regular stain penetrates into the pores of the wood, whereas the gel stain sits on the top. Yes gel stain can be like a paint if you apply it as such.

When I apply gel stain I just put a small amount on a rag,and buff it on.

Thanks - so if you sand unevenly even slightly will the amount that soaks in (or not soaks in) cause uneven staining? Seems like it would, so then the difference in prep work would be just roughing up the surface for gel and sanding down to bare wood for stain perhaps?

These are the cabinets we're thinking about doing - same ones in all bathrooms too - so we would start on one of those first to test it out.
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
Yes that bathroom is hideous - we are just buying this house and will fix it up.

If you are using regular stain, then you have to strip down to the bare wood.

Gel stain you should be able to clean the surface, and remove the topcoat,lightly sand surface, then apply the stain.

I believe that the entire cabinet should be stripped down regardless of the stain, in that way the stain will bond well with the surface.

Thanks again sloyd - very helpful info!