How to Use Gel Stains on White Oak
- 1). Prepare the wood surfaces for finishing by sanding. Begin with 120-grit sandpaper and sand until you achieve a smooth surface. Finish the sanding by following up with 220-grit sandpaper. An electric sander can be used to ensure fast, consistent coverage. Sweep and vacuum away the excess wood dust so no particles get caught in the stain.
- 2). Wipe all surfaces to be stained with a cloth that has been dampened with denatured alcohol.
- 3). Paint a single, even coat of oil-based wood conditioner or sanding sealer onto the wood. This will help guarantee consistent coverage and coloring once the stain is applied. Apply the conditioner or sealer with paintbrush strokes that follow the direction of the wood grain. Apply the conditioner or sealer within two hours of staining.
- 4). Coat the wood with a generous and thick layer of gel stain. Use a clean cotton cloth to apply the stain. Let the stain sit and soak into the wood for three or four minutes. Work in small sections if necessary to prevent the stain from sitting on the wood for too long. Wipe off the excess stain with a clean cotton cloth and work in direction of the wood grain. Allow the stain to dry for at least eight hours or until completely dry. Smooth out or darken the color with additional coats of stain if necessary. Let the stain dry between each coat. Let the final coat dry sufficiently.
- 5). Finish and seal the stained wood with a gel topcoat or other manufacturer-recommended protective finish. Apply gel coat generously with a clean cloth, the same way the gel stain was applied. Let the stain sit and soak into the wood for three or four minutes. Wipe off the excess stain, working in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the topcoat to dry for at least eight hours and apply an additional two to three coats until you achieve an even surface sheen. Always allow each coat to dry before applying another.
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