The beauty of Gel Stain comes from the thick urethane which can carry a LOT of color to any surface, but that color must be sealed in with top coat. An added bonus of top coat is that it also protects the wood from drying out.
Do you need polyurethane over gel stain?
Finishing Wood Over Gel Stain
Oil-based polyurethane, varnish, and shellac are all great choices for finishing gel-stained wood, given the gel stain has dried for at least 24 hours.
How long after gel stain can I polyurethane?
between 24-48 hours
In general, you should wait between 24-48 hours for the stain to dry before polyurethane. If you don’t want to take any chances or think the stain might not be dry enough, wait an extra day before applying poly.
Do you need to seal Minwax gel stain?
Does Minwax® Gel Stain need to be topcoated? For added beauty and protection, we recommend topcoating all interior projects with a clear protective finish such as Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Minwax® Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane. For exterior applications, use Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane.
How long should gel stain dry before top coat?
General Finishes recommends 6-8 hours of dry time between coats. A top coat is not necessary due to the high amount of urethane in the gel stain that will provide protection.
Should you wipe off gel stain?
How to Use Gel Stain: Apply Stain. Wipe the stain evenly across the surface. The first coat should be thick. Put it on and don’t wipe it away as you would when working with traditional stain.
Does gel stain dry fast?
They also hide wood flaws without lots of sanding. The downside is that gel stains typically require a longer drying time. Gel-based stains are the slowest option available. Most gel stains take at least 24 hours or more to dry.
How long does it take for gel stain to cure?
Product Details
| Application Tool: | brush, cloth or foam applicator |
|---|---|
| Location: | interior or exterior* surfaces (* must be top-coated with an exterior clear protective finish) |
| Recoat: | 8-10 hours |
| Dry Time: | 24 hours |
| Cleanup: | mineral spirits |
