Isabella Flores
General Finishes Gel Stain and Top Coats are a great way to update the look of your furniture, cabinets, or any wood surface. They offer more control than traditional products and are perfect for any level of experience. Before applying the General Finishes Gel Stain, ensure you have all the necessary materials and that your workspace is well-ventilated. Clean the surface with a degreaser and sand with an orbital sander or sandpaper, going with the grain, to ensure a smooth finish. Now, you can apply the stain using a lint-free cloth or brush, following the direction of the wood grain. After the stain has dried, seal the surface with a topcoat to protect it. You can use General Finishes products such as their water-based or oil-based topcoats, depending on your preference. However, can you paint over this gel topcoat?
Yes, you can paint over the General Finishes Gel Top Coat, but there are specific steps to follow. First, ensure that the surface is free of any peeling stain or varnish. Then, sand and prime the surface. After that, you can apply two coats of Stain Blocker followed by 1-2 coats of Brushable White Enamel, White Poly (spray only), or Milk Paint. Always let any primer dry overnight before applying the next coat. By following these steps, you can successfully paint over the General Finishes Gel Top Coat and achieve your desired results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you paint over General Finishes Gel Top Coat? | Yes, as long as the surface is free of peeling stain or varnish, and it is sanded and primed. |
| General Finishes recommended dry times for applying multiple coats | 72 hours when "wiping off". |
| Paint options | Brushable White Enamel, White Poly (spray only), or Milk Paint. |
| Primer dry time | Overnight. |
| Can you paint over General Finishes gel stain? | Yes, gel stain is formulated more like paint than traditional stain. |
| Sanding between coats | Recommended. |
| Best application method for raw wood | Lint-free cloth to see the wood grain or a brush for a more opaque finish. |
| Wait time between coats | 12-24 hours. |
| Number of coats | 2 coats of stain blocker, then 1-2 coats of paint. |
| Number of topcoats | 3 coats of General Finishes topcoat. |
| Sealant | Required to seal the surface to protect it. |
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What You'll Learn
General Finishes recommended dry times
General Finishes offers a range of products for staining and finishing wood surfaces. The recommended dry times for their Gel Stain and Gel Topcoat vary depending on the application method and the condition of the surface being treated. Here is an overview of the recommended dry times for General Finishes products:
General Finishes Gel Stain Dry Times:
- The Gel Stain should be allowed to dry for 12-24 hours before adding additional coats for a deeper and more opaque finish.
- When applying multiple coats, it is recommended to lightly sand or use steel wool between coats to achieve a smooth finish.
- The surface should be sealed after the final coat of Gel Stain to protect it.
General Finishes Gel Topcoat Dry Times:
- When applying multiple coats of Gel Topcoat over an existing finish, General Finishes recommends a dry time of 72 hours between coats.
- It is important to ensure that the surface is thoroughly dry before recoating. If in doubt, it is advisable to wait longer.
General Observations About Dry and Cure Times:
- Dry time refers to the recommended length of time between coats of a product, while cure time refers to the length of time before the finished project can be used or subjected to regular use.
- The ideal conditions for curing are a temperature of 70°F (21°C) and 70% humidity. Deviations from these conditions, such as cooler temperatures and high humidity, can prolong dry times by up to 8-10 hours.
- Oil-based products are dry when they are no longer tacky and odourless. For water-based products, they are dry when they can be sanded to a powder.
- While the recommended cure time for light use is about 7 days, the finish continues to cure for another 2-3 weeks.
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Painting over an existing finish
Prepare the Surface
Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly with a degreaser like Fusion TSP. This step ensures that the surface is free of any dirt, grease, or oils that can affect the adhesion of the new paint.
Sand the Surface
Lightly sand the existing finish to create a smooth base for the new paint. Use sandpaper or an orbital sander, always sanding with the direction of the wood grain. Start with 80-100 grit sandpaper and gradually move up to 180 grit. Avoid using a higher grit than 180, as it can close the grain of the wood and make it difficult for the wood to absorb the new paint.
Apply a Stain Blocker
Before painting over the existing finish, it is recommended to apply two coats of a stain blocker. This will help prevent any peeling or varnish issues and ensure a smooth finish.
Prime the Surface
After the stain blocker has dried, apply a suitable primer to the surface. Let the primer dry overnight to ensure it is completely cured. You can use a primer like XIM 400 White Primer Sealer Bonder, which is suitable for various surfaces, including wood, metal, and laminates.
Choose Your Paint
Select a paint that is compatible with the primer and the existing finish. You can use Brushable White Enamel, White Poly (spray only), or Milk Paint, which is specifically recommended for white laminate surfaces.
Paint the Surface
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your chosen paint and apply one to two coats as needed. Always allow proper drying time between coats to achieve the best results.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions when working with paints and finishes. With these steps, you can successfully paint over an existing finish, creating a beautiful and refreshed look for your project.
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Preparing the surface
Clean the Surface
Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly with a suitable degreaser, such as Fusion TSP, to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. This step is crucial, especially when working with raw wood, as it prevents pushing dirt and oils into the grain of the wood, which can create an uneven finish.
Sand the Surface
Once the surface is clean, it's time to sand it. Use an orbital sander or sandpaper, always sanding with the grain of the wood. Start with 80-100 grit sandpaper and gradually move up to 180 grit. Avoid using sandpaper finer than 180 grit, as it can close the grain of the wood, making it difficult for the wood to absorb the stain.
Apply a Primer (if needed)
If you plan to paint over an existing finish, it is recommended to apply a primer first. General Finishes recommend using two coats of Stain Blocker as a primer. Always let the primer dry overnight before proceeding to the next step.
Lightly Sand Between Coats
If you are applying multiple coats of Gel Top Coat, lightly sand or use steel wool between coats to achieve a smooth finish. This step helps create an even and consistent surface for the next coat.
Seal the Surface
After the final coat has dried, seal the surface to protect it. You can use one of the General Finishes topcoats, such as their High-Performance Top Coat or Arm-R-Seal, depending on the level of protection you need. Follow the specific instructions for the chosen topcoat product.
Dry Time Requirements
It is crucial to allow adequate dry time between coats. General Finishes recommend a minimum of 72 hours of dry time between coats of Gel Stain and Gel Top Coat. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for specific dry time requirements.
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Applying the gel stain
Applying General Finishes Gel Stain and Top Coats can transform the look of your furniture, cabinets, or any wood surface. Before you start, ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying the gel stain:
Clean the Surface:
First, clean the surface with a degreaser like Fusion TSP. This step ensures that there is no dirt or grease on the surface that could interfere with the absorption of the stain.
Sand the Surface:
Use an orbital sander or sandpaper to sand the surface with the grain. Start with 80-100 grit sandpaper and gradually move up to 180 grit. Do not use sandpaper finer than 180 grit, as it will close the grain of the wood, making it difficult for the wood to absorb the stain.
Apply the Gel Stain:
Stir the gel stain well. Using a lint-free cloth or brush, dip it into the General Finishes Gel Stain. For raw wood, a lint-free cloth is recommended to ensure the wood grain remains visible. If you prefer a more opaque finish, use a brush. Apply the stain in the direction of the wood grain, using long, even strokes to achieve an even coating.
Keep the area wet with the product while applying. Divide your project into sections, such as the drawer front, table or cabinet top, and side of the chest, to ensure a consistent application.
Wipe Away Excess:
Use clean cloths or absorbent, high-quality paper towels to wipe away excess gel stain. Change to clean cloths or towels frequently to avoid smudges and ensure an even finish. Apply light pressure with your hand until the first layer of stain evens out in color.
Allow to Dry:
Wait 12-24 hours for the first coat of stain to dry. The appearance will be dull or dry. After the first coat has dried, you can add additional coats for a deeper and more opaque finish.
Sand Between Coats:
Lightly sand or use steel wool on the surface between coats to achieve a smooth finish. This will help create an even and professional-looking result.
Seal the Surface:
Once the final coat of gel stain has dried, seal the surface with a topcoat to protect it and ensure maximum durability. You can use either an Arm-R-Seal liquid oil-based topcoat or a Gel Topcoat.
Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area when applying gel stains and topcoats, and follow the recommended dry times provided by the manufacturer.
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Sealing the surface
General Finishes offers a range of topcoats that can be used to seal the surface, including oil-based and water-based options. It is recommended to use three coats of the topcoat to lock in the colour and protect the surface. When layering water-based and oil-based products, it is important to increase the dry time. For example, let oil-based products dry for 72 hours before applying water-based products, and let water-based products dry for 24 hours before applying oil-based products.
If you are using General Finishes Java Gel Stain, the company recommends using General Finishes Dark Chocolate Milk Paint instead of painting on the gel stain. This product is much faster to apply and offers easy water clean-up. You can also use Milk Paint on white laminate surfaces, as it is better suited for this type of material than the gel stain.
There are also other brands of topcoats that you can use to seal the surface, such as Minwax Polyurethane, which is easy to apply and provides good durable protection. Waterlox is another option that has been used successfully on wood countertops.
If you are sealing a raw wood surface, it is important to clean and sand the wood before applying the stain. This will ensure a smooth and even finish. Start with 80-100 grit sandpaper and gradually move up to 180 grit. Higher than 180 grit will close the grain of the wood and make it difficult for the wood to absorb the stain.
Additionally, if you are sealing a previously painted surface, you can paint over General Finishes gel stain as long as the surface is free of peeling stain or varnish and has been sanded and primed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can paint over a General Finishes gel top coat. However, you must ensure that the surface is free of peeling stain or varnish and that it is sanded and primed.
You should wait 72 hours between coats of General Finishes gel stain and gel top coat. If you are using oil-based paint and primer, it is recommended to wait 24 hours.
First, clean the surface with a degreaser. Next, sand the surface with an orbital sander or sandpaper, going with the grain of the wood, to ensure a smooth and even finish. Start with 80-100 grit and gradually move up to 180 grit. Then, stir the gel top coat and apply it to the surface using a lint-free cloth or brush, going in the direction of the wood grain. Wait 12-24 hours for it to dry, and then apply additional coats as needed. Finally, seal the surface with a topcoat to protect it.
