Need Gel Stain Help

[Lee Michaels]

I just finished building a number of pine modules. These are quick and dirty organizers. I have built many of them over the years for myself and others. They are cheap, sturdy and fast to build.

I have always finished them with Watco Danish Oil Finish. Kind of a tradition, I guess. I started using the stuff over thirty years ago and have been using it since.

The problem is the long drying time. Or more specifically the "stink" time. It takes awhile for that odor to go away, especially as the weather cools.

I need to install these things in a couple days after staining them. I am thinking a gel stain may work. I want something to match or be similar in appearance to the watco finished items. Because these modules will go in next to the watco finished items.

I need something that is available at the hardware store or the borg. It just has to color the wood. It doesn't have to be shiny or hard. And it should go on in one coat. And it has be be reasonably odor free in a day or two. This is not fine furniture. A utility grade finish is all that is required. Price does matter, I don't want to pay big bucks for a utility type finish.

I assume that a mainstream gel stain will do the trick. But I am a gel finish virgin, sooo........, I am requesting any kind of imput that will help me with this finish problem. I need something in the next day or so.

What brands have worked well for you? Any tips on applying the finish? Do I even need to use a gel stain? Any other ideas or comments? Etc., etc??

Thank you.

[Swingman]

"Lee Michaels" wrote

As it happens, I just walked out of the shop after applying gel stain ... a whole bunch of gel stain. I've used three or four brands in the past and it has been my experience that the gel stain odor will NOT go away in a day or two unless you topcoat it. I use shellac for that purpose.

However, it works real well on any wood, like pine, that is subject to blotching, IME.

Try these guys:

some of Rockler's gel stain, like their "Mission Oak" gel stain, is OEM from them. This morning it was, with tax, $21.64/quart.

[Leon]

Might I add that I have been very impressed with the Lawrence Mcfadden Gel varnishes and I have been using gel stains and varnishes since 1989.

FIY if you buy in case lots from Lawrence McFadden you get deep discount pricing. IIRC 4 quarts of their gel products will run about $35. Basically about half price for single quarts.