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I have read many of the inspirational posts in the kitchen forum of gel stains being used for cabinets with great results. My question is are they a durable enough finish (with gel topcoat) to handle the traffic on stair treads? I am considering going with the General Finishes Java Gel Stain. My goal is to go almost black so it appears black from a distance but still has some grain visible up close. To those with experience with General Finishes, will Java give me a dark enough color or do I need to go with a dark stain underneath the gel stain?
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Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by sombreuil_mongrel (My Page) on Mon, Apr 16, 12 at 16:54
| Gel stain on bare wood will be the same permanence as a liquid stain. If over a previous finish, it will wear off if the finish coat wears off. So use a tough finish coat, like a floor varnish. If oil-based varnish is used, either make real sure the gel stain is fully cured, or use a separator coat of shellac sealer to prevent the varnish's solvent from disturbing the stain. Casey |
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- Posted by ThornhillLouis (My Page) on Wed, Apr 18, 12 at 7:57
| I also want to know about the same relevant topic and I agree with idea of sombreuil_mongrel.. Thanks for sharing. |
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| Any pigment stain is sitting ON the wood, and will wear if the protective coat wears away exposing the stain. Dye could fare a little better, but depending on the type of wood the penetration can be very slight. Any coloring is going to rely on the clear coat on top for wear protection. |
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- Posted by bus_driver (My Page) on Fri, Apr 20, 12 at 8:26
| For my stairs, I had the luxury of plenty of time for finishing them. Four coats of urethane with a week drying between coats and each coat sanded prior to the application of the next. I now wish I had done 6 coats. |
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| Hi bus_driver May I ask what brand of urethane you used on your stairs? I have a set of fir stairs in my home that I am currently sanding down to finish...haven't decided what I am going to finish them with however! I will not be using a stain/color on them as I like the natural beauty/color of the fir. Simply need something to 'clear coat' them with for protection and was wondering what product you used...and why you wish you would have done a few extra coats. |
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