Gel Stain Kitchen Cabinets for $125!

You can find gel stain at your local woodworking store (I use Rockler) or Amazon...here are the Amazon links to the gel stain and other supplies I use on all my projects:
General Finishes Gel Stain: amzn.to/3xGupej
General Finishes Top Coat: amzn.to/3k0zExq
220 Grit Sandpaper: amzn.to/3998JNF
Foam brushes: amzn.to/3v2cddn
Brushes: amzn.to/3LgN5VG
Tack Cloth: amzn.to/3k0RW1j
Painter Pyramids: amzn.to/3vwwF4Z
Disclaimer: These links contain affiliate links. I will receive a commission for items purchased from these links. I appreciate your support.
My first suggestion would be to buy from your local woodworking store as it will typically save you a couple bucks
Check out our website at www.gelstained... for ideas and projects
Here I take my 1991 builders grade kitchen cabinets and give them new life with Java Gel Stain from General Finishes for under $125
interested in other color options? check them out here: • Gel Stain color options

[@julianaraspe]

I just redid my kitchen thanks to your video! Wow, a little really did go a long way. I didnt even use a quarter of a quart of Varathane gel stain on all my cabinets and new dining chairs. Hooray for no more orange oak!

[@mikeyincalif]

That looks great ! Thanks …… I’m going to refinish my cabinets the same dark color. My original is the same as yours . These dark colors don’t age out of style. 😊

[@Sophia-lc9ow]

Really good video. All the videos I watched so far people have wiped their stain off right after and didn’t give it that dark look I was looking for! They made it seem like if you don’t wipe it it wouldn’t work. Glad I came across this! Thank you for posting. I used a foam brush for application and then very LIGHTY went over it with another clean foam brush just to even out any imperfections. But I think a bristle brush might have been better for application. Lesson learned!

[@gelstained]

thank you for the comment! I used foam brushes on my first java project but now primarily use soft bristle brushes.

[@jillsauder8340]

General Finishes Gel Stain is self-leveling, so it is actually made to be painted on and not wiped off.

[@melindat.1259]

Holy moly. Again, so happy I found you video. I read my kitchen cabinets thanks to you and im so happy with the results. I dont have social media so I dont have anywhere to post pics but thank you so much for showing how to do this!

[@gelstained]

that is great! thanks for the update!

[@Robert8455]

Nice transformation. Looks totally professional and hard to beat for that price too.

[@gelstained]

Thank you for the comment...wish I could say it is my superior staining skill/talent but the truth is this gel stain is so easy to use!

[@SoosweEt3]

Great comparison of the two methods. Thank you!

[@gelstained]

Thanks for watching!

[@AdrianaGarcia-el5wm]

I agree! Now I know how to the results I want. Thanks!

[@grumpyguss]

Word of warning: don't do what he did and use a TSP solution without protection unless you want skin damage. Read the massive warnings on the TSP box if you doubt this advice.

[@gelstained]

great advice Eric...I appreciate the comment and I am sure the viewers do as well.

[@musicalessence3936]

Omg!!!! Gorgeous results!! Thanks for sharing!

[@susurration19]

Best gel stain how to I've watched. Now I know what I'm doing, thanks!! 😊

[@gelstained]

Thank you, Judy! Let me know how it works out!

[@susurration19]

@@gelstained forgot to ask, which top coat did you use? Your kitchen looks amazing🙂

[@alexarihani2902]

Looks great. Can’t beat that price!

[@michaelriffey2051]

Good video. Helpful since I’m refinishing the same oak cabinets.

[@gelstained]

Thank you for the comment! I am sure they will turn out great looking!

[@1BadRAMLimited]

The bristle brush is faster but the other method came out flawless and had a professional finish to it

[@gelstained]

thank you for the comment. if you have any pics or a video link I will post it here so others can see the method you used

[@HOlsen-xe1xy]

Thank you

[@tamiz8895]

These are beautiful

[@gcorpus5558]

Really like the stain on

[@gelstained]

Thank you!

[@amarx6248]

looks great

[@dystopiandream7134]

Excellent video brother, thanks for the tips.

[@shantysweetsmusic]

Very informative...thank you 🙏🏾

[@MrWillsucks]

This was great, thank you!

[@gelstained]

Thank you for watching!

[@laurenhannum1280]

Did the cabinets have a polyurethane layer on them to start with? Wondering if I need to strip mine or if just a light sand is enough?

[@lordbrody9171]

Are both the coats the stain or is one of them the stain and the other the top coat? Thanks!

[@antoinecureton]

This is amazing!

[@marcografvonpartagas]

Thanks for the tip about the brush application. I want to stain my light oak bed darker, so will use this method. Is a top really necessary?

[@susane4078]

We used this exact dark gel stain (Java) on a pedestal table and 4 chairs. Expensive, time-consuming and had to apply multiple layers to achieve this rich color over what was blonde-colored furniture. Most likely would not use gel stain again.

[@gelstained]

thanks for the comment Christy...a couple questions for others who might read this... 1. Was it General Finishes brand? 1did a table/chair project with 1 qt which was $27.99 for the gel stain and about $35 in other materials 2. Did you use the wipe-off staining method or brush-on and leave method? I found the brush on method (painting on) works best.

[@Miranda3730]

I had no issues and after a few years I repainted the Java cabinets with WHITE paint and they look great. Primer then paint.

[@sharonperry1428]

How long did you let the first coat dry before applying 2nd coat of stain? And thank you! Because this video was heaven sent. In a month or 2, i was planning on having someone paint my cabinets. But after watching your video, im doing this myself! Thank you again for this video

[@gelstained]

Thank you for the comment! You can save so much money doing this yourself! I have applied the 2nd coat as soon as 24 hours after the 1st coat but ideally, I recommend 48 hours. If the 1st coat still feels tacky or is smearing when applying the 2nd coat you know you rushed it. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

[@sharonperry1428]

@@gelstained thank you for your response. And i will most definitely let you know the results and have before and after pictures

[@jt6969jt]

Are these real wood or RV trailer cabinet doors... I was wondering if I could do that on the RV cabinet doors? Thanks for the video...

[@bsd9230]

Is the JAVA color like a deep brown almost black ? Would this be good for darkening a reddish cherry China cabinet?

[@majestic1096]

In the lighting and distance from the camera in your final shot, the color is fairly opaque... How is this different from painting? I can see how painting would be the nearly same as the coverage of the color is very heavy the same in both instances. I hardly see any of the original oak color coming through. These cabinets are nearly one solid color.

[@mae8861]

Can you do a glaze going to a white or beige Color? Do you have a video for that?

[@melindat.1259]

Im so happy I came across this video! I'm trying to decide between this gel staining method or filling in the grain and painting. What do you recommend?

[@gelstained]

I appreciate the comment! I prefer the classic look of grain cabinets so my choice has always been to use stain. The upside to paint is more color options but it is more time-consuming and costly. The other negative I have seen with the DIY painting is it is difficult to get a really smooth finish. Good luck with your project...let me know how it goes!

[@MarkWilson-sn1xl]

I was thinking on using colored stain on oak cabinets do you have any commentary on that.

[@himerdiaz9123]

Did you sand between coats?

[@ThatAwkwardMom]

Is it 6 hour wait time really necessary after cleaning? What happens if I start just 1 hour after cleaning?

[@gelstained]

drying time really depends on temp, humidity, etc...you don't want to apply the stain to a wet surface. If time is a concern I would wait at least 2 hours assuming the environment around the wood is ideal.

[@pianrogirl]

How long did you want in between top coats and how long after you applied the last stain did you add top coat

[@gelstained]

thanks for the question...depending on drying environment, humidity, etc. I would wait 48 hours until your topcoat application. Honestly one topcoat is all I have been using and I have been happy with that

[@yelenaorlova9858]

Thank you for the video. Would you please let me know how much gel stain and top could was used for your project? Sorry if I missed it in your presentation. Also, any special preparation for the laminate surfaces before staining? Thanks again Yelena

[@gelstained]

Hi Yelena...sorry for the late reply. I used about 1 quart of gel stain and 1/2 pint of gel stain top coat...both are General Finishes brand. Good luck with your project!

[@yelenaorlova9858]

@@gelstained Thank you so much

[@piapadmore430]

Oh my gosh these turned out so lovely! You mentioned top coat at the end; but, top coat of what please? A wax or polyurethane? Could I use a wax?

[@gelstained]

Thank you! Yes, the topcoat I always use is an oil/urethane base gel topcoat made by general finishes. It is a Satin finish. I don't think a wax topcoat would hold up as well in a high traffic area like kitchen cabinets.

[@piapadmore430]

more right than wrong I finally realized you left links for us! Thank you!

[@carmendoyle9786]

Thank u this was simple easy what brand did u use 🇨🇦❤️thank u so so much !!!!

[@gelstained]

Thank you for the comment! General Finishes is the brand and the color is Java

[@valerietarquini151]

Did you use this on the side of the cabinets that were particle board with a wood look? How did it turn out?

[@gelstained]

thank you for the question...the side of the cabinets I have done is more of a laminate on the main and then strips of the particle board on the sides. The gel stain covers this really well and looks great.

[@scotweishaar8195]

With respect to the rest of cabinet surface area...did you stain just face frames or insides of the cabinets too?

[@gelstained]

great question...just the face frames...about 20 kitchen projects under my belt and have never done the insides so I can't speak to hold up, drting time, etc.

[@ericoxford7069]

This is exactly what I'd like to do to my kitchen cabinets. Mine are almost identical in color to yours. How is the finish holding up so far?

[@gelstained]

you won't be disappointed! I typically do 2 rounds of the topcoat after applying the stain. This helps seal in the stain and allows you to wipe down the cabinets when they get dirty. Just make sure the topcoat is completely dry (not tacky) in between coats.

[@SharryLynnOR1]

There are several shades to choose from. Yours is the darkest JAVA , shade. Beautiful results! We will consider a lighter shade and not leave it on. We want the fine wood grain to stand out. Thank you for pointing out to apply WITH the GRAIN!

[@crystalkendall1665]

The finished cabinets look really nice. How many cans of gel stain would you recommend that I purchase? I’m going to try this in my kitchen. I have about 25 cabinet doors

[@gelstained]

Thank you! You will be amazed at how far 1 quart goes...that should be plenty for 25 cabinet doors. Should cost you under $30.00. I would also get 1/2 pint of gel topcoat (about $12) which will be plenty. Let me know how it turns out!

[@jeannequinn8156]

would you get the same result using the water base stain? Would the drying of the stain take less time? I can't use anything that has a strong odour because my mother has copd.

[@gelstained]

thank you for the question. Unfortunately, I have not used the water-based stains so I can't personally speak to the results.

[@jonloftness5210]

I like your brush on method and leaving it on. I am going to stain 3/4" Birch plywood from the local store. Do I still need to use the cleaning solution and do I need to sand with the 220 grit?

[@gelstained]

I would recommend it. I have tried skipping those steps with cupboards right from the store that have never been stained before. When I tried the stain did not dry even throughout...there were always sections that were blotchy. Let me know how it goes...

[@jonloftness5210]

@@gelstained I hate to bother you again, but want to ensure I get what I need and don't buy what I don't. Again, I'll be working with Birch plywood directly from the store. Since I'll be using your brush on method, do I need the topcoat or degreaser? Help again please.

[@stefhanywes5258]

So two coats of stain? Plus two coats of topcoat? Also for the second method did you also sand? Or just go straight in with the stain?

[@gelstained]

2 coats of stain minimum...you may need to do a 3rd, I would say in 50% of my projects I do a 3rd coat or at least a touchup on top of the 2nd coat of stain. Yes always do light sanding regardless of the staining option you choose

[@stefhanywes5258]

@@gelstained Thank you so much! ✨

[@jennam8604]

What did you use for the top coat?

[@gelstained]

I use "General Finishes Gel Topcoat"

[@maryannwitt6698]

How long to dry between coats of brush on no wipe off.?

[@gelstained]

as a rule 24 hours but it depends on humidity, temp, etc

[@amandam3300]

Was the rest of cabinets real wood or just the doors? Only my cabinet doors are real wood the rest of the laminate how do I use a gel stain on laminate

[@gelstained]

The cabinets were wood however the island had laminate facing and the gel stain covered that great. Drying time on the laminate was a little longer in between coats but other than that it was the same process

[@DivideandConquerAnti-WEF]

Hey I used a non gel. Solid black poly+stain all in one. I did 2 coats without wiping it off. Will it dry or did I mess up.

[@gelstained]

I have used a non gel poly + stain before (I think a Minwax product) with no success...turned out inconsistent/blotchy with a couple areas that pooled up so it didn't dry well. I always use gelstain now

[@brandonhoward2004]

Hello quick question, so far i have everything foam brushed gel stained 1 coat with a wipe off method. My next coat for the for the doors and the frames i will use a brush, my question is if i use a brush on the frame will it show brush marks since its vertical and not laying flat like my doors? I know gel stain will settle out on a flat surface but not sure how it will look on the vertical frames still on the wall.?

[@gelstained]

Great to hear about your project! I have gelstained many window/door frames (see my log cabin gel stain project video) with no brush marks. Just make sure to use a natural bristle brush (not synthetic) and brush in the direction of the grain and it will look great

[@brandonhoward2004]

@@gelstained thank you soo much for the tips and reply back on such short notice! You are awesome keep up the good work sir

[@samanthata5832]

dose it matter if you use a different gel stain for this method to work??

[@gelstained]

General Finishes brand is my go to gel stain...I have only tried one other brand and it came out uneven in many areas

[@allsold]

i love the color of the stain, may I know the brand and color?

[@gelstained]

sure! General Finishes makes the gel stain and the color is Java

[@SurasFamily]

What is pain color you used ? I really like this color.

[@gelstained]

Thank you for the comment! It is called Java and it is a gel stain by General Finishes.

[@SurasFamily]

@@gelstained thank you for you relpy and I just subscribe to your channel after see your reply ....thank you so much 💐

[@amberbeamer6103]

So you can choose to not wipe off the stain and do two coats of it?

[@gelstained]

correct...2 coats should do it as long as your prep (light sanding/cleaning) work is done. Also, make sure the 1st coat is dry before applying the 2nd

[@daniellavera1774]

Would you say this gel stain lasts longer then paint? I've seen some who paint in a year they have to touch up in higher traffic areas.

[@gelstained]

Great question! In my experience, the gel stain lasts longer as long as you add the topcoat as your final step. I have seen some gel stain kitchen cabinet projects that skip the topcoat and those have had to be touched up within a couple years. The topcoat adds a bit of a shiny look that some people don't like.

[@markpitts9537]

So this is just a gel stain right on top of the sanded original stain and sealer ??

[@gelstained]

yes...gel stain applied followed by a topcoat

[@markpitts9537]

Love the video. As a viewer, it would be nice to get a better view of the products used, and time to write down the names. Also, a little discussion of products would be great since it is for most of us very confusing. But in sum, a great video.

[@heatherzwane3447]

Should I not wipe off with the bristle brush method?

[@gelstained]

no don't wipe off...just make sure you brush with the grain and let dry in between coats, usually 24 hours but could take longer depending on humidity, temp

[@asiantaste1188]

Hi, so how of Java gel did you use. Is one quart enough? CasueI have to order it from online...

[@gelstained]

yes, one quart will be enough for the average size kitchen.

[@savesoulsnotgold7867]

What kind of paint did you use is that cherry wood?

[@gelstained]

I use a gel stain by General Finishes...the color of this gel stain project was Java. It was applied to a 1990's honey oak kitchen cabinet

[@user-jf4dk2gb8f]

👍

[@KRIS1ONE1]

How long did it take you to complete the project?

[@gelstained]

35 hours total over an 8 day period...lots of waiting for the stain to dry between coats

[@jzaragoza9152]

Did you use oil base or water base stain? Thank you

[@gelstained]

I use General Finishes Gel Stain...it is an oil-based stain. Unlike traditional stain which penetrates the wood...gel stain sits on top of the wood

[@jzaragoza9152]

@@gelstained thank you.

[@melindat.1259]

I put on a coat of gel stain, did everything in your video with sanding and tsp, and after 2 days its still not dry. Am I doing anything wrong?

[@gelstained]

usually, 48 hrs is enough drying time...is the environment cool or moist? that could extend the needed drying time. Also, did you stir the gel stain before applying? I would give it another 24 hours. I did have one project (kitchen cabinet door) that would not dry...turned out to be many years of hand and cooking oils still on the surface that I didn't clean enough with sanding/tsp. I ended up having to strip the first coat of gel stain with mineral spirits then sanded/tsp again and the gel stain ended up drying within 48 hours. The sign to look for is if parts of the project are drying properly with smaller sections not drying it is most likely hand/cooking oil or moisture or dirt/grime deep in the wood.

[@gelstained]

just curious if it finally dried for you?

[@melindat.1259]

@@gelstained Yes. Sorry. I was waiting a few days to see if it dried. It has. So...... ive never used gel stain before, only normal stain so I realized I didn't stir it the first time. Opening the can, it looks like ita ready to be used. The second time I did and I could totally tell the difference after stirring. It was so lustrous! Plus, the air is off in the summer because if plastic being everywhere so I left a box fan on for 2 days and that helped! Anyways, thank you!

[@dorothybahmuller44]

Can you put gell stain on latex paint?

[@gelstained]

Thanks for the question...yes you can. Make sure to follow the same prep which is a TSP cleaning and a light sanding with 220 grit)

[@sbajesus23]

Do you also paint the inside

[@gelstained]

yes I do 2 coats of stain on the inside but no topcoat

[@missfaserere190]

Can I use miniwax top coat if I can't find the general finishes one?

[@gelstained]

as long as you make sure the gel stain has dried should be ok...I would wait 72 hours before applying the minwax topcoat

[@missfaserere190]

@@gelstained thanks a lot

[@juliacarter1280]

What is tsp

[@gelstained]

it is a heavy-duty cleaner (grease, mold, mildew) TSP stands for Tri-Sodium Phosphate

[@ramindersingh8691]

Hi which polyurethane finish you used for final coat ? Water based or oil based?

[@gelstained]

the oil-based in a satin finish

[@angelahighwolf]

No wood conditioner?

[@gelstained]

no conditioner needed with gel stain in my experience...never had an issue with uneven or splotchy coloring

[@alisonmiller7445]

I can’t decide if I need a quart or a gallon for my cabinets and island....

[@gelstained]

you will be amazed at how far a quart goes...that should be more than enough for the cabinets and island. I paid $25 for a quart

[@alisonmiller7445]

more right than wrong Thanks! I bought a pint of the grey to do a vanity in my bathroom. It was $20 for the pint. Where did you get your quart from? The vanity looks bad. Lol. Hopefully tomorrow when I do my second coat it will look better. Also I got it on my walls. We are repainting in there anyway buy man, I’m terrible at DIY! Thanks for your video, it has really helped. :)

[@alisonmiller7445]

more right than wrong I’m practicing on the vanity before I get to the kitchen cabinets.

[@gelstained]

@@alisonmiller7445 its all trial and error! You will be a pro before you know it! I get my stain at a woodworking chain called Rockler...the grey may be more expensive than the Java as it is a newer color? With the Java the second coat looks great so hopefully it will be the same with the grey...let me know!

[@alisonmiller7445]

more right than wrong I just tried to put on my second coat and a lot of the first coat wiped off?! I waited over 24 hours and it wasn’t tacky anymore. Not sure what I’m doing wrong. Going to wait 48 hours and try again.

[@maryannwitt6698]

I’ve been refinishing and painting cabinets and furniture. I would not use gel ever again. Messy as heck a lot of work! It spatters! Ruined my carpet and specks on newly painted walls. It gets everywhere! Yuk!!!!

[@gelstained]

sorry to hear about your experience...the no wipe,brush on method is not as messy as traditional stain...its like painting and I have not had spatters as it it very thick

[@SharryLynnOR1]

Much TOO dark for our tastes.

[@Nuclear8800]

i do same thing but i have too much spots looks like no cover its 1hr dry product (((

[@gelstained]

I have never experienced a 1 hour dry product...usually 24 hours is what is needed in between coats