Where did you get this video Lew, I'm trying to shrink it down to make it viewable, but no luck, perhaps at the source embed?

1 minute ago, John Morris said:

Where did you get this video Lew, I'm trying to shrink it down to make it viewable, but no luck, perhaps at the source embed?

I pulled it from a Facebook post.

 

I think this is the source- https://www.facebook.com/watch/generalfinishes/253120979433099/

I was able to watch the entire show.  Very interesting.  I do very little staining as I can't get the desired colors.  But, I will be looking at the gel stains.  

 

I am also looking forward to comments from Keith.  I am sure that Keith can give us more clarity and other information.  

Gel stains are interesting to work with and much easier than it sounds. That said it does seem to take a larger volume to do the job, the nature of the beast I guess. Been about 15 years but I used them and regular oil based stains on a entertainment center to make plywood look like cherry. That was the only time I used any and do nt now remember the procedure.

Embedded in the video:  control icon that goes full screen, but the picture is long axis vertical (a little different than most).  Gel stain:  I like it for vertical surfaces (in-place door) because it drips less.  That said, I find water based finishes and dyes so advantageous I just don't use any oil based any more.  Better things to do than clean up.

I've subscribed to "General Finishes University" on Facebook.  They seem to have a weekly "how to video" live on Thursday afternoon.  They also have a couple of people that answer questions on Facebook.   I've not looked, but apparently their web site also has a bunch of tutorial videos and written directions that are available any time.  https://generalfinishes.com/how-to-videos

 

 

Most of the Facebook people are taking old vintage furniture and painting it blue, gray, or white.  Sigh.

 

The videos I've watched have been interesting and they will answer questions on the live ones.

 

 

Thanks for the additional information and the link!

To get technical, gel stains are "thixotropic."   They are thick when at rest and less viscous when energy is applied (stirring or wiping for example).

Gel stains do not penetrate much.  This makes them useful for woods that splotch, like pine.  https://www.popularwoodworking.com/article/battling_blotching/

 

Gel stains are also useful when used as a glaze -- color applied between coats of finish.  A lot of people on the General Finishes University (pinteresters) take an old piece, apply a gel stain as a glaze, then top coat rather than strip and refinish.