Gel stain mistake

[Albert]

Was working late last night on some kitchen cabinets carcasses made of Cherry plywood. After sanding etc, I normally apply the Cherry colored gel stain, then wipe and allow to dry for 24 hours. After, that I'll wipe on a thin coat of clear shellac, then sand and apply a few coats of poly.

HOWEVER, last night I totally spaced-out and forgot to apply the gel stain and simply applied the shellac!!!!!!!!!

Question is.......

CAN I SAND OFF THE SHELLAC, APPLY THE GEL STAIN AHD STILL GET GOOD RESULTS (no blotchiness)?? WILL THE GEL STAIN STILL WORK?

Thanks for your advice.

-Albert

[Bob S.]

Albert,

The finishing experts will chime in to correct me but gel stains are like using a glaze - it just sits on top with very little penetration. The shellac should act like a sealer and prevent blotching. I would sand it down, clean off any dust with a tack cloth and try your stain again. Worse case - you'll have to clean it off (mineral spirits) and then sand down to bare wood.

Bob S.

[Baron]

Gel stains don't really have the correct formulation to be used as a glaze. Sealing it in could be a problem. Since the only thing on the piece is shellac, it may as well be removed with alcohol. Don't sand away the wood just to remove shellac. After stripping off the shellac, use the normal finishing schedule. Shellac is removed easily with multiple wipings of alcohol.

Good Luck.

Remove ngs to reply.

[Albert]

Bob & Baron,

THANKS!!!!! It turned out okay after all....

Sanded the cabinet with 150 grit on my orbital sander - then applied the gelstain and let it soak for a bit longer than ususal. Wiped it off and the cabinets looks great.

However, I will remember, per your advice that alcohol can remove shellac. I had already sanded the cabinets before I read that piece of advice.

Thanks again!

-Albert