DESCRIPTION AND USES
Varathane Premium Gel Stain is designed for application on vertical surfaces such as doors and window trim. Varathane Premium Gel Stain has excellent coverage, does not drip or run, and causes no lap marks or grain raise. Varathane Premium Gel Stain can also be used to create a natural wood look to fiberglass and composite doors.
This product is ideal for use on interior surfaces such as furniture, doors and veneer. Varathane Premium Outdoor Polyurethane should be used on exterior surfaces such as outdoor furniture and doors. Gel Stain is not recommended for use on floors, decks or siding.
PRODUCT APPLICATION
SURFACE PREPARATION
WOOD SURFACES - Remove any existing coatings using sandpaper or stripper. Prepare bare wood for staining by sanding in the direction of the grain. Begin with #120 grit sandpaper and progress through #150, #180 and #220 grits. Remove all sanding dust with a vacuum or clean rag dampened with mineral spirits. Soft woods such as pine, fir and maple require a wood conditioner. Use Varathane Premium Wood Conditioner before staining.
DANGER: Rags, steel wool, or other waste soaked with this product may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. Immediately after use, place rags, steel wool, or waste in a sealed, water-filled, metal container. DISPOSAL: Dispose of contaminated absorbent, container, and unused contents in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
NON-WOOD SURFACES – Remove all dust, dirt, grease, or glue with a clean rag dampened with mineral spirits. Make sure surface is thoroughly clean and dry before proceeding.
TESTING COLOR Be sure to test your stain to verify the desired color. To test, apply stain in an inconspicuous area. When testing on soft woods, be sure to sand and condition the test area first.
APPLICATION
Bare or Unfinished Wood - Use adequate ventilation at all times. Stir thoroughly before use. Apply when temperatures are between 50-90°F (10-32°C) and the relative humidity is less than 85%. Apply Varathane Premium Gel Stain liberally to the surface using a brush or lint-free cloth. First apply stain going against the grain to fill in pores. Then work with the grain to even out color. Let stand for 2-5 minutes and wipe off excess with a clean, soft cloth, using light and even pressure. Remove excess stain in the direction of the wood grain. If stain is too dark, remove gently with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. If stain is too light, apply additional coats.
Finished Wood/Wood with Existing Topcoat - Use adequate ventilation at all times. Stir thoroughly before use. Apply when temperatures are between 50-90°F (10-32°C) and the relative humidity is less than 85%. Lightly sand previous finish to improve adhesion. Apply Varathane Premium Gel Stain liberally to the surface using an extra fine bristle brush or foam brush to minimize brush marks. Apply stain in a thin, smooth coat in the direction of the wood grain. Let dry.
Metal/Fiberglass/Plastic - Use adequate ventilation at all times. Stir thoroughly before use. Apply when temperatures are between 50-90°F (10-32°C) and the relative humidity is less than 85%. Apply Varathane Premium Gel Stain liberally to the surface using an extra fine bristle brush or foam brush to minimize brush marks. Apply stain in a thin, smooth coat in the direction of the wood grain. Let dry.
DRY TIME
Allow stain to dry a minimum of 2 hours and then recoat if a darker color is desired. Allow a minimum of 2 hours dry time between each gel stain coat. Dry times on finished wood, metal, fiberglass, and plastic may take up to 24 hours. Varathane Premium Gel Stains must be topcoated for protection. Allow stain to dry a minimum of 4 hours before topcoating with an oil-based finish and at least 24 hours before topcoating with a water-based finish. Dry times may be affected by temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
PROTECTING YOUR PROJECT
Use Varathane Polyurethane (Interior) or Spar Urethane (Exterior) to protect your project. Allow Varathane Premium Gel Stains to dry a minimum of 4 hours before applying an oil-based finish, and 24 hours before applying a water-based finish.
CLEANUP
Clean up tools and equipment with mineral spirits or paint thinner.