General Finishes Black and Candelite Gel Stain for the win! I’ll definitely be making more of these. Bags by burlybags
"This was a very special cornhole set I made recently for my wife's annual family gathering/fund raiser. Proceeds went to a very worthy cause North Country Horsemen Trails to Treatments .
This was all done by hand on baltic birch with General Finishes Gel Stain in Georgian Cherry, Candlelite, Prairie Wheat and New Pine. If you look real close you will see the ghosted image of pinochle cards in the middle of the board. On the frames are the names of family members we have lost to cancer, and...
"I’ll never get over the amazing wood grain after restoring an MCM piece. This antique cabinet was in good shape but the top and shelves had some damage. I was able to sand them back to their original wood and match the stain even though there were several types of wood and veneer on this piece. This beauty was sourced for my good friend Amy to showcase her record player in her beautiful cabin along with several other of the MCM pieces I’ve restore for her.
Products Used
Stain: General...
Lane Acclaim has an iconic look created by dovetailing fruitwood and walnut. It creates a beautiful contrast. Thanks to my husband for working on this one with me and to my furniture refinishing community for recommending...
"Vintage MCM Walnut Broyhill Emphasis dresser/credenza. Done in a quality black urethane enamel paint and a mix of General Finishes Antique Walnut and Candlelite Gel Stains." - JB Vintage Design
"This one is for those mid century modern lovers and collectors out there! This classic, restored, cane front highboy was designed by famed creator Merton Gershun specifically for American of Martinsville. It came to our shop in perfect structural shape, it just needed a complete cosmetic refinishing. We started by stripping off the original finishing and sanding down everything very fine to show off that 1960s walnut veneer.
The veneer was stained using a custom mixture of General Finishes...
"This set was made with General Finishes Gel Stain in Candelite and Black on baltic birch. Summer is finally here!" - Walter Wood Works of Bemidji, MN
"A matching pair of 1930s Art Deco end tables with a stunning inlay, they have been refinished using the color Black Lace by Lilly Moon Paint , Candlelite Gel Stain by General Finishes and a custom paint wash." - Pumpkin Seed Designs/Gray Road Candle Co.
The IBEW Helicopter Set
Apparently transporting and installing utility poles via helicopter in the Monterey Bay Peninsula is a thing.
General Finishes Gel Stain...
"This one was a lot trickier than we were anticipating, but we couldn't be happier with the final outcome. The finish on this handmade, maple drop-leaf table was flaking and needed to be updated- just in time for Christmas! The stain color Candlelite by General Finishes was a great match." - Pumpkin Seed Designs/Gray Road Candle Co.
"Creating custom stain colors with General Finishes isn’t just for furniture… the client wanted me to match her floors. To achieve this color I layered Candlelite Gel Stain with Antique Walnut Gel Stain . Painted the spindles white." - Thrifty Designs LLC
"It’s beyond GORGEOUS. The finish was restored using General Finishes Candlelite Gel Stain. I also switched out the hardware for a more elegant look. I really love how it turned out. " - ReFabulous Finds by Christina
"Process~ Chemically strip and rinse with lacquer thinner. Sand with 150, vacuum and then 220, vacuum. Wipe down with 50/50 denatured alcohol & water to pop the grain. Sand with 320 orbital and 220 sanding pad where needed, vacuum. Apply General Finishes Gel Stain in Candlelite. Coat of dewaxed shellac. Sand with 220 sanding pad, vacuum. Coat of GF’s High Performance Topcoat in gloss. Sand with 220 sanding pad, vacuum. Final coat of GF’s HPTC in flat. Hardware~ boil vinegar and then soak...
"One of my recent sets for my nephew. General Finishes Black, Candlelite, and Nutmeg Gel Stains." - Walter Wood Works
Making a color palette for all my favorite gel stains from Maple plywood cut outs
GF Gel Stains: Java, Gray, Black, Nutmeg, Georgian Cherry, Prairie Wheat, Candlelite, New Pine, Antique Walnut
Video on making this set: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWEKxNveSZk
Set in GF Candlelite, Antique Walnut, Colonial Maple and American Oak Gel Stain
When I first started refinishing, all I knew about stain is that it is watery and messy. I did research and came across a gel stain created by...
Loving these custom cornhole boards by Ollie’s Workshop in GF Prairie Wheat, Candelite & Georgian Cherry Gel Stain (top to bottom).
"I have come to realize cedar chests are like snowflakes, no two are alike. Each one is original and as special as the treasures tucked tightly inside.
I spent some time with this beauty the last couple weeks. Thank you, Linda for bringing her for a visit and entrusting her in my care. She just needed a light sand, some fresh stain and a poly treatment. General Finishes Candlelite Gel Stain and Semi-Gloss High Performance Top Coat restored her youthful glow." - Coat of Charms
"I think this one goes down in the books for epic before/after. I ended up popping off the drawer fronts and was left with THE most fabulous old wood. I bought site unseen and almost dragged it to the curb when I brought it home :/ GF Gel Stain rub down :) ✔ THAT off the list!"
This look was achieved with General Finishes Candlelite and Java Gel Stains and Pitch Black Glaze Effects to give a deeper black tone to top and sides.
"Check out this bow front Drexel. We revitalized this old gal using General Finishes Basil Milk Paint with a brown glaze. The top has been stripped and redone using Candlelight Gel Stain."
"This table was brought to us, your average, run of the mill golden oak color, but with sanding, General Finishes Candlelite Gel Stain & Arm-R-Seal, it is gorgeous! The base is painted with GF Antique White Milk Paint & sealed with High Performance Satin. The art is a DIY frame from Hobby Lobby, given color by a mix of Fusion Mineral Paint & the NEW Summer re•design with prima®️ Floral Collection decor transfer with 2 decor waxes, Gravity & Eternal Gold, with a touch of Fusion...
"My favorite new piece of the year! Completed in all GF products. Candlelite and Antique Walnut Gel Stain. Tribal batik pattern in Linen. Entire piece sealed with 3 coats Arm-R-Seal in semi gloss." - Wild at Heart - Fibers & Furnishings
"What an amazing coffee table! I fixed this table for some friends and I'm told it bounced around in the back of a van for a while, before heading indoors to be a play table... Now it's updated and ready for new adventures!" - T-Spoon of Sugar
T-Spoon of Sugar completed this table with a fresh coat of General Finishes Candlelite Oil Based Gel Stain.
"Another Signature Boho Piece Hand Painted in General Finishes Milk Paint Colors: Patina, Brick Red and Persian Blue. Accented with Copper Pearl Effects and Candlelite Gel Stained Wood Top." - The Texasgypsy
General Finishes Design Challenge Winner
2017›Upcycling›Anything Goes (Merit Judging)›3rd Place
Painted using antique white, lamp black, and a custom mix of the two colours (as well as some Fusion Mineral Paint in gold). The arrows were painted using 3M Blue edgelocking tape. The wood accents were covered with General Finishes Gel Stain in Candlelite. The whole project has 3 top coats of...
"Made with Love! Farmhouse Inspired Bench. The Walnut headboard was given to me by a sweet cousin, The Pine Wood Flooring was given to me by my Father-in-Law, the 2 Front Solid Wood Chair Legs were given to me from a fellow painter! Painted in General Finishes Snow White with Candlelite Gel Stain for the seat. I used a Iron Orchard Design Furniture Decal. But the most important part is that my awesome husband built it! Not sure I will be parting with it anytime soon, but wanted to share what...
"It's all about the details... We used General Finishes Candlelite Gel Stain to make the grain of the wood the star and it is absolutely gorgeous. Lamp Black Milk Paint on the base is the perfect backdrop. Everything is protected with High Performance Flat Poly." - Rundown Rustics
"Who knew that Coastal Blue and Lime Green GF Milk Paint could make such a deep, stunning color?! Add a little Candlelite GF Gel Stain and you've got a Garrison hutch with a hint of some Boho vibes." - Daylily Custom Design
The 80 something year old waterfall dresser was in serious need of some love. Candlelite Gel Stain warmed up the oak and Lamp Black provided the perfect backdrop for the warm tones of the drawers.
"I love Gel Stain and Arm-r-Seal! I refinished my vintage bankers chair in a custom blend of Java and Candlelite Gel Stain and finished with Arm-r-Seal." Eden Elyse Design Co.
"So excited to move this into my bedroom. Custom order for myself. Loving gel stain in Candlelite! First time using Gel Topcoat, love the sheen it provides. Frame painted in GF Milk Paint in driftwood. It's little brother is already inside the house patiently waiting." - Lily Pond
This petite and bright end piece was completed by Woodcraft Furniture, GF's April 2017 Retailer of the Month! The top was layered with GF Candlelite Gel Stain with distressing, while the body was painted with Patina Green Milk Paint with dark glazing.
If you live in the greater Cincinnati/Dayton OH area check out Woodcraft Furniture at www.woodcraftfurnitureonline.com. They offer fully custom...
"Presenting the most amazing piece ever!!! I completely refinished this piece. Broken veneer, completely stripped and sanded!! Pre conditioned 50/50 denatured alcohol/shellac. Stained with a custom mix of Candlite Gel Stain and Brown Mahogany.
I absolutely love tiger oak, and this baby looks more amazing then I could have ever dreamed of!!!" - Heavenly Chic Refinishing
"I haven't done much painting lately, but this little cutie was calling my name. Painted in Antique White with freshly stained drawer fronts with one coat of Candelite (Gel Stain) and one coat of Java Gel Stain and new hardware". - Refined Relics
"Loving this new Industrial Table & bench! Custom stools can be added (or another bench)! Need a different size? We customize!
This table was stained using General Finishes Candlelite Gel Stain, with Java Gel Stain rubbed in, sealed with High Performance Flat Topcoat. We find that Gel Stains are really effective in working color into soft woods like Fir. Letting one color dry, then using a rag to work in a darker color on top helps create this look, which is a total "wow." " - Lush•Paint...
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!
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.
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 Uppity refinished this handsome buffet named "Evan" with General Finishes Candlelight Gel Stain and flat High Performance Topcoat.
We're loving this upcycled vanity by Dressers and Jujubes made with Linen on the shell and Antique White on the drawers and the top is stained in Candlelite Gel Stain. Finally, everything is sealed in High Performance Top Coat.
Check out this amazing hand crafted table from Marion Lovett! It first got a got of GF Amber Dye Stain, then a coat of Candlelight Gel Stain (shown in the second picture). Then 2 coat of Antique Walnut Gel Stain were applied and the entire table was sealed with 4 coats of Arm-R-Seal Topcoat. Marion says, "It is 8' in diameter and made of old barn wood (oak). The bottom was timberframed in the traditional fashion with mortise, tenon, and pegs. I was aiming for an old medieval look. I used all...
Megan of Vintage Back Roads says, "Fabulous farmhouse table and chairs! Gorgeous General Finishes Antique White with a Candlelight Gel Stain top. Perfect for family meals, morning coffee, game night or anything else! Just fabulous!
Available at Vintage Back Roads in Old Town Katy, Texas. We offer the complete line of General Finishes Products, stop by today!"
Brightleaf Interiors of Raleigh, NC says, "Beautiful day for a garden party on this lovely mid century modern dining table refinished with General Finishes Candlelite Gel Stain."
The Shabby Chicas located at Homestead Handcrafts refinished this serpentine dresser with General Finishes Antique White Milk Paint and a custom mix of GF Candlelight and Antique Walnut Gel Stain on top. The entire piece was sealed with satin High Performance Top Coat.
This buffet was brought back to life with GF Candlelight Gel Stain by Eyesores to Heirlooms of Leander, TX. Awesome transformation!
Boo Boo the Bear's Makeover
Can't get enough of this vintage waterfall dresser from Saw Nail and Paint! I stained the top and drawers with General Finishes Gel Stain in Candlelite. I love how this color looks with the black paint. I sanded the sides smooth and then painted it with 3 coats of GF Lamp Black Milk Paint. I sealed the entire piece with 3 coats of General Finishes High Performance Top Coat in satin, sanding lightly between coats. Full details here,...
Recreated Creations Furniture upcycled this adorable desk with Antique White and Persian Blue Milk Paints, Van Dyke Brown Glaze, and Candlelite Gel Stain - what a gorgeous piece! "I am so pleased with this Recreated buffet! I painted the body in General Finishes Antique White, the doors and drawers are a 50/50 mix of Persian Blue and Antique White, then I gave her a light distressing and glazed the body with Van Dyke Brown Glaze and the top was renewed with Candlelight Gel Stain. I am loving...
Rebecca from House of Aster shaded the rose on this table using Java and Candlelite Gel Stains from GF. Next, the table will be gifted to Habitat for Humanity!
Remember: Every stain needs a top coat - especially Gel Stain! The topcoat is essential not only for protecting the piece but also for sealing in the color.
GF suggests using High Performance Topcoat for a water based option, and Arm-R-Seal or Gel Topcoat for oil based options.
If you choose to use High Performance, make sure that...
