When I completed the basement overhaul (click here for the full reveal), I had two pieces of oak that needed a face lift but I didn’t want to tackle painting either one because of time and (let’s be honest) a lack of patience.
So I started searching for options other than painting.
After lots of reading and researching I settled on this product by General Finishes. It is recommended for wood that has already been stained.
Very light sanding or just a good cleaning is all the prep that is required before applying it.
And it had rave reviews all over pinterest.
Honestly, I didn’t really believe all the hype, but it totally works.
I have read terrible reviews on other brands of gel stain so be aware of the brand that you choose.
I loved the gel consistency, aka no stain drips anywhere.
Both of the pieces that I stained required three coats, but the results are amazing. It completely refreshed and updated previously light colored wood without stripping the old stain off.
I purchased 1/2 pint for $8.99 and even after completing the vanity and the media unit I still have 1/4 can remaining.
Honestly, this is one of the easiest furniture makeovers I have ever done.
Each layer of stain only took about 20 minutes to apply, with a 24 hour drying time in between. I just followed the directions from the General Finishes website.
I am going to apply some kind of sealant to the stain eventually, but it will probably be the same furniture wax (click here for a tutorial by Barb Blair) I used on my painted chest of drawers seen below↓.
What do you think? Would you try it on some outdated oak furniture?
personal life and small business blog by Rene' Beagle 
Did you do this on your kitchen cabinets? I have old maple cabinets – from the 50’s. I have been wanting to paint them – but maybe this would be easier. Do they any light stains? Did you take off all your cabinet doors?
This is Genie Yearick McCorkle. I love your blog! Use a lot of your recipes!
Hi Genie, this was one bathroom cabinet but I know it would work on kitchen cabinets. They have like 5 colors of stain. And I did take all the cabinet doors off because I didn’t want to get stain on the hinges. I will say I did the whole project by myself so it’s not that hard :) If you go to the general finishes website and select the gel stain you can see all the colors they offer.
Reblogged this on ecscllc.
Thanks so much! Would you say this is easier than painting- or just a different look?
WAY WAY easier than painting. It takes a little while to get used to it. And at first it looks streaky but by the second and third coat it evens out. Read the reviews on amazon. A lot of people had great tips.
Thanks!
LOADs of inspiration… I’ll have to save this link to come back to! Thanks!
Such great inspiration!
I’ve always been a fan of neutrals such as taupe and cream but I seem to be drawn to greys too and there are some interesting rooms with grey and white here. – See more at Best Decorating Ideas
tips to choose kitcheen paint with…Oak Cabinetslike & Share with friends if you like It
Cabinets are great home decor pieces that not only contribute aesthetically to the overall look and feel of a room. If you are looking for furniture then oak made furniture is best because of its best quality it is a durable strong and long lasting.
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