The Windsor Project : Java Gel-ous!

Finally!!!! I have been dreaming of gel staining all my builder grade oak for a year. So happy to finally get on the gel stain bandwagon. With helpful thanks to Monica wants it blog and Erin over at Magenta and Lime I have been fully equipped with the knowledge to get the job done! so without further adieu.......

First off the supplies I used. A lot of DIYers recommend using an old mans sock to apply the stain, well I had a heck of a time with that method. So I stuck with using a foam brush to apply. With that being said I got picky with my brushes and found the "Wooster" foam brush from Lowes to be the best.

-a drop cloth (I'm going to replace my ugly 90s vinyl floor so I didn't care if it got messed up)

-Painters tape I love Frog Tape the Yellow works the best

-paper towels or old rags (for clean up)

-Sanding sponge ( I used fine grit)

-Foam bushes and old socks if that method works for you

-General Finishes Java gel stain (I know it is not sold locally for many people but fortunate for me I have a wood craft store near me that carries General Finishes)

-General Finishes High Performance Poly in satin

General Finishes Java the holy grail of stain

Here is the before

So long builder grade oak

You want to give the wood a light sanding, not too much just enough to rough up the sheen on the finish.

So messy!!

Now the fun part! You should apply your stain in light even coats. It is way easier to apply if you use those little paint pyramids. Saved me so much time because you can stain both sides of the doors at the same time.

First coat it looks so streaky and ugly! Don't worry after the 3rd coat you will be in LOVE!

I gave the first coat about a day to dry, then gave the second coat about 2 days and the 3rd 4 days to dry. I did 3 coats of poly and let each coat dry about 3 hours in between.