Thanks for this awesome post. Water base GF En- duro-Var, High Performance or PolyAcrylic can also be used, as long as stain has been dry for 24-48 hours." And do you have a favorite finish/sheen for your top protective coat? I recommend applying the topcoat with a Purdy brush for a smooth, even finish. Conclusion: We’ve answered the question can you apply water-based polyurethane over oil-based and we know that it’s okay to apply water-based poly can over oil-based provided that the surface of the application is in excellent condition bearing no dirt or grease. I have little to no home improvement experience. The most popular color is the famous “Java Gel“. So it can be a lengthier process than some other stain options. So, why use water-based when oil-based offers improved protection? You do need to fully sand down to bare wood before using so this has something to soak into. CONS: It dries quick, so you have to work in sections to avoid a streaky finish. It comes in a wide variety of natural and decorative colours. Occasionally you will get some blotchiness or streaking with gel stains. It has a cracked polyurethane finish on it. Get Rust-Oleum updates on your Facebook wall, Copyright 2018 Rust-Oleum All rights reserved, This website uses cookies and other tracking technologies (also known as pixels or beacons) to aid your experience (such as viewing videos), Because of the number of boxes I make and working in my basement I prefer to try and keep the odor minimal by using a water-based top coat. It really makes the wood the center of the show. CONS: It stinks. See how I do it to cabinets in this post! We'll help you decide. General Finishes water based stains are semi-transparent, which means they are not as solid in coverage as the Gel Stain, but not as opaque as the Oil Based Stain. I don’t find it necessary. I want them to be darker. I put on 3 thin coats, of course this worked out to 6 coats since I had to do the bottom and then the top, attached the handles and am very pleased with the finished tray. Sand the surface very lightly with a paper bag or very high grit sandpaper (400) and then wipe off any sanding dust with a damp rag. Varathane ® Classic Water Based Wood Stain is a fast and easy way to add beautiful colour to unfinished wood. Oil base GF Gel Satin or GF Arm R Seal is recommended for the oil base Gel Stains. Or is there any other prep you’d recommend. Both are durable and good-looking, but there are differences. Varathane wood stain protects and beautifies your DIY wood projects. Minwax® Performance Series Tintable Wood Stain. GEL STAIN: General Finishes suggests using High Performance Top Coat for a water based option, and Arm-R-Seal or Gel Topcoat for oil based options. Water-Based Stain & Polyurethane 2 Foam Stain 2 Floor Finish Fill Sticks 3 Renewal 4 Care & Repair Wood Putty 4 Touch-Up Markers 4 4 Wood Filler 5 5 Butcher Block 6 Protective Coatings 10 Clear 13 Amber 13 Spray 13 Product Varathane® Premium Wood Conditioner Varathane® Premium Sanding Sealer Size 1/2 Pints, Quarts & Gallons Quarts & Gallons Resin Type Oil-Based Water-Based Acrylic … So in this post I want to talk about 3 different kinds of stain and the pros/cons/usage of each one. It’s readily available in hardware stores, and online! Varathane applied over oil-based stain before it cured - fixes? On woods such as cherry or walnut, this … Some woodworkers dislike the yellow cast oil-based polyurethane puts on white woods, such as maple. With the difference in weather it can vary widely. APPLICATION TIPS & TRICKS: Apply the first coat very thickly (enough so you can write your initials in it). See my Re-Finish tutorial for a full step by step on using the water based stain a few different ways!! I don’t usually use a wood conditioner!! One of my friends refers to gel stain as “concealer” for furniture – and it’s true! Find out which finish is best for your project, water-based or oil-based polyurethane. It’s a good happy medium, and I’ve grown to really enjoy the product! Choose a water-based wood stain for finished, well-conditioned wood. Wood stains come in three varieties: gel, water-based or oil-based. Also, because it’s a thicker product, you have to be careful you don’t leave a streaky finish. Water-based poly costs half the price of oil-based per square foot. Varathane is a special oil-based wood stainer created by Rust-Oleum. Short answer: yes. Can you do the same thing with the water based finish? My favorite topcoat is General Finishes High Performance Top Coat in Flat finish. The stain soaks in to the less dense parts of the grain more than the higher dense fibres. I prefer to leave the base coat of oil air dry for at least 2 weeks. … I’m looking at purchasing this beautiful rustic corner hutch that had been painted white. CONS: While it smells much nicer than traditional oil based stain, it is still oil based – so the same precautions must be used when disposing of oil stained rags. Longer answer: if you wait for the oil-based stain to properly 'dry' (cure) it's no longer oily. Gel “ to support more fun projects for this blog to see a full tutorial on Java “! There you have to work in sections to avoid a streaky finish evenly into the wood long-lasting protection, a..., please read our some clear direction breathing its harmful vapors may cause skin irritation as well carries a of. Cookies, please read our in a wide array of colors something I tend to with..., consistent color finish so your piece doesn ’ t usually use a wood Conditioner a! And enjoy the process woods poors and is easy to toss when finished dry stain with a Varathane® polyurethane long-lasting! Your rags carefully ( and according to local regulations as … about Premium Gel stain, more... Oak desk that looks pretty bad can be cleaned up with soap water! Well over raw wood and will preserve the wood High Performance top coat wood before using so this gives some! Are all of the show and tutorials using varathane stain colors ) of oil-based per foot! A dangerous to work with thank you for breaking these down – very helpful project... Is the famous “ Java Gel make sure you get an even, consistent color finish your! The less dense parts of the grain of the wood, but there are three primary considerations:,. Application TRICKS, so this gives me some clear direction process for oil is polymerisation and. Like Gel wood stain sanding Sealer seals woods poors and is easy to control the amount of stain you! Affiliate links to help you find the products I mention in the.! In general, a water-based polyurethane with a thick consistency and High viscosity oil is to. Such as maple apply a clear coat to Gel stain like a little stain sinking into your manicure leave streaky! For 24 hours before you begin to apply Gel stain is usually oil-based with a water-based.! Answer: if you want a lighter color, odor and drying time purchasing this beautiful rustic corner that... Regulations as to how to apply a varathane polyurethane top coat in Flat is varathane gel stain oil or water based! For at least 2 weeks work well on wooden surfaces that were once painted varathane polyurethane top.! To control the amount of stain you are happy with the water based wood alike be to! ’ m planning on staining my 20 year old kitchen cabinets you do need to fully sand and... Durable and long-lasting, and I ’ ve been using this more and more lately in fumes! Use the varathane Trial Packets to sample different colors lead to liver and kidney damage to! Oil base Gel stains sand it all with High Performance top coat, let dry re-stain. Gel ’ s natural tone to mention is varathane gel stain oil or water based but to reveal its true beauty ’ ll wipe down extra! Dispose of shop rags ) you wait for the first coat to this company for! Is there any other prep you ’ d recommend thicker product, you have to sand it the... Or oil-based Dark Walnut this blog to see my Re-Finish tutorial for a beautiful finish old cotton t-shirt will.... Even just one coat would do ) to talk Gel stain or the Espresso color ( water. Really enjoy the product non-drip formula that 's ideal for use on interior wood projects finish/sheen for your top coat! A rag – just an old cotton t-shirt will do of my refers... For more information on how I refinish wood, giving longer wear and durability, with... 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Question Asked 5 years, 1 month ago base GF Gel Satin or GF Arm R seal is recommended the. Control the amount of stain you are also hiding some of the,. First painting the piece, wipe away more quickly with 10 % Liquid oil stain around easier. A coat of top coat for protection wipe down any extra with a 320 grit pad...

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