Gel Stain

Gel Stain from General Finishes is home of the popular Java Gel Stain featured across the nation's social media for upcycling furniture and cabinets. Gel wood stains are heavy-bodied and do not penetrate as deeply into the wood as liquid oil-based wipe-on stains do, providing the deepest, richest colors of any oil-based stain available.

https://generalfinishes.com/wood-finishes-retail/oil-based-wood-stains-sealers/gel-stains

"This sweet little bench is heading with me to The Barn’s Fall Flea and Fair, as well! If you haven’t checked out The Barn (https://www.facebook.com/theyoderbarn/) yet, please do! It is an amazing event filled with talented vendors in Iowa that will take place 9/16 and 9/17!! The bench was refinished using General Finishes Antique Walnut Gel Stain and finished with GF’s wipe-on satin poly for an antiqued patina." - Vintage...

"Look at this gorgeous early 20th Century solid mahogany and cherry music cabinet! It looks absolutely stunning with the help from General Finishes Java Gel Stain. The shelves and drawer were painted using Tuscan Red Milk Paint and lined with Spoonflower Arts and Crafts style rosette paper." - Vintage Amour

"A little MCM on this lovely Sunday afternoon. Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend! These gorgeous nightstands were refinished using some of my favorite General Finishes products: Snow White Milk Paint and Antique Walnut Gel Stain" - Boxwood & Brass

"I LOVE this look! I recently finished and dropped off this chest and some succulent wall planters at Carver Junk Company Minneapolis. Painted with Black Pepper Chalk Style Paint and stained with a custom color mix of GF's Antique Walnut and Java Gel Stain." - Bee's Knees

See more of Bee's Knees pieces by stopping at Carver Junk Company Minneapolis at 4748 Chicago Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55407!

 

...
Debbie of Refresh Restyle used GF Java Gel Stain to give her front door a face lift. Debbie says, "It faces the west and the sun beats down on it really bad. I used General Finished Java Gel Stain and I loved it! I ended up putting two coats on. I love the wood door and it looks great now."   See all the details of this project at http://refreshrestyle.com/stain-front-door/   Check out GF's YouTube channel to...
"Just finished my railings using GF Gel Stain in Brown Mahogany. Did you know that WD-40 removes gel stain splatters and spills from carpet! Don't ask me how I know that. LOL" - Sharyn Meisner Ross   Check out this video from GF to learn how to prep existing finishes for stain or paint - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdS0X_TgpMI    
"The perfect stain for my build was GF Antique Walnut gel stain, finished with GF High Performance topcoat in satin. I am totally hooked! Thank you General Finishes for making such awesome products!" - Lily Pond  

Bethany of Restored Living was jiving with Java when she was saving this antique tiger oak dresser!

She adds, "In person, the top is so smooth and the color is so rich. I used my favorite gel stain on this piece and it worked wonderfully on the porous grain!"

To learn more about her adventure in refinishing this piece, go to her blog at http://bit.ly/2bMX5Yg.

We are loving this simple yet stylish coffee table by Angela of Number Fifty-Three! She used Antique White Milk Paint and Antique Walnut Gel Stain for this restyle.

Angela explains, "I stained the top with GF's Antique Walnut Gel Stain. Gel stain was the perfect choice for this table because, even after sanding it down, there were still some water rings evident. This is so frustrating sometimes, because you won't even see these imperfections until you start working with the...

I'm so in love with this Empire Dresser painted in Annie Sloan Home Napoleon Blue and stained with @generalfinishes gel stain in Candlelite. I added new lion's head knobs and handles for the perfect finishing touch. This piece is perfect for any room!

Beautiful custom mix of Brown Mahogany and Java Gel Stain.

This wooden bowl was brightened up with GF Nutmeg Gel Stain. 

This stunning dresser was brought back to life with General Finishes Antique Walnut Gel Stain by Katie & Co. Furniture Restorations. Katie says, "Who knew this was under all those layers of paint! "   Visit Katie and Co. Furniture Restorations at 305 Main St. Moville, IA to see more of her amazing work and to purchase your favorite GF products!    
Green Spruce Designs restyled this mid century modern dresser with General Finishes Brown Mahogany Gel Stain and Snow White Milk Paint. Such a great classic look!   Check out the Green Spruce Designs shop in person at Sweet Clover Barn in Frederick, MD.    

"Mid-century modern dresser painted in Snow White Milk Paint and stained in Antique Walnut Gel Stain. This one is up for grabs!" - Katie & Co. Furniture Restorations

"General Finishes Java Gel Stain is a miracle worker," explains Evolution of Style as they share one of their recent projects. They used Java to freshen up their entranceway door!

Learn how to apply Gel Stain to raw wood and apply topcoat at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMJWz3mnEo.

"This antique walnut chest of drawers was refinished in General Finishes Gel Stain color, Java. The body was painted in Heirloom Traditions Paint color, Privilege. The middle drawers was decoupaged with a beautiful Black-capped Chickadee theme napkin by using HTP's 1Gel. Entire piece was then sealed agin with HTP's water based top coat." - Rehab to Fab  
Crystal of Team Sutton Designs used GF Java Gel Stain to restore this Mid Centurey Modern Credenza.   Crystal says, "This piece was took only one coat of Java to bring it back to life! The wood is so rich and masculine, but it has just the right amounts of mahogany to keep it balanced."  
Stunning dresser refinished with General Finishes Java Gel Stain by Rusted Brown.   To learn more about GF Gel Stain check out these videos: How to Apply Gel Stain to Raw Wood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMJWz3mnEo   How to Update Existing Finishes with Gel Stain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgX5yE5rUbo  

Laura Vajgrt of Vintage 180 was so creative with this gradient-style dresser she livened up! She used New Pine, Nutmeg, and GF's jiving Java Gel Stains for the drawers! She sealed the shell of the dresser in Flat Out Flat, then used High Performance Topcoat Satin to seal the drawers.

Learn a few tips on creating a uniform stain color using Gel Stains at http://youtu.be/J-9_c0Ku6zA.

Find your favorite GF products ...

Laura Vajgrt of Vintage 180 stunned us with this dresser refinishing! She used mulitple Gel Stains while also using water-based topcoats for the finish!

Laura explains, "I used GF Gel Stains in Nutmeg, Java and Brown Mahogany. The shell was sealed using Flat Out Flat. The wood drawers were sealed using the High Performance Topcoat Satin."

Find your favorite GF products in the U.S. at Woodcraft, Rockler, Klingspor, Amazon, or, in Canada, at Wood Essence and Lee Valley. You can...

"From the moment I saw this dresser I knew it had to be painted in Coastal Blue and stained with Java Gel Stain. It's a classic combination that will make you stop in your tracks! Thanks for always being my go to brand." - The Goodie Girl Shoppe  

Oh, the wonders GF's Gel Stains can do for natural wood finishes like this chair by Vintage Amour!

They explain, "We are such suckers for antique quartersawn oak! Period. This handsome piece was refinished with Antique Walnut Gel Stain!"

Find your favorite GF products in the U.S. at Woodcraft, Rockler, Klingspor, Amazon, or, in Canada, at Wood Essence and Lee Valley. You can also purchase GF products from any of the 31 Illinois JC Licht locations or use your own zip code to...

Liz of the Naptime Decorator shares this quick and easy project she did over the weekend with Java Gel Stain!

"It’s funny – I didn’t even know I was going to do this project when I woke up that morning, and by 9:30, I had a brush in my hand. Not even an hour later, I was all done! I am blown away at how easy this was!" - Liz

To learn more about her project, go to her blog at http://bit.ly/2akeLaL

Find your favorite GF...

Amber of The Amber Rose Emporium delighted us with this dresser in Brown Mahogany Gel Stain.

Learn How to Hand Apply Water Based Stain at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QnrhELTJkc

Find your favorite GF products at Rockler, Klingspor, Amazon, or Wood Essence and Lee Valley in Canada. You can also purchase GF products from any of the 31 Illinois JC Licht locations.  NOTE: Woodcraft stores carry all of GF...

Check out this lovely projects to one of Consign & Design's customers! This outdoor swing was painted in Persimmon Milk Paint and Java Gel Stain! What a wonderful anniversay gift!

Find your favorite GF products at Rockler, Klingspor, Amazon, orWood Essence and Lee Valley in Canada. You can also purchase GF products from any of the 31 Illinois JC Licht locations.  NOTE: Woodcraft stores carry all of GF’s retail and professional line EXCEPT Chalk Style Paint. You can also use your...

Barbara of Rescued Treasures refreshed this table with General Finishes French Vanilla Chalk Style Paint, Antique Walnut Gel Stain and High Performance Topcoat.   **GF Chalk Style Paint has been discontinued. Replace French Vanilla with a custom mix of 1:1 Linen Milk Paint, Antique White Milk Paint.    
Awesome weathered gray look with GF Gray Gel Stain from Canary Street Crafts!   "We really wanted the top to look like weathered driftwood, and I kind of wanted the whole piece to look like it could have washed up on a beach somewhere. First, I used a spray bottle to dampen the entire top with water. Next, I put a latex glove on my hand, then a sock over top of the glove. I dipped the sock in the stain, then wiped in onto the damp wood surface. I worked in sections, making sure to go from...
Christina of Phoenix Restoration went classic and timeless with this MCM dresser in GF Antique Walnut Gel Stain and Gloss High Performance Topcoat.    

Michelle Bennet Warner of the Pallet Shed share this tantalizing hutch using the lovely Brown Mahogany Gel Stain. They finished the piece with Oil Based Gel Urethane Topcoat.

Learn Tips on Creating a Uniform Stain Color at http://youtu.be/J-9_c0Ku6zA.

Find your favorite GF products at Rockler, Klingspor, Amazon, orWood Essence and Lee Valley in Canada. You can also purchase GF products from any of the 31 Illinois JC...

Lee Ann Walker Kuhn of Creative Moments shares a intricate dining table using Gel Stains and Milk Paint!

"For Sale:  unique one-of-a-kind 42" round with 18" leaf wood dining table. It is finished in General Finishes Java and Antique Walnut Gel Stain and hand-rubbed Poly top with Miss Mustard Seed's Linen Milk Paint, which has been dark waxed and color washed for an aged look and sealed in tough coat sealer." -Lee...

Studio Paint Designs shares this delightful dresser restyling using Milk Paint and Gel Stain!

They explain, "This two-toned mid-century modern dresser is pretty darn awesome. I started by painting the whole cabinet except the drawer fronts with Lamp Black Milk Paint.  The wooden handles also got a few coats, while the drawer fronts were coated in Antique Walnut Gel Stain."

To learn more about their process, go to their blog at ...

"Hello curves! Stunning bow front / serpentine tiger oak dresser with original and amazing ornate hardware... This piece is sure to make a statement in any room. Professionally sprayed in Polished Pearl (a creamy off white) and drawer faces refinished in General Finishes Java (gel stain). New fabric drawer liners to add a the perfect amount of fun!" - Purposely Painted    

Saw Nail and Paint freshened this vintage desk in Milk Paint and Gel Stain!

They explain, "This teacher's desk was refinished in Antique Walnut Gel Stain and Coastal Blue Milk Paint. It is such a solid desk and the walnut refinished so beautifully! Original hardware on the drawers."

Learn more about our Retail Products at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seU-4uSnW88.

LaDeeDa Design used GF Java Gel Stain to achieve this lovely rich rustic look!   Learn more about how to apply GF Gel Stain in these tutorial videos: How to Apply GF Gel Stain to Raw Wood - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMJWz3mnEo and How to Apply Gel Stain over an Existing Finish - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgX5yE5rUbo    

Red Shed Restoration share this upcycled spool coffee table using Antique Walnut Gel Stain!

Learn How to Apply Gel Stain to Raw Wood and Apply Topcoat - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMJWz3mnEo

 

Turning Leaf Crafts share how wonderful some Gel Stain and HP Topcoat can revitalize a beaten chest of drawers!

They explain, "Before and after of the hope chest. General Finishes Candlelite Gel Stain and coated with High Performance Topcoat Satin!"

Learn How to Apply Gel Stain to Raw Wood and Apply Topcoat - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMJWz3mnEo.

"I'm sharing a custom table makeover I delivered to my client. She recently moved into a new home and while her gorgeous kitchen table fit nicely with her former space's decor, the warm medium oak color wasn't right for the new kitchen with the dark espresso wood floors. She wanted the table darker but still wanted to see the old finish peeking underneath so I refinished her table in two phases with General Finishes products. First by using Java Gel Stain (one coat applied in dry brush fashion...

Roots and Wings Furniture used Java Gel Stain and High Performance Topcoat Satin for this nightstand makeover! To learn a step by step process and tutorial how they finished this piece, go to their blog at:

http://www.rootsandwingsfurniture.com/blog/javagelstaintutorial

Learn How to Apply Gel Stain and Gel Topcoat to Raw Wood at http://...

"Out with the trendy white and back to the traditional classic cherry. (original cabinets were honey oak) I used equal parts of Brown Mahogany and Georgian Cherry to get the exact color I wanted. Loved the results so much, I am currently updating my railings as well. Easy to use, clean up was easy. Topped off with High performance top coat. Loving my new kitchen!!"

Such a fun table!  This got a decorative new look with General Finishes Java Gel Stain. 

Lovely vintage dining set refinished in GF Linen Milk Paint and Java Gel Stain. 

Total transformation with Java Gel Stain by DRE DESIGNS!

NOTE: The only GF topcoat we recommend using on stairs or floors is Pro Image Topcoat. Pro Image can be special ordered from a GF Retailer near you. Let Gel Stain dry a minimum of 72 hours before adding Pro Image Topcoat or any other water based sealant.

Learn more about how to apply GF Gel Stain in these tutorial videos :...

"I'm just stopping by to say thanks for your great products: Java Gel, and High Performance Top Coats in Satin and Flat to help restore this striking sideboard! It was imported from England and designed by a respected designer of mid century pieces...Peter Hayward. It's ready for another 60 years of love and life! :) " ~ Robin of RPK Interiors   Find your favorite GF products at Rockler, Wood Essence, Klingspor, Amazon, or Lee Valley in Canada. NOTE: Woodcraft stores carry all of GF’s...
Gorgeous refinished dining set in General Finishes Georgian Cherry Gel Stain and Lamp Black Milk Paint by Twisted Vintage Az!   Learn more about how to apply GF Gel Stain in these videos:   "How to Apply Gel Stain to Raw Wood" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMJWz3mnEo   "How to Update Cabinets with Gel Stain" https://www.youtube.com/...

General Finishes Gel Stains - top to bottom, left to right

Antique Walnut, Brown Mahogany, Java

Gray, Black, Candlelite

The right side of each board is one coat wiped back, the left side is multiple coats for a more opaque look.

The Weathered Door disassembled these two night stands and rejuvenated them with Antique Walnut Gel Stain and Lamp Black Milk Paint! For a nice sheen, they mixed High Performance Topcoat Satin and Flat Out Flat. To get a more in depth description of their work, go to their blog @ http://www.theweathereddoor.com/2016/05/satin-black-mid-century-nightstand-makeovers.html

scd-2015-contest-virginia-20160518-rehab-to-fab-table-lamp-black-milk-paint-antique-walnut-java-gel-stain-hptc-arm-r-seal-general-finishes

Stephanie of Rehab to Fab says:

"This sophisticated grain sack table set was married together with General Finishes products. The antique table was sanded down, wood conditioner was used and a mix of Antique Walnut & Java gel stain was used. Top was sealed with 7 coats of satin Arm-R-Seal for heavy duty durability. The base is 1/4 sawn oak but need some repair. So General Finishes Lamp black milk paint came to...

"I am yet to find the limits of General Finishes Gel Stains. We used GF Java Gel Stain to create faux burled walnut. This added warmth to this worn finish." - Born in a Barn Antiques   Learn more about how to apply GF Gel Stain in these tutorial videos:   How to Apply Gel Stain to Raw Wood - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMJWz3mnEo   How to Apply Gel Stain to Existing Finish -...
"I've been using General Finishes paints & stains on my up-scaling projects for the past 1.5 years. I'm most proud of my largest piece, an antique baby grand piano & bench. Transformed her with General Finishes Black Gel Stain and General Finishes High Performance Top Coat Satin Finish. Results, nothing short of beautiful!" - Judy Dinoski Angus   Find your favorite GF products at Rockler, Wood Essence, Klingspor, Amazon, or Lee Valley in Canada. NOTE: Woodcraft stores carry all of...