Masters Gel Stain, Cedar, Quart
Old Masters Gel Stain in Cedar, Quart, adds oil-based color to prepared interior wood and compatible nonporous surfaces. For practical wood coverage, plan about 75–125 sq ft from this quart 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 | Cedar / Quart |
|---|---|
| Base / use | Oil-based alkyd gel stain / interior; limited exterior door use with protective finish |
| Practical wood coverage | About 75–125 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 | 545 g/L Actual/EPA VOC, matching SDS revised 08-Apr-2026 |
| Manufacturer part # | 81304 |
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.